Research and Innovation background
Research and innovation in Romania focus on bolstering local economic development, technological advancement, and alignment with EU priorities. The key strategic documents shaping this framework include:
- National Strategy for Research, Technological Development and Innovation 2022-2027 (SNDCI): This document encourages local economic development through new instruments and regulates their organization and funding. It builds upon the 2014-2020 SNCDI and coordinates wth EU objectives to encourage sustainable and digital advancements.
- National Plan for Research, Development and Innovation 2015-2020 (PNCDI III): Implementing the previous SNCDI, PNCDI III supported R&D coordination and provided a structured framework for project funding across seven priority research areas. The plan emphasised building national capabilities and contributed to the implementation of EU-aligned R&D policies.
- National Plan for Research, Development and Innovation 2022-2027 (PNDCI IV): This plan is designed to succeed PNCDI III and continue supporting SNCDI 2022-2027 priorities. The plan aims to strengthen Romania’s R&I ecosystem and enhance international collaboration and funding access.
- Romania General Transport Master Plan: This document outlines short- and long-term strategies to improve national and trans-European connectivity for business and society. It establishes a framework for the prioritisation and evaluation of transport infrastructure projects using multi-criteria analysis for several indicators.
- National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP): Introduced in 2021, the NRRP supports energy transition goals, including hydrogen integration for sustainable transportation.
- National Energy and Climate Plan 2021-2030 (NECP): This plan prioritises renewable energy sources, emphasising hydrogen as a solution for reducing transport emissions and securing energy independence.
(Last updated: 04/11/2024)
Institutional framework of transport research
Romania’s R&I framework consists of government ministries, research institutions, and advisory councils that oversee policy development, funding allocation, and programme implementation.
- Ministry of Research and Innovation (MCI): MRID is the central body responsible for R&D policy, as well as the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of scientific research, technological development and innovation. The Ministry develops strategy for the implementation of Government research programmes and evaluates the use of resources to implement policies within its areas of activity. As the state authority of research, development and innovation, the ministry holds the responsibility of enforcing regulatory measures of the Government and the EU within its areas of activity, and of providing support for the participation in Horizon2020 and other EU programs.
- Ministry of Transport: The Ministry of Transport is responsible for setting national transport policy, specific strategies and regulations for transport, and is the state authority in transport. By preparing sectoral documents, the Ministry of Transport contributes to setting transport priorities.
- Executive Agency for Higher Education, Research, Development and Innovation Funding (UEFISCDI): Under the Ministry of Education, UEFISCDI manages national R&I funding, oversees the PNCDI, and coordinates EU research projects.
(Last updated: 04/11/2024)
Funding Sources and Support Initiatives
Transport research can be funded in several ways in Romania:
- Transport research is mainly financed by the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Research and Innovation;
- International funding is provided by the EU;
- Individual research grants available through the Competitive Operational Programmes coordinated by the Intermediate Body of Research, under authority of the Ministry of Research and Innovation.
Current ongoing national programmes include:
- National Plan for Research, Development, and Innovation (PNCDI IV): PNCDI IV offers competitive grants supporting innovation aligned with national priorities.
- Transport Operational Programme: Aimed at improving transport infrastructure, this prorgamme provides funding to modernise and expand Romania’s transport network, with an emphasis on connecting Romania to the broader EU transport corridors. This programme has also supported projects focused on sustainability, safety, and technological upgrades.
- REGELE CAROL I: Programme to provide grants for young researchers.
- Cohesion Fund: Provides support to Member States with a gross national income (GNI) per capita below 90% EU-27 average to strengthen the economic, social and territorial cohesion of the EU.
International research and cooperation programmes and partnerships of the European Union relevant to Romania are:
(Last updated: 04/11/2024)