Further progress has been made in the area of research. The number of successful projects under the 7th Research Framework programme (FP7) has increased and the administrative capacity was strengthened. A country-wide network of national contact points to provide information on research cooperation in FP7 and other research programmes (Cost, Eureka) has been established and nominations in the FP7 Committees made. Further actions are
essential, particularly regarding the involvement of the private sector and SMEs and the mobility of scientists. The Framework Law on scientific and research activities was adopted, improving coordination of Entity-level research actions with the State-level research strategy.

A science and development strategy for 2010-2015 and an action plan were adopted. The Science Council was appointed to assist the Ministry for Civil Affairs in the strategic development of science, research and innovation policy.
However, investment in research is very limited. Statistics on research and development activities are lacking. No data exist on business, foreign and private non-profit funding. The Entities and cantons fund their specific policies through their own budgets. This makes it difficult to streamline research policies and avoid fragmentation, one of the key European Research Area (ERA) objectives.

Overall, alignment with European standards in the areas of education and culture is advanced. The main challenges are divided schools, the full implementation of strategies and framework laws, and the adoption of the initial national qualifications framework. In addition, State-level agencies for education and quality assurance structures need further strengthening. In the area of research and development, preparations for future integration into the ERA are on track but closely monitoring and follow-up is very important.

Source: Progress Report Bosnia and Herzegovina..