National-regional governance of STI

The Czech Republic has a two-tiered governance and management system for research and innovation (R&I) policy, encompassing both national and regional levels. At national level, the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic (TACR) provides funding and support for applied research, development, and innovation projects; while the Czech Science Foundation (GACR) provides funding for fundamental research projects. The Office of the Government is the host organisation of the Minister of Science, Research and Innovation and of the Council for Research, Development and Innovation (RVVI). The Office is, therefore, part of the STI governance system too. At national Level, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MEYS) is responsible for overall R&I policy strategy, including the National R&I Policy 2021+ and the Innovation Strategy for the Czech Republic 2019-2030. It oversees public research institutions, universities, and the Czech Academy of Sciences. Other ministries and agencies play various roles in supporting R&I, depending on their specific sectors (e.g. Ministry of Industry and Trade (MIT), Ministry of Agriculture). The Research, Development and Innovation Council (RDIC) advises the government on R&I policy and coordinates activities between ministries and agencies. At regional level, regional authorities implement national R&I policies through regional innovation strategies and funding programmes. They also support regional innovation infrastructures and cooperation between research institutions and businesses. Regional development agencies support in implementing R&I strategies and programmes.

National and regional S3s: organisation and governance

The main actors in the Czech NRIS institutional set-up are as follows: - The RIS3 Management Committee is the high-level national body setting-up, managing, coordinating and monitoring the interventions planned in RIS3. It is composed of representatives of ministries and relevant R&I institutions, notably the MIT, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MEYS), Ministry of Regional Development (MRD), Technology Agency of Czech Republic (TA CR) and the Research, Development and Innovation Council (RDIC). - The National RIS3 Team is the executive unit managing and coordinating the National RIS3 Strategy: 1) RIS National Manager is a senior representative of the unit for managing and coordinating the National RIS3 Strategy. The role is assumed by the Director of the MIT Department of Digital Economy and S3, Digitalisation and Innovation Section. 2) The S3 Strategy Unit, located at Digitalisation and Innovation Section of the MIT, analyses evidence relevant for the implementation of RIS3, and monitors the implementation of the strategy. It processes and evaluates input from the EDP process and prepares proposals for updating the National RIS3 Strategy and related documents. 3) The wider National RIS3 Team includes regional S3 managers and coordinators, representatives of CzechInvest, TA CR and Prague Technology Centre. - The National Innovation Platforms (NIPs) are advisory and consultative groups with the task to identify needs, specify and refine strategic priorities, identify business opportunities and discuss the scope and objectives of proposed S3 measures. They are a key vehicle of the EDP in Czechia. Set up by the RIS3 Management Committee, NIPs include representatives of diverse stakeholders, including business and business support (e.g. clusters), research (e.g. representatives of the Czech Academy of Sciences, higher education institutions, research organisations), public administration and representatives of the regional level. - Expert Group of Support Providers includes providers of support for RDI including relevant Operational Programme Managers and Support Programme Managers responsible for implementing relevant programmes and calls in the 2021–2027 period. - Regional RIS3 Teams, led by Regional Councils, include representatives of regional and local authorities, innovative businesses, research and clusters. Councils coordinate and approve supporting documents from the RIS3 executive unit regarding the implementation of regional RIS3 interventions and projects, updates to the RIS3 and regional specialisation domains. - Regional Innovation Platforms (RIPs) are advisory and consultative bodies on the regional level generating proposals for new interventions based on local needs and provide feedback on the S3 process. RIPs include representatives of regional and local authorities, innovative businesses and research organisations. They are focal points for the EDP on the regional level. - Ad-hoc expert groups are established to work on specific topics, most notably cross-cutting topics most relevant for specialisation domains or missions.

For information on regional S3s, please return to the homepage: https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/assets/s3-observatory/index_en.html