The overall objective of the project "Strengthening research and innovation capacity at Riga Technical University and Rezekne Academy of Technologies" is to strengthen the scientific and innovation capacity of Riga Technical University (RTU) and the project partner - Rezekne Academy of Technologies (RTA), which is planned to be integrated into the RTU ecosystem in 2025, by promoting international cooperation in the field of research, expanding participation in the Horizon Europe programme and the European Union Research and Innovation Programme 10. Within the framework programme, and developing their capabilities in achieving the priorities of the Latvian Smart Specialisation Strategy (RIS3). The project aims to improve the international competitiveness of RTU and RTA by strengthening interdisciplinary research opportunities, innovation development and introduction of advanced technologies. Support for the preparation of international project applications Within the framework of the project, significant support will be provided to RTU and RTA scientific staff in order to prepare high-quality project applications for participation in international programmes.2. Integration into international research infrastructuresThe project will ensure RTU participation in PRACE (Partnership for Advanced Computing in Europe), which is an important part of ERIC/ESFRI platform and provides access to state-of-the-art High Performance Computing (HPC) resources essential for modern scientific research and innovation.3. The project is aimed at implementing the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) in order to ensure the effective participation of Latvian scientific institutions in the Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) of the EIT and to promote the development of innovations and technology transfer. The planned project activities are strategically designed to significantly strengthen the capacity of RTU and RTA, while ensuring a positive and sustainable impact on the Latvian research environment and the scientific ecosystem as a whole. These results will provide both short-term and long-term benefits, which will contribute to the growth of Latvian science and international competitiveness. The project is a non-economic project. The total cost of the project is EUR 2 877 000, of which 85% (EUR 2 445 450) will be financed from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), and 15% (EUR 431 550) will be covered from the State budget. Within the framework of the project, funding will be directed to the cooperation partner - RTA for the preparation of project applications, in accordance with the simplified cost methodology approved by the responsible authority for the preparation costs of Horizon Europe project applications (at least 5 project applications are planned to be submitted to RTA and assessed above the quality threshold). The implementation period of the project is from 1 April 2025 to 30 November 2029.