Researchers in the field of social sciences at the Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) Faculty of Economics and Business (EVF) and the Faculty of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts (SHMMF) have been relatively successful participants in the European Commission’s research and innovation programmes Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe. Through international project funding, they aim to generate research and innovation results that contribute to both national and regional sustainable development. However, several disciplines within the social sciences developed at these faculties have not yet coordinated any projects. The need not only to increase participation in the Horizon programme but also to become coordinators of funded projects has been emphasized by international experts who evaluated the performance of social sciences research units in 2018–2022.
In order to strengthen the research potential of KTU’s social sciences community, enhance institutional competitiveness, foster international cooperation, and align strategic initiatives with Horizon Europe priorities, KTU EVF and SHMMF aim to develop a Social Sciences Roadmap. This roadmap will guide existing competencies toward successful participation in the programme.
The objectives of the project are:
– To analyse the competencies of social sciences researchers, including their scientific publications and ongoing projects using keyword analysis, and to develop a competence map using statistical software. This map will visually highlight links between thematic areas, researchers, and partners, as well as identify competitive capabilities.
– Based on the 2025–2027 Horizon Europe Work Programme, to identify potential opportunities for researchers from both faculties during strategic sessions, and to create an action plan that supports their effective and successful participation in upcoming calls by offering interdisciplinary expertise to project consortia.
Project implementation period: May 28, 2025 – November 30, 2025.
Project funding:
Funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU,Funding for identified start-up R&D projects and feasibility studies with institutional roadmaps to encourage successful participation in the EU research and innovation funding programme Horizon Europe
Project results:
The expected outcomes of the project are the Social Sciences Competence Map and Action Plan. They will form the basis of the roadmap.
Period of project implementation: 2025-05-06 - 2025-11-30
Project coordinator: Kaunas University of Technology
