Government in transition – how governments change the way they work and prepare the civil service for the future

Overview

Supports research and innovation projects that analyze how governments in EU Member States and Associated Countries adapt their operations, civil service structures, and governance models to address modern challenges. Targets consortia conducting large-scale studies, policy recommendations, and capacity-building initiatives for public sector innovation.

Who Can Apply

Consortia of legal entities (e.g., research institutions, universities, public bodies, NGOs, or private organizations) established in eligible countries. Participation of national governments or civil service representatives is encouraged.

Funding Details

Maximum grant amount: €6,000,000 per project. Funding is provided as a lump sum, with eligible costs defined in the Horizon Europe lump sum decision.

What Is Funded

Projects must address all three focus areas:

• New governance paradigms: Crisis preparedness, anticipatory governance, agile leadership, AI/automation impacts, open government, and civil service development.
• Innovative public service and policy development: Multidisciplinary approaches, citizen participation, systems thinking, evidence-informed policymaking, and technology integration.
• Civil service empowerment: HR policy reforms, upskilling/reskilling, organizational resilience, and intrapreneurship.

Deliverables include policy recommendations, a MOOC for government officials, and knowledge-sharing platforms. Projects must build on existing EU/international work and collect primary data via surveys, interviews, and workshops.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

Projects must target Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4–6, focusing on applied research and piloting of governance innovations.

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-05-11
• Deadline: 2026-09-22

Application Process (High-Level)

Single-stage submission via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. Proposals must include a 50-page Part B (research and innovation) and a detailed budget table.

Post-Award Obligations

• Reporting requirements as per Horizon Europe lump sum grant agreements.
• Dissemination of results, including policy recommendations and the MOOC.
• Potential restrictions on ownership transfers or exclusive licensing of results for up to 4 years post-project.

Geographic Scope & Language

Eligible countries: EU Member States, Horizon Europe Associated Countries (Norway, Iceland, UK, Switzerland), and select third countries with specific funding provisions. Applications must be submitted in English.

Notes

• Projects must demonstrate deep engagement with national civil services and senior government officials.
• Complementarity with existing EU initiatives (e.g., OECD Observatory of Public Sector Innovation) is encouraged.
• Proposals must include a detailed methodology for primary data collection and stakeholder engagement.