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This new POLICY ANSWERS Policy Brief complements our previous Policy Brief on the next Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10) by updating it as FP10 discussions have moved further into concrete programme design and negotiation.
For the Western Balkans, the Policy Brief points to the importance of timely association arrangements and practical readiness measures, such as strong NCP support, links into European Research Area (ERA) networks and partnerships and steps that enable organisations to take on more substantial roles in consortia, while also flagging emerging issues like the use of AI in proposal/evaluation processes and upcoming ERA and Innovation Acts.
The operational and structural challenges that the Western Balkans may face are addressed in this Policy Brief, including administrative barriers, limited national co-financing and the need for stronger institutional frameworks. It suggests leveraging synergies with other EU programmes, for example Erasmus+, to enhance skills development and foster cross-border collaboration.
The brief calls for strengthened international cooperation and alignment with the ERA Policy Agenda. It recommends focusing on long-term institutional partnerships, strategic project alignment and systemic reforms to ensure that participation in FP10 translates into tangible societal, economic and policy impacts.
For policymakers, researchers and stakeholders in the Western Balkans, this Policy Brief offers recommendations to navigate the evolving FP10 landscape and strengthen competitiveness on European scale.