Research and Innovation background
Hungary places a growing emphasis on research and innovation (R&I) as key drivers of economic growth and competitiveness. The country aligns its R&I strategies with broader European Union frameworks, aiming to foster digitalisation, sustainable development, and the energy transition.
Key strategy documents and plans include:
- New Hungary Development Plan (SZÉCHENYI 2020 strategy): In January 2011, a chapter of the Plan, entitled Science - Innovation Programme was launched. The document sets objectives for science, technology and innovation and identifies thematic priorities. Szechenyi summarizes 15 Operational Programmes (OP), including the Transport OP and the Economic Development OP. The Economic Development OP also has research, development and innovation priorities on its agenda.
- Hungarian Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3): Aligned with the EU’s S3 policy, this strategy identifies Hungary’s strengths in R&D across sectors such as ICT, energy, and transport, and promotes innovation in these fields to drive growth.
- National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) 2021-2030: Focuses on meeting Hungary’s climate and energy targets in line with EU commitments. It promotes innovation in energy efficiency, renewable energy sources, and sustainable transport solutions.
- National Clean Development Strategy (2020): Aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing sustainable economic growth, this strategy provides a roadmap for achieving Hungary’s 2050 climate neutrality goal. It prioritises innovation in energy transition, clean transport technologies, and low-emission vehicles.
- Research, Development and Innovation Strategy of Hungary (2021-2030): The RDI strategy sets out three main overarching objectives for domestic innovation policy:
- Making more use than at present of the research results of public research institutions (research institutes and higher education institutions);
- Improving the innovation performance of domestic enterprises, especially small and medium-sized enterprises;
- Strengthening cooperation between actors in the R&D and innovation system.
Transport-specific strategies and plans include:
- Green Bus Programme (2021): Part of Hungary’s Green mobility Action Plan, this initiative aims to increase the number of electric buses in urban public transport networks to reduce emissions and enhance sustainability.
- National Energy Strategy 2030 (with a vision for 2040): Focused on achieving a low-carbon energy system, this strategy prioritises innovation in transport electrification, hydrogen technologies, and alternative fuels as part of the overall decarbonisation efforts.
(Last updated: 04/11/2024)
Institutional framework of transport research
The National Research, Innovation and Science Policy Council was set up in December 2010 to coordinate government decisions on science, technology and innovation policy. The council has four major tasks:
- Make decisions on STI policy issues of strategic relevance and related major projects, on financing STI, on the utilisation strategy of the Research and Technological Innovation Fund (KTIA in Hungarian), on the evaluation strategy of STI policy tools, on the report on the use of the National Scientific Research Fund (OTKA)
- Give opinion on the report on the use of KTIA, on the drafts of major STI policy documents submitted to the government, and on the utilisation strategy of the OTKA
- Make proposals to the government on legislation and regulation concerning STI issues
- Take part in the co-ordination of the governmental tasks concerning STI (in devising the STI budget and monitoring the implementation)
The National Research, Development and Innovation Office is responsible for creating a stable institutional framework for the governmental coordination of the national research, development and innovation ecosystem, provide predictable funding and implements an efficient and transparent use of available resources. Their main responsibilities include:
- Discussing all the decision preparatory documents relevant to development policy.
- Decision-making on (i) major action plans and proposals to be submitted to the European Commission, (ii) high priority development projects, and (iii) project proposals seeking public support over HUF1bn (~EUR3.3m).
- Providing opinion on the rules and procedures guiding the support schemes.
- Monitoring the major development projects and actions.
At sectoral level, R&D is managed by the specific ministries. The key ministries with responsibilities for various domains of science, technology and innovation policies are:
- Ministry of National Economy: Also supervises the National Research, Development and Innovation Office.
- Ministry of National Development: Oversees the Research, Development and Innovation Fund and the National Development Agency that manages measures co-financed by the EU Structural Funds.
- Ministry of National Resources: Supervises all levels of education, including higher education, and coordinating science policy.
Transport and infrastructure policies are developed and implemented by various ministerial departments. One such one department is the Deputy State Secretary for Transport, which comes under the Ministry of National Development. Transport-related projects require close interaction with the Ministry of Rural Development (with regards to urban planning), the Ministry of National Economy (with regards to long-term national strategies and sectoral plans), and the Ministry of Interior (with regards to transport safety and security).
Research Infrastructures in Hungary is a document that introduces the situation and vision of the Hungarian research infrastructures. It aims to present Hungary’s plans around important RDI resources (namely the research infrastructures) to the European Union.
Projects co-financed by the EU Structural Funds are managed by the National Development Agency. The major sources of EU funding are the EU Cohesion Fund and ERDF.
(Last updated: 04/11/2024)
Funding Sources and Support Initiatives
As with any research in Hungary, transport research can be funded in three ways:
- State funding
- Private funding
- EU funding sources
Current ongoing funding sources or programmes related to research in Hungary include:
- Economic Development and Innovation Operational Programme (GINOP): Co-funded by the EU, GINOP supports R&I activities in Hungary, focusing on infrastructure development and innovation in sectors like transport, ICT, and energy.
- Integrated Transport Development Operational Programme Plus (2021-2027): Through this transport development programme, Hungary will use EU funding to improve sustainable urban mobility and sustainable national transport. Investments will benefit urban mobility, the national rail network, the EuroVelo cycling network, and road safety. The programme directs funding to support sustainable mobility actions as identified in the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans or similar mobility strategies.
- Territorial and settlement development Operational Programme: Aims to support regional, decentralised economic development, increase employment based on local resources, and integrate sustainable urban development actions (including sustainable urban transport) in the framework of a dedicated priority.
- KMUFA - Transport Sub-programme (KOZ: annually since 1997): Objectives include introducing intelligent transport systems, increasing transport safety, as well as moderating environmental problems caused by transport.
- Interreg V-A - Austria-Hungary Programme: Aims to foster cross-border cooperation along the Austro-Hungarian border, including promoting regional sustainable transport and removing bottlenecks in network infrastructures.
- Central Europe Programme: Focuses on aspects including cooperating on both low-carbon strategies in Central Europe and on transport to better connect Central Europe.
- Integrated Transport Operational Programme (ITOP): Includes the main transport infrastructure investments.
All research projects financed by the state budget are included in the Hungarian Current Research Information System, which is a free access database. All Ministries and Public Offices are required to contribute to this database.
(Last updated: 04/11/2024)