index.hu: We Have Received a Major Promise: the Singapore Miracle Could Become a Reality in Hungary
In a joint strategical interview with Index, Gulyás Balázs, President of the HUN-REN Hungarian Research Network, and Roland Jakab, CEO, explained that, together with the directors of the network’s research institutes, they are currently reshaping Hungary’s research system in order to make the “Singapore miracle” a reality at home as well — a model in which a small country rises to the top of global science while significantly improving the well-being of its citizens. According to the President, the objective is for the HUN-REN network to produce internationally outstanding scientific results, including Nobel Prize–level achievements and unicorn companies with revenues exceeding one billion dollars. Achieving this, however, requires a fundamental shift in mindset. The leadership firmly believes that the Singapore miracle can be realized in Hungary as well, although certain actors appear to have vested interests in obstructing these efforts. Such actions primarily weaken the HUN-REN research community, which the leaders strongly reject. They also stated that negative claims made against the organization and against them personally constitute violations of their good reputation, and that legal action is being taken in response.
In the in-depth interview, the President and CEO outlined the strategic transformation of Hungary’s national research system and presented several concrete initiatives that define the future direction of the HUN-REN Hungarian Research Network. They confirmed that HUN-REN now operates as an independent organization with a specific legal status, long-term institutional stability, and predictable financing, supported by multi-year agreements with the Hungarian government.
Among the key announcements, the leadership revealed the establishment of a dedicated technology transfer company, HUNRENTECH, designed to support researchers in turning scientific results into patents, licenses, spin-off companies, and market-ready innovations. In parallel, HUN-REN is launching its own venture capital fund to provide early-stage financial support for researcher-led innovation projects.
A major new incentive was also announced: the first EUR 150,000 of revenue generated from the commercialization of research results will go directly to the researcher, an incentive scheme that is exceptional even by European standards. In addition, new training programs will be introduced to equip researchers with skills in project management, entrepreneurship, intellectual property protection, and international grant writing.
The interview also included forward-looking announcements in the field of artificial intelligence. The leadership confirmed that Hungary’s first dedicated artificial intelligence research institute will be established in 2026, supported by a new national supercomputer and an advanced, AI-driven research platform intended to automate and accelerate scientific discovery across disciplines. A two-day international hackathon focusing on “AI-first science” will also be organized to demonstrate and further develop these approaches.
Further announcements covered the expansion of international partnerships, the hosting of major international scientific events in Budapest, and the growing interest of leading foreign researchers in joining HUN-REN as the new, performance-based and transparent system takes shape. The leadership also confirmed that average researcher salaries have increased significantly and that further steps will be taken to ensure internationally competitive working conditions.
In closing, the leaders reiterated that HUN-REN has taken legal action against false and misleading claims published in the media, stressing that the organization rejects all unfounded allegations and remains committed to fact-based public discourse.
They emphasized that the overarching goal of these reforms and initiatives is to build a globally competitive research network capable of delivering outstanding scientific results, innovation, and measurable societal and economic impact.
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