CHANGE DRIVERS AS KEY SUCCESS FACTORS IN EUROPEAN RESEARCH AND INNOVATION PROJECTS

Abstract

Background: Change management involves the communication and implementation of organizational changes, focusing on managing both people and processes to ensure smooth transitions. Aims: This study aims to identify key change drivers within European research and innovation projects under Horizon Europe and to evaluate the level of project commitment to change and transformation. Methodology: We analysed project data from the Community Research and Development Information Service (CORDIS), covering projects from 2021 to 2024. Our analysis included keyword density calculations for terms such as "change" and "transformation" in project objectives. Results: Our findings indicate that the European Research Council; Digital, Industry and Space; and Health sectors are the top recipients of funding, highlighting research as a significant change motivator. Notably, European Research Council projects have yielded substantial intellectual property, start-ups, and publications. The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, with the highest number of projects and partners, accentuates its role in enhancing the European Research Area's visibility. Approximately 23.4% of the 8,800 analysed projects explicitly mention "change" or "transformation" in their objectives. The highest commitment ratios were found in "Careers and universities" and "Promote and co-fund innovation programmes," while some priorities, like "Promoting Public Outreach," showed no such commitment. This variation suggests differing focal points across thematic priorities, warranting further investigation into the factors influencing these disparities.