In the current Horizon 2020 (or H2020 for short) framework programme of the EU, Hungary is among the top three performers among the EU13, that is, the countries that joined the EU after 2004, with almost 1000 successful project proposals and EUR 259 million of awarded funding. Complicating the picture, however, is the fact that less than 5% of all H2020 funds have gone to the EU13 countries, while 86% to the old member states. So, it is important that Hungarian participants should exploit these direct funding opportunities more effectively as the framework programme still offers many calls for proposals (part of them are already open for submissions).

Dr. István Szabó, Deputy President of the NRDI Office emphasised at the forum that the Office considers it a strategic goal to improve Hungarian success rate in H2020 calls. The new instruments available for applicants to improve their performance range from enhanced expert services through a renewed system of domestic booster calls – said István Szabó referring to the NRDI Office’s package of measures and also providing details in his presentation about the specific incentives.

The event also featured a successful Hungarian H2020 applicant who shared his practical experience with the visitors. In order to ensure the earliest possible preparation of the applicants, the NRDI Office’s staff outlined the main directions of the new Horizon Europe framework programme to be launched in 2021, and visitors could also ask questions at the event. The quality of Hungarian H2020 project proposals and the ability of the country, and in fact the entire region, to enforce its interests can be greatly improved by further involving Hungarian experts in the international assessment process. This time the forum also included a workshop specifically for assessors who could share their experience about the assessment process, how they could help improve the quality of H2020 proposals involving Hungarian partners, and what Governmental support would be needed.

Budapest, 04 July 2019