Government in transition – how governments change the way they work and prepare the civil service for the future
EU Horizon Europe research call on the topic "Government in transition": Investigation of new governance paradigms, innovative approaches in public administration, and strengthening of the public service. Application deadline 23.09.2026.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Support for international, interdisciplinary research and innovation projects that explore new governance paradigms, test innovative approaches in public administration and policy development, and examine reform and innovation processes in the public sector to prepare governments and authorities for future challenges.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel expenses
- Material costs
- Travel expenses
- Subcontractor costs
- Publication costs
Non-eligible expenses
- Costs for political lobbying
- Retroactive costs
Eligible to apply
- Public Institutions
- Educational Institutions
- Non-profit Organizations
- Companies
- Founders
- Individuals
- Cooperatives
- Interest Groups and Other Associations
- Foundations
Funding requirements
- Institution in an EU Member State or associated country
- Legal personality and central administration in the eligible countries
Documents required for application
- Standard application form (Part A&B)
- Detailed budget plan
- Curricula vitae of the researchers
- Ethics self-assessment
Evaluation criteria
- Innovative content and scientific excellence
- Expected impact on policy and administrative practice
- Quality and efficiency of project implementation
Description
The EU research program Horizon Europe is calling for cross-border and interdisciplinary projects under the theme “Government in transition – how governments change the way they work and prepare the civil service for the future,” which investigate forward-looking governance paradigms and innovative concepts of public administration. Public institutions, educational providers, non-profit organizations, companies, cooperatives, associations, foundations, as well as private individuals from EU member states and associated countries may apply with research, innovation, or coordination actions. Funding covers personnel, material, and travel costs, subcontractor and publication expenses at 100% up to an amount of €3.5 to 4 million per project. The objective is to test internal innovation processes, HR strategies, and agile organizational developments in the public sector and to develop recommendations to strengthen the public sector. Applications must be submitted by 23 September 2026.
The focus is on three thematic priorities: First, new governance approaches such as anticipatory governance, agile leadership, and open government. Second, innovative methods of policy and service development, for example participatory decision-making processes or technology-supported experiments. Third, concepts for future-proof personnel management and employee empowerment in the public service through intrapreneurship, upskilling, and resilience-oriented organizational structures. Evaluation is based on scientific excellence, expected impact on policy and administrative practice, as well as the quality of project implementation. A detailed budget plan, CVs of research personnel, ethics self-assessment, and standard application forms (Part A & B) are part of the submission. The call is primarily aimed at ministries, authorities, and administrations at national, regional, and local levels that wish to innovatively prepare the public service for future challenges and technological disruptions.