Over half a billion lei allocated to research and innovation in 2026
In 2026, the state will invest more than half a billion lei to support research and innovation. Budget allocations will increase by approximately 47 million lei, reaching a total of 558 million lei. This funding will be distributed among 20 public institutions in the sector.
The authorities have recognized the increase in budgetary funding for research and innovation as a key aspect of the country's development strategy and its integration into the European Research Area.
According to the Ministry of Education and Research (MEC), “Budgetary allocations are divided into basic institutional funding—approximately 491 million lei (88%), complementary funding—33.5 million lei (6%), and compensatory funding based on performance indicators—33.5 million lei (6%).”
The majority of these funds are allocated to the State University of Moldova, which receives 274 million lei, nearly half of the total funding. The Technical University of Moldova is set to benefit from 73 million lei, while the National Institute of Applied Research in Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine will receive 48 million lei. The remaining funds are distributed among 17 other beneficiary institutions.
In recent years, the Ministry of Education and Science has implemented several reforms in the research and innovation sector. The National Program for Research and Innovation for 2024–2027 has been adopted, setting out strategic priorities that include modernizing scientific infrastructure and fostering collaboration between the research and business communities.
Additionally, the Republic of Moldova has become the first country in the Eastern Partnership to approve the National Smart Specialization Program, which focuses on four priority sectors: agriculture and food processing, information and communication technology, energy, and biomedicine and biopharmaceuticals.
To support researchers, salaries have been increased by 21% in 2024, and doctoral students' scholarships have been raised to 4,400 lei per month. Furthermore, the Government Excellence Scholarship, valued at 6,600 lei per month, is awarded to exceptional doctoral students, along with the Scientific Field Scholarship worth up to 5,720 lei per month for notable achievements in priority research areas.
Last year, budgetary funding for research and innovation totaled 511 million lei.
