Policy Support to Reforms of National Research and Innovation Systems in Europe – Discussion Paper

This discussion paper is the background document for participants in the European Commission seminar on country-specific activities under the Horizon 2020 Policy Support Facility. The EC’s DG RTD has in-depth experience in providing support to countries to improve the quality and impact of their national research and innovation systems. In addition, international organisations – such as the OECD, World Bank and United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) –conduct exercises with broadly similar aims, but using different methods and acting under different frameworks. This paper provides background information and insights on the various approaches and methods used, as well as discussing challenges to be addressed to improve impact and key issues for the future.