Hungary has set an ambitious target to become one of the world’s top 25 innovators by 2030 and enter the top 10 by 2040, announced Zsigó Róbert, State Secretary at the Ministry of Culture and Innovation. Speaking at the Social Innovation Awards in Budapest, Zsigó emphasized the importance of innovation in enhancing quality of life and fostering high-value job creation. He highlighted that, unlike other European countries lagging in competitiveness compared to East Asia and the United States, Hungary is the only EU member to have improved its position on the 2023 European Innovation Scoreboard, moving up a performance category.

Zsigó noted that the Ministry of Culture and Innovation launched the Social Innovation Award in 2023 to encourage and recognize creative, community-focused solutions. This year, applications for the award doubled, showcasing the Hungarian public’s dedication and creativity in using innovative solutions to benefit society.

The Social Innovation Awards this year honored the Hungarian Research Network’s Humanities Research Center for its project on digitally preserving cultural heritage using artificial intelligence, a step towards connecting past and future through technology. Additionally, the Open-Air Ethnographic Museum received an award for creating memory-refreshing programs tailored for individuals with dementia, aiding in recalling memories despite health limitations.

Zsigó stressed the significance of these efforts, noting that caring for the elderly and strengthening intergenerational bonds are core government priorities. The awarded projects reflect Hungary’s dedication to integrating innovation into communities, building a sustainable future.

He concluded by highlighting that true innovation holds value when it contributes to the community and creates long-term, impactful solutions, a standard met by this year’s award recipients.