Research and Innovation background
Lithuania’s approach to research and innovation (R&I) is guided by strategic frameworks that align with EU goals and national priorities.
Key strategy documents include:
- Lithuanian Innovation Development Programme 2014-2020: A comprehensive framework aiming to create an innovative society and boost the innovation potential of businesses. This programme emphasizes enhancing cooperation and efficiency in innovation policymaking, contributing to Lithuania's economic competitiveness.
- Long-Term Development Strategy of the Lithuanian Transport System (up to 2025): This foundational document outlines strategic priorities for the transport sector, focusing on sustainability, safety, and efficiency in transport infrastructure and services.
- National Energy and Climate Strategy (2021-2030): This comprehensive strategy outlines Lithuania’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the share of renewable energy in its energy mix, highlighting the importance of sustainable transport solutions in achieving these goals.
- Lithuania 2030 Progress Strategy: This strategic vision integrates transport into broader socio-economic objectives, emphasising sustainable growth and improved living standards.
- National Strategy for Sustainable Development: Although older (2009), it continues to influence current policies by emphasizing sustainable transport as part of environmental goals.
- Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3): Identifies specific areas for R&I investment, including smart mobility solutions, which are vital for transport research.
- National Energy Independence Strategy: This document addresses energy-efficient transport and the integration of renewable energy sources into transport systems, crucial for Lithuania's commitment to climate goals.
- National Digital Agenda: Focused on digitising various sectors, including transport, to enhance efficiency, safety, and user experience through innovative technologies.
(Last updated: 04/11/2024)
Institutional framework of transport research
At the highest level, research and innovation policy in Lithuania is set by the Parliament and the Government. The governance structure for research and innovation is based on two Ministries:
- The Ministry of Economy and Innovation is responsible for innovation policy;
- The Ministry of Education and Science is responsible for higher education and research and development policy.
National research policy is developed and implemented by the Department of Science and Technology under the Ministry of Education and Science and in cooperation with the Research Council of Lithuania. The Agency for Science, Innovation and Technology coordinates the participation of Lithuanian institutions and companies in international research programmes and projects. The Ministry of Finance also plays a major role in allocating funding for national research programmes.
The transport research and policy priorities are defined by the Ministry of Transport and Communication in the national transport system policy.
(Last updated: 04/11/2024)
Funding Sources and Support Initiatives
There are three main types of research funding available:
- Internal research programmes at the universities;
- National research grants funded through the framework of the National Research Programmes. These grants are mostly awarded to programmes in priority research areas;
- Applied research service contracts.
The main source of funding of the general research programmes is the national/ministry budget, including the Ministry of Education and Science and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For transport research (which consists mostly of consulting or service contracts), the Ministry of Transport and Communication launches several service calls per year.
Other opportunities for funding transport research are through:
- Programmes launched by the Agency for Science, Innovation and Technology;
- Calls launched by the Ministry of Finance;
- Calls launched by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs;
- EU Structural Funds;
- The Innovation Agency Lithuania (established by the Ministry of Economy for the purpose of administering EU support and co-financing funds).
Current funding sources or programmes for transport research in Lithuania include:
- European Union Funds’ Investments 2021-2027: The programme supports the modernisation and electrification of the Trans-European network railway infrastructure, existing multimodal terminal connections and further development of the Trans-European road network, improving regional connectivity and traffic safety. Funds will be also devoted to the promotion of sustainable urban transport.
- National Programme on the Development of Transport and Communication (2014-2022): Aids the sustainable development of the transport and communications system in Lithuania, the efficient management of public resources and utilisation of the European Union (EU) Structural Funds’ assistance, and the increase in the competitiveness of the sector.
- Interreg V-A - Latvia-Lithuania: Addresses some of the important cross-border challenges which are linked to the implementation of Europe 2020 in the border regions of Southern Latvia and Northern Lithuania.
- Smart Specialisation Support Fund: A national fund supporting projects aligned with the Smart Specialization Strategy, including those focusing on innovative transport solutions.
- The Lithuanian Research Council: Provides grants for research projects, including those in transport, aimed at enhancing the research capabilities of universities and research institutions.
- The Innovation Agency Lithuania: Administers EU support and co-financing funds, facilitating innovation in transport and logistics sectors.
(Last updated: 04/11/2024)