The Gross Domestic Expenditure on Research and Development (R&D) in Croatia is lower than the EU-28 average. Hence, the country has a backlog in comparison to most EU-countries. The Croatian Government is however committed to increase the R&D share on research from 0,71 % in 2014 to 1.4% by 2020 (Switzerland: 3.4%).

These figures give evidence that a meaningful research programme contributes to the achievement of national goals. Beyond figures, research has many other aspects: basic research contributes to develop solutions to many burning topics, e.g. in medicine; applied research gives answers on practical questions, e.g. in developing tools to support persons with disabilities. Research increasingly standardises the access to data by the open data policies – these are principles that are internationally shared. Research methodologies have to follow international standards – sharing expertise and experience is yet another element of joint research projects.

The Croatian-Swiss Research Programme (CSRP) responds to the Croatian scientific community’s demand for more international integration and cooperation, in particular with researchers from Western Europe. By mobilising research capacities in Switzerland and in Croatia, and by supporting the scientific cooperation in the form of joint research projects, both the Swiss and the Croatian Science community can benefit.  

The overall goal of the CSRP is to contribute to the Croatian economy through the enhancement of the knowledge base, technology transfer, and the strengthened links to the Swiss research community.  

The main outcome is to increase the competitiveness of Croatian researchers and research institutes in the European Research Area and to promote the integration of Croatian researchers within international networks.

Research groups from:

• Public Universities
• Public Research Institutes 

The project supports the implementation of joint research projects. Those are realised by a group of researchers from Croatia and a group of researchers from Switzerland. Each of the joint research projects will be funded with a contribution of up to CHF 400,000, out of which a maximum of 50% may go to the Swiss research group. The activities of the Swiss and Croatian Science Foundation include primarily the organisation of one call for 10-12 joint research projects. The Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) in cooperation with their Croatian partner (CSF) are in responsibility to steer and monitor the financial and operational management of the overall programme joint research projects.

Additionally, the SNSF supports the capacity building of the CSF staff by involving them e.g. in evaluation procedures or monitoring practices, or  through specific trainings.

Résultats obtenus:   11 joint research projects between Swiss and Croatian researchers are ongoing. The Croatian Science Foundation has benefitted from a specific training and coaching by the SNSF.

Principaux résultats attendus:  

• Individual researchers and research institutions shall be strengthened
• The transfer and sharing of knowledge between individuals or between institutions shall be improved
• Research cooperation shall be enhanced

Phase 1 01.01.2017 - 31.12.2023   (Completed)