Universities of applied sciences’ EU research project participation through the lens of differentiation

In European universities of applied sciences (UASs), the intensity of research activities and the level of differentiation from universities vary across countries. We investigate whether the differentiation in the research function of UASs is reflected in their participation in the European Union Framework Programs for Research and Innovation (EU-FPs). We focus on the current and former UASs in four higher education systems with distinct levels of differentiation—the UK, Norway, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. Our results show significant cross-country differences in the intensity and type of EU-FP projects acquired. The former UASs in the UK and Norway had a participation profile similar to that of universities. In more differentiated higher education systems, Swiss and Dutch UASs were more geared toward applied projects. Variations both across and within countries emphasize the importance of research capacities. Our results carry implications for how national and European authorities can foster UAS participation in EU-FPs.