In the previous phase of the Horizon program, Hungary used almost EUR 365 million, or 0.6% of the total scheme allocation, to support 1,108 projects, Palkovics said. The most Horizon funding went to projects in the ICT, healthcare, and food industries, he added.

The minister said an appropriate balance between curiosity-driven research, applied research designed to meet challenges and market-driven innovation would be struck in tenders for the next round of Horizon funding.