Estonia has recently presented a compact position paper on the next EU Framework Programme for R&I (FP10). The position paper emphasises the following issues:
- R&I funding has to be planned in synergy with other EU instruments, including Cohesion Policy funds.
- A balance needs to be maintained between funding basic and applied research and innovation projects.
- The sectoral objectives of R&I have to be in line with the overall priorities of the EU (inter alia for a more proactive role in developing artificial intelligence, securing the necessary funding for the development of clean technologies, or opening up co-funding opportunities for research into dual-use technologies).
- Estonia considers it essential to continue Widening measures, however, these measures will need to take greater account of the specificities of national R&I systems and support participation in other measures of the Framework Programme.
- AI should be applied appropriately for the necessary simplification of the intervention logic and processes of the FP.