Hungary unveils new innovation and science strategy with boosted public R&D funding
Hungary's Ministry of Innovation announced a strategy that will raise state funding for basic and applied research, aiming to lift R&D spending to 2 % of GDP by 2030.
During a Budapest conference, the state secretary for science policy outlined Hungary's new innovation and science strategy, which will substantially expand public financing for basic and applied research. The plan seeks to raise the share of R&D spending to 2 % of GDP by 2030 and to 3 % by 2035, aligning with EU targets. It is built around three grand challenges—health, environment and technology—and two supporting pillars of societal well-being and security.
Key measures include establishing excellence-center hubs, fostering collaboration between large firms, universities and startups, and creating a new corporate form for startups with tax incentives. The strategy also aims to attract EU funds for the pharmaceutical sector and to draw multinational R&D units to Hungary, strengthening the national innovation ecosystem.
Why it matters
Higher R&D investment could boost Hungary's competitiveness and move it up in EU innovation rankings.
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