On 29 May 2025, the sixth annual SCI-PO conference took place at the fully booked TC Prague conference centre, this year focusing on the key issue of sustainable financing for research, development and innovation in the Czech Republic after 2027. Discussions between representatives of academia, government, business and the non-profit sector highlighted the importance of linking science and politics, with the discussions concluding that future success requires a focus on selectivity and prioritisation of areas in which the Czech Republic can truly excel, while also strengthening the motivation to transfer research results into practice.
The central theme was the need to build critical mass for excellence and more effective linking of public and private resources (so-called blended finance) in order to maximise the impact of investments in scientific and innovation activities.
The workshops identified specific tools and approaches that can contribute to greater sustainability of the system. Specific recommendations were also made: cascade financing to reduce administration, strengthening the role of the National Development Bank, or developing so-called funds of funds – for example in the area of digitalisation with the potential for further expansion. Support for institutional funds modelled on the Czech Technical University was also mentioned as a tool for attracting private capital.
Tools such as venture debt, small quick grants to verify the commercial potential of results, and university sabbaticals for researchers were also discussed. At the same time, however, a strong warning was issued that the introduction of new financial instruments alone is not enough – deeper systemic and cultural issues also need to be addressed. These include, for example, restructuring and streamlining research institutions, promoting cooperation, and emphasising that public funds should bring the greatest possible social and economic benefits.
The conference thus launched an important debate that will continue. Following on from this, a summary will be prepared – an Inside Paper – and subsequently a Policy Brief with proposals that can serve as a basis for decision-making. The aim is to contribute to the transformation of the research and innovation funding system so that it is truly sustainable, effective and beneficial to society as a whole after 2027.
The conference was organised by: TC Praha, ALEVIA, CERGE-EI, CESES UK, UPOL, Media partners: VědaVýzkum.cz, Universitas.cz. The conference was organised with the support of the shared activities project ‘Strategic Intelligence for Research and Innovation’ (MS25001) funded by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports.
