An evaluation report on the Faroese participation in the EU research programmes FP7 and Horizon 2020 has been handed to the Minister of Research, Mr Jenis av Rana.
The report has been worked out by Research Council Faroe Islands upon request from the Minister as the Horizon 2020 period closes at the end of the year and a new Association Agreement is being prepared.
The Research Council conludes that there have been challenges in making the most of the Association Agreement. Many very good proposals have been submitted to Horizon 2020 but the financial return has not been sufficient. Because of a high growth in GDP the Faroe Islands have paid more for the participation in the last few years than was expected. This has increased the gap between the amount paid and the return amount.
The participation in international networks has been more more valuable than the financial outcome of the projects. It has provided Faroese researchers with experience and a good reputation.
The advice of the Research council is that the cooperation with EU should continue in Horizon Europe which is the new research programme running from 2021.
The Faroese Government has agreed to continue the cooperation with the EU in the area of Research and Innovation.