The National Research and Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialisation (RIS3) of the Czech Republic for 2021–2027

The National Research and Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialisation (RIS3) of the Czech Republic for 2021–2027 is a comprehensive approach focusing on building a resilient, knowledge-based economy. The RIS3 Strategy envisions an economy based on knowledge and innovation, responding to global trends and societal challenges. It aligns with the EU cohesion policy and supports the Czech Republic’s development by focusing on high-value, knowledge-intensive sectors that offer long-term competitive advantages. While national in scope, the RIS3 Strategy also incorporates regional innovation strategies, recognising regional strengths and capacities. Regional councils and innovation platforms play a vital role in implementing and customising RIS3 objectives to suit local conditions.

The strategy defines two main levels of priorities:

• Horizontal priorities: These cross-cutting themes support the foundational elements of the R&D&I ecosystem in areas such as business research, public research, skills development, and digitalisation. They are essential for enhancing innovation capacity across all sectors.
• Thematic priorities: These are focused specialisation domains within specific high-potential sectors, such as advanced materials, digitalisation, green technologies, and bioeconomy. These domains are backed by research and aim to meet critical societal needs.

Entrepreneurial Discovery Process (EDP): The EDP is central to RIS3, engaging businesses, researchers, and government agencies to dynamically define and refine specialisation areas. It encourages constant collaboration and feedback, aligning research outputs with market and societal needs.

Drivers of development and transformation:

• Technological integration: Key enabling technologies (KETs) are integrated with competitive sectors to drive innovation.
• Public-private partnerships: Strengthening links between public research and industry ensures that innovations are relevant and economically viable.
• Digitalisation: A major priority to support digital transformation across industries.
• Addressing societal challenges: Recognising megatrends like climate change, resource depletion, and urbanisation, the strategy aims to unlock opportunities within these challenges.