MIR Foundation part of a new Horizon Europe project Supporting research and innovation policies in enlargement countries – POLICY ENLARGE

On April 21–22, 2026, the kick-off meeting of the project “POLICY ENLARGE – Supporting research and innovation policy for enlargement countries”, funded under the Horizon Europe programme, was successfully held in Budapest, Hungary. The meeting took place at the Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design (MOME) and brought together all project partners to establish a strong foundation for the implementation of this significant and large-scale initiative.

The Foundation for Management and Industrial Research was represented by Gabriela Kostovska Bogoeska, Executive Director, and Emilija Andonova, Programme Coordinator, who actively participated in the working sessions, discussions, and planning of upcoming activities.

The meeting opened with official welcome addresses by the host institution, representatives of the European Commission, and the project coordinator, followed by brief presentations from all partner organisations. The introductory session provided a comprehensive overview of the project, its current state of play, and its positioning within the broader European research and innovation policy context .

During the first day, partners discussed in detail the key work packages. Within WP1 – Policy Dialogue, discussions focused on establishing structured and inclusive dialogue with key stakeholders and policymakers. This was followed by WP2 – Policy Guidance and Learning, where methodologies for evidence-based policymaking and identification of learning needs were presented. Furthermore, WP3 – Joint Calls and Actions introduced new mechanisms for third-party funding, while WP4 – Capacity Building addressed training activities, skills development, and strengthening institutional capacities .

The second day focused on horizontal project activities, including Communication, Dissemination and Stakeholder Engagement (WP5) and Project Management and Coordination (WP6). These sessions covered visibility strategies, stakeholder engagement approaches, and administrative and financial procedures in line with Horizon Europe rules. The meeting concluded with final remarks and clearly defined next steps for project implementation .

The project “POLICY ENLARGE – Supporting Research and Innovation Policy for Enlargement Countries” represents a major and strategic initiative aimed at strengthening evidence-based research and innovation (R&I) policymaking, implementation, and support across EU enlargement countries. Building on the foundation of the POLICY ANSWERS project, this new action responds to evolving strategic needs and a broader geographical scope within the European R&I landscape.

The project promotes structured, inclusive, and continuous policy dialogue through high-level ministerial meetings, thematic workshops, and peer learning exchanges. It supports integration into the European Research Area (ERA), the European Education Area, and the European Innovation Agenda, while aligning with the EU’s geopolitical and financial priorities. Particular emphasis is placed on enhancing resilience, accelerating the green and digital transitions, and preparing candidate countries for deeper integration into EU frameworks.

A key innovation of the project is the introduction of a new third-party funding scheme, offering flexible instruments to support joint innovation actions, uptake of research results, and collaboration among stakeholders. These actions are expected to strengthen regional cohesion, foster cross-border cooperation, and promote bottom-up innovation across enlargement countries.

In addition, the project includes tailored capacity-building activities in areas such as R&I policy reform, technology transfer, digitalisation, and evidence-based decision-making. It also supports the implementation of Smart Specialisation Strategies, gender equality plans, and synergies with national and regional programmes. Through an upgraded online information hub and targeted dissemination efforts, the project will enhance stakeholder engagement, with a strong focus on inclusiveness and participation of underrepresented groups.

It is important to highlight that the project has just started, making this kick-off meeting a crucial milestone for establishing partnerships, aligning expectations, and defining a shared vision for future work.

MIR participates as a partner in this important consortium, together with the coordinator:

• REGIONALIS INFORMACIOS ES FEJLESZTO TUDASKOZPONT KORLATOLT FELELOSSEGU TARSASAG (RCISD), Hungary

and the following partners:

• BARLETI UNIVERSITY (Albania)
• ZENTRUM FUR SOZIALE INNOVATION GMBH (Austria)
• UNIVERSITY OF SARAJEVO (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
• UNIVERSITY OF BANJA LUKA (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
• GEORGIAN INSTITUTE FOR RESEARCH & INNOVATION (Georgia)
• DEUTSCHES ZENTRUM FUR LUFT- UND RAUMFAHRT (Germany)
• RIINVEST INSTITUTE (Kosovo)
• NATIONAL AGENCY FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (Moldova)
• SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PARK MONTENEGRO (Montenegro)
• FOUNDATION FOR MANAGEMENT AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH – MIR (North Macedonia)
• FUNDINGBOX ACCELERATOR (Poland)
• INSTITUTE OF ECONOMIC SCIENCES (Serbia)
• TUBITAK (Türkiye)
• INSTITUTE FOR ECONOMICS AND FORECASTING (Ukraine)

Through its participation in this project, MIR further strengthens its role as a relevant actor in European research and innovation processes, contributing to evidence-based policymaking and fostering regional and European cooperation with long-term impact.