Participation of the Danube Region Countries in Horizon 2020 - Analysis

The purpose of this report published by EUSDR PA7 Knowledge Society is to analyse the participation patterns in Horizon 2020 and the possible causes for the lower participation of researchers from particular Danube region countries. The report is based on analysis of two types of online questionnaires: one for applicants/participants to the programme and the other one dedicated for policy representatives (programme representatives) from the Danube region countries. The aim was to analyse the strengths and gaps in terms of participation of researchers from particular countries in Horizon 2020 (and in other European grant schemes), to better understand the differences in national support mechanisms and at latter stage also formulate recommendations for improving the performance on macroregional level in the upcoming Horizon Europe programme. The obtained answers helped in mapping the main reasons leading to participation, respectively barriers to participation in projects, and showed us both strengths in the national management of the programme, as well as gaps in terms of missed opportunities, policy shortcomings, national/regional support mechanisms for applicants, etc.As a tangible result EUSDR PA7 carried out an analysis on PA7 analysis on H2020 participation, describing the participation patterns in Horizon 2020 and the possible causes for the lower participation of researchers from particular Danube region countries, as well offering recommendations for improving the situation in the region.