On 31 May 2024, the Research, Development, and Innovation Council (the Council) held a session at the Government’s seat, chaired by the new Minister for Science, Research, and Innovation, Marek Ženíšek, who took office on 22 May 2024. In addition to announcing a call for proposals for the Award for the Promotion and Popularisation of Research, the Council discussed, for example, the group of grant projects known as Return Grants and the update of the National AI Strategy 2030.
One of the main points of the May Council session was the proposal for the State budget expenditure on research, development, and innovation (RDI SB) for the period 2025+, following inter-ministerial consultations. This proposal will now be submitted to the Government. In the proposal approved by the Council, the total RDI SB expenditure, including co-financing, is proposed as follows: CZK 45.066 billion for 2025, CZK 47.594 billion for 2026, and CZK 48.044 billion for 2027. A separate press release has been issued regarding this point.
The Council also approved a call for proposals for the Chair’s Award for the Promotion or Popularisation of Research, Experimental Development, and Innovation for 2024. This announcement will be published in early June on vyzkum.gov.cz and vlada.gov.cz. The award is given annually to an individual who has significantly contributed to the promotion or popularisation of research, experimental development, and innovation. It is open not only to scientists but also to journalists, teachers, and other individuals who popularise science and research. Minister Ženíšek commented on the award’s purpose, stating, “I welcome the Chair’s Award for the Promotion and Popularisation of Research as an extraordinary opportunity to recognise individuals who strive to bring the results of science and research closer to the general public.”
The Council also reviewed and approved the opinion on the group of grant projects known as Return Grants, submitted by the Czech Science Foundation. These grants are aimed at scientists returning from career breaks, facilitating their return to scientific careers and balancing personal and professional life.
Furthermore, the Council approved the opinion on the update of the Czech Republic’s National AI Strategy 2030 (NAIS), submitted by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the main coordinator of this agenda. The document defines seven thematic key areas essential for the strategic direction of the Czech Republic in AI: AI in research, development, and innovation; AI education and expertise; AI skills and the impact of AI on the labour market; ethical and legal aspects of AI; AI security aspects; AI in industry and business; AI in public administration and services.
Additionally, the Council approved the opinion on the Strategic Intelligence for Research and Innovation (STRATIN+) project, submitted by the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports. This project will contribute to the implementation of the National Research, Development, and Innovation Policy 2021+ and the goals of the National Recovery Plan, responding to the demand from public administration and research organisations for independent expert inputs for strategic management of the research, development, and innovation system in the Czech Republic.
The Council also heard updates on the activities of two of its working groups: the Knowledge and Technology Transfer Working Group and the Tax Deductions for Research and Development Working Group.
Source: press release of the R&D&I Council – Office of the Government of the Czech Republic | 31 May 2024
