The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine has approved the Roadmap for the Integration of Ukraine into the European Research Area (ERA) for the period until 2027. The relevant document was adopted by Order of the MESU No. 1732 dated December 31, 2025.

Why is this important?

Ukraine's integration into the ERA is defined as one of the key strategic directions for implementing the Association Agreement and European integration in the fields of science, technology, and innovation. In particular, Article 375 of the Association Agreement provides for Ukraine's involvement in the ERA through the gradual harmonization of the national science and innovation system with European policies and practices.

The document also relies on the provisions of the Law of Ukraine "On Scientific and Scientific-Technical Activity" (specifically regarding the integration of national science into the ERA while preserving national priorities).

What has been approved?

The Roadmap covers key areas of science and innovation development, including:

  • Open science and research data management;
  • Development and resilience of research infrastructures;
  • Support for scientific careers and researcher mobility;
  • Research assessment reform in line with European approaches;
  • Practical use of knowledge and strengthening science-business interaction;
  • Integration of science and higher education, particularly through the development of science parks and special innovation regimes;
  • International scientific and technical cooperation, science diplomacy, and Ukraine's participation in EU programs.

The vast majority of priority areas for scientific activity defined in the Roadmap are highly relevant to the State Tax University. For example:

  1. Open Science and Research Data Management:
  • 1.2.1Integration of HEIs into the digital infrastructure of open science and EOSC;
  • 1.2.2Popularization of EOSC among researchers and students of HEIs;
  • 1.2.4Implementation of the National Repository of Research Data (NRRD) in HEIs;
  • 1.3.2Development and implementation of open access strategies in HEIs;
  • 1.3.4Monitoring the effectiveness of open access implementation in HEIs;
  • 1.3.6Creation of open science competence centers in HEIs;
  • 1.3.7Implementation of open science indicators in HEI reporting;
  • 1.3.8Ensuring HEI access to international scientometric and full-text databases.
  1. Research Infrastructures:
  • 2.1.3Conclusion of agreements between HEIs and European research infrastructures;
  • 2.1.4Inclusion of HEI infrastructures in the Register of Research Infrastructures of Ukraine;
  • 2.2.1Ensuring open access to HEI infrastructures for researchers;
  • 2.3.1Participation of HEIs in European initiatives (ERIC, ESFRI, etc.);
  • 2.4.1Analysis of HEI participation in international cooperation regarding infrastructures.
  1. Gender Equality and Inclusivity:
  • 3.1.1Development and implementation of Gender Equality Plans (GEP) in HEIs;
  • 3.1.2Utilization of recommendations regarding GEP in HEIs;
  • 3.1.3GEP monitoring in HEIs (pilot implementation, reporting);
  • 3.3.2Monitoring gender balance and publishing data in HEIs;
  • 3.4.1Approval of internal codes of conduct for the prevention of gender-based violence in HEIs.
  1. Scientific Careers and Mobility:
  • 4.1.1New remuneration system for research and teaching staff of HEIs;
  • 4.1.2Involvement of foreign research and teaching staff in HEI activities;
  • 4.3.1Support for young scientists working in HEIs (grants, scholarships).

The Roadmap is a strategic tool designed to ensure the systematic and consistent harmonization of Ukraine's national science and innovation ecosystem with the ERA. It facilitates the consolidation of efforts among state authorities, scientific institutions, higher education institutions (HEIs), and other stakeholders. Furthermore, it defines specific steps, indicators, and responsibilities for the further alignment of the Ukrainian science and innovation system with European policies and practices.

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