How TA CR supports science and research

The Czech Republic has always been a country of innovation. Czech researchers are among the best in the world. Our country is a world leader in electron microscopy, which is a key tool for the development of nanotechnologies. The Czech Republic has a strong scientific base in the field of lasers, which paves the way for new technologies for the treatment of materials used e.g. in, the surface hardening of metals and for increasing the resistance of optical components. Czech companies and research organisations are also intensively involved in the development of space rockets and satellites.

The Technology Agency of the Czech Republic is the main provider of state funding for research and innovation. Its objective is to promote cooperation between research organisations and businesses in order to ensure that practical uses are found for the results of applied research. State-funded projects generate unique products, patents and other outputs that make it possible to quickly apply the results of research in practice. We help to increase the competitiveness of the Czech economy, which is growing thanks mainly to innovative domestic and foreign companies.

Main TACR programmes

• SIGMA - a new, comprehensive, and longterm instrument to support applied projects. The main vision is the consolidation of several current TA CR programmes into a single programme, enabling regions to be supported according to their innovation potential, and support for cross-cutting and systemic measures, while leaving space to support areas/themes not identified at the time of programme preparation. The SIGMA programme will ensure the implementation of activities from ZETA, ETA, GAMA 2, and DELTA 2 programmes, and EU instruments (in which the provider will be involved).
• THETA – focuses on new technologies and key trends in the energy industry. A subsequent version of the programme is currently being prepared.
• BETA 2 – aims to satisfy the research needs of the public administration and helps ministries and other institutions carry out research that should improve the functioning of the state. A subsequent version of the programme is currently being prepared.
• National Centres of Competence - ensures efficient collaboration between research organisations and businesses through virtual research centres focused on progressive disciplines that are crucial for increasing the Czech Republic’s competitivenes.

International cooperation support tools

International collabotration and shared knowledge are essential and we have several tools for promoting bilateral and multilateral collaboration.

• The DELTA 2 programme is focused on funding bilateral projects between Czech researchers and their foreign partners, mainly from countries outside the European Economic Area.
• The KAPPA programme is financed from the EEA and Norway Grants and aimed at financing bilateral or multilateral cooperation of entities from the Czech Republic with partners from Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
• ERA-NET Cofund within Horizon 2020 and European Partnership within Horizon Europe are mechanisms that enable Czech entities to establish multilateral research cooperation in various thematic calls every year.

TA CR is a member of the TAFTIE European network of innovation agencies, which gives us the opportunity to share experience and information with partner organisations that also support research, development, and innovation in various parts of the world.

In addition TA CR is involved in smaller international projects under the European Union‘s Horizon Europe and Horizon 2020 Programme, for instance in coordination support actions (CSAs), which have the role of internal projects aimed at improving the functioning of the agency.

The TAFTIE European network of innovation agencies gives TACR the opportunity to share experience and information with partner agencies that also support research, development and innovation in various parts of the world.

Our objective is to offer our support in research, development and innovation to as many partners as possible so that they can help us change the world for the better. TACR is interested in cooperation with agencies and institutions developing international cooperation around the world in order to establish contacts, identify mutual priorities, exchange know-how and support joint applied research projects to ensure the development of innovation and competitiveness of partners. We recognise that international collaboration and shared knowledge are essential for research. That is why we have several tools for promoting bilateral and multilateral collaboration.

Programmes managed by TACR for ministries

As the main provider of state funding for research and innovation, TACR also administers the programmes of individual ministries.

• TREND programme of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, which aims to increase the international competitiveness of enterprises through new products, manufacturing processes and services.
• Ministry of Transport’s Transport 2020+ programme aims to modernise transport while emphasising sustainability, safety and social needs.
• Environment for Life programme of the Ministry of the Environment is aimed at creating a healthy environment and promoting the sustainable use of natural resources.