The GOSPOSTRATEG Program is a strategic Polish research initiative supporting socio-economic and energy-related innovation, with a key 2028 objective of improving evidence-based policymaking. Its 13th call focuses on exploring and developing natural hydrogen deposits to strengthen Poland’s raw materials and energy strategy. Projects can receive up to PLN 20 million and as much as 100% funding for eligible, non-commercial activities.

GOSPOSTRATEG Program: Strategic Research for Poland’s Socio-Economic and Energy Development

Overview

The Strategic Programme of Scientific Research and Development “Social and Economic Development of Poland in the Condition of Globalizing Markets” (GOSPOSTRATEG) is a national initiative designed to increase the practical use of socio-economic research in shaping Poland’s regional and national policies by 2028.
Its 13th call for proposals centers on research supporting Poland’s raw materials and energy policy, particularly the exploration and development of natural hydrogen deposits.

Why It Matters

The program targets one of Poland’s most critical policy needs: integrating scientific research into real-world economic and energy strategies.
Key national priorities supported include:

• Evidence-based policy formation

• Energy transformation and independence

• Natural hydrogen exploration as an emerging strategic resource

• Strengthening national research, innovation, and implementation capacity

By funding socio-economic and technical research at up to 100%, GOSPOSTRATEG enables consortia and institutions to conduct high-impact projects without financial barriers.

Key Features of the 13th Call

The current call, commissioned by the Ministry of Climate and Environment, focuses on one central research topic:
“Program for the exploration, identification, and development of natural hydrogen deposits for shaping Poland’s raw materials and energy policy.”

Main program parameters:

• Maximum funding per project: PLN 20,000,000

• Funding level: Up to 100% of eligible costs for non-commercial research

• Project duration: Up to 36 months

• Implementation obligation: The Entitled Party must implement the project’s solution within 3 years after completion

• Basic research limit: Maximum 15% of total eligible costs

• Subcontracting limits:

  • 10% of eligible research costs

  • 70% of eligible pre-implementation costs

Eligible research types:

• Basic research

• Industrial research

• Experimental development

• Pre-implementation work

Property rights from the research remain with the Entitled Party, ensuring national access and policy integration.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants typically include:

• Research institutes

• Universities

• R&D units

• Scientific consortia

• Public-sector research entities

• Organizations conducting non-commercial research activities

Applicants must demonstrate capacity to:

• Conduct multidisciplinary research

• Manage large-scale scientific projects

• Implement results within the mandated post-project period

How the Program Works

1. Submission and Screening

Applicants submit detailed proposals aligned with the hydrogen exploration topic and GOSPOSTRATEG goals. Proposals are evaluated by NCBR on scientific merit, feasibility, and policy relevance.

2. Research Execution

Selected consortia carry out:

• Geological and geophysical exploration

• Environmental and socio-economic analysis

• Technological development and testing

• Policy-oriented research and modelling

• Pre-implementation activities to prepare solutions for adoption

3. Monitoring and Reporting

NCBR oversees progress through required milestones, budget tracking, and technical assessments.

4. Implementation Phase

Within three years of project completion, the Entitled Party must deploy the solution, ensuring real-world policy impact.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Exceeding subcontracting limits (10% research / 70% pre-implementation)

• Allocating more than 15% of eligible costs to basic research

• Failing to demonstrate implementation capability

• Misalignment with the hydrogen exploration mandate

• Submitting proposals focused on commercial activity instead of research

FAQ

1. What is the main theme of the 13th GOSPOSTRATEG call?

Developing a program for the exploration, identification, and development of natural hydrogen deposits for Poland’s raw materials and energy policy.

2. What is the maximum funding available?

Up to PLN 20,000,000 per project.

3. Can commercial projects apply?

No. Funding is provided for non-commercial research only.

4. How long can a project last?

Up to 36 months.

5. What are the cost structure limits?

Basic research: max 15% of eligible costs; subcontracting: 10% for research, 70% for pre-implementation.

6. Who owns the project results?

The Entitled Party retains property rights and is required to implement the solution.

7. How soon must the solution be implemented after the project ends?

Within 3 years.

Conclusion

The GOSPOSTRATEG Program’s 13th call provides a significant opportunity for Polish research institutions and consortia to advance strategic work on natural hydrogen and evidence-based policy. With up to PLN 20 million in funding and strong emphasis on implementation, the program strengthens Poland’s path toward sustainable energy, innovation capacity, and informed socio-economic development.