The State Audit Office's recommendations support the ongoing transformation of innovation policy
The Ministry of Economy and Innovation (EIMIN) positively assesses the audit of the business innovation promotion system conducted by the State Audit Office and notes that the challenges identified in the audit are already being addressed through the implementation of the “3i” economic transformation plan – innovation, investment, and institutional modernization.
During the audit, the Ministry actively cooperated with the State Audit Office, and detailed meetings were held regarding the content of the recommendations.
“We rely on evidence–based policymaking and share the State Audit Office’s assessment of the situation. The challenges identified in the audit are already being addressed through the ‘3i’ economic transformation plan. Our goal aligns with the State Audit Office’s recommendations – to create a functioning innovation system that spans the entire process from idea and research to a competitive product on the market, one that would generate high added value for the Lithuanian economy,” says Edvinas Grikšas, Minister of Economy and Innovation.
The Ministry notes that the solutions outlined in the “3i” plan directly address the conclusions of the State Audit Office: the plan aims for more effective innovation funding, greater business investment in research and experimental development (R&D), stronger technology commercialization, better evaluation of results, and reduced reliance solely on EU funding sources.
These objectives have also been incorporated into the Innovation Agency’s 2026–2030 strategy.
“The agency has been set clear objectives: to increase business investment in R&D, to promote the creation and export of high–value–added products, to improve business productivity, and to strengthen the innovation ecosystem. The aim is to ensure that innovation policy is evaluated not by the number of measures or the funds allocated, but by the economic return generated,” – says Monika Paulė, who has been leading the Innovation Agency since May and whose expertise and experience in the field of innovation will significantly contribute to strengthening the agency’s activities and developing the innovation ecosystem.
The ministry also highlights the improvement of R&D tax incentives. The goal is to make it easier for companies to take advantage of them: there would be greater clarity regarding the recognition of R&D activities, a reduced administrative burden, simpler justification of expenses, and greater legal certainty for businesses. This would enable more companies to invest in the development of new technologies, products, and processes.
According to Edvinas Grikšas, Minister of Economy and Innovation, the State Audit Office’s audit confirms that the direction chosen under the “3i” plan is the right one. The focus will now be on ensuring that government investments translate into tangible results – new products, technologies, exports, and greater competitiveness for the Lithuanian economy.
Last updated: 17-07-2026
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