Diversification vs. specialization from the perspective of research programmes: a complexity approach

Studying the complexity of research policy instruments research is important because it allows us to gain a better understanding of how politics are evolving. This approach to the complexity of research funding instruments will provide new information for scholars and policymakers. First, this analysis could enhance our understanding of the technological and societal target orientation that drive project funding instruments. Second, it could help European countries and RFOs to find a more precise space for KETs and SGCs in their research policy agenda. In terms of project funding instrument orientation, the results show a clear differentiation between agencies and, as a result, between countries. In terms of KET and SGC instrument orientation, Norway, the United Kingdom, Czech Republic, and Denmark are more diversified. Furthermore, for Norway, Denmark, Germany, and the United Kingdom the degree of overlap among the categories is low. This means that there is a clear difference in instrument orientation, as well as between agencies within the same country with distinct and well-defined policy goals. Furthermore, to answer our second question, the funding instruments are mainly oriented towards “industrial biotechnology” for KET and “society” for SGC. There appears to be little opportunity for sustainability and climate change-related categories.