EU Research Platforms Reveal UX Best Practices
Several major European research platforms are demonstrating key UX patterns for managing complex, multi-stage grant applications. Systems like Instruct-ERIC and EASI-Genomics utilize multi-step, modular journeys with auto-saving and transparent timelines to manage user expectations. Service design experts note that collaborative journey mapping with all stakeholders is crucial for designing frictionless experiences in science funding.
- [The European Commission's](https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQEQY2N_h67DSV6J8UBE9YcQyr551GnREMS45f59gqysnkBsgyBPUGSpfWsnft8tTxugCAn6NXvo28egDyG6cSyM_nSloptRWRJOlKTo4Q__6omjyIIFs_Thzy_q4eODk1z39cthRtS3pGswlOj8F6M3OnZ_CyElPvWE-CXeee1MqgWZ5VzJ5HFkiPv64K0USbDPNGhh) AI Watch initiative is actively monitoring the use of artificial intelligence in public services across the EU, with a focus on how AI can improve policy design, service delivery, and citizen engagement. This includes leveraging AI to create proactive public service models and automate repetitive tasks. - GovTech initiatives are a growing priority within the EU, with a focus on fostering collaboration between public sector bodies and innovative startups to develop user-centric digital services. The European Commission plans to launch a European GovTech Incubator to support this ecosystem and promote the development of interoperable, cross-border solutions. - The "once-only" principle is a key tenet of user-centric digital government in Europe, with countries like Estonia aiming to have 100% of their public services available online, eliminating the need for citizens to provide the same information multiple times. The EU is working to implement this principle more broadly through initiatives like the Once-Only Technical System (OOTS). - The Interoperable Europe Act is a legislative initiative aimed at creating a network of interconnected digital public administrations across the EU to improve cross-border collaboration and the efficiency of digital public services. This act is expected to reduce administrative burdens for both citizens and businesses. - The European Accessibility Act, which took full effect in June 2025, mandates that a wide range of digital products and services, including public sector websites and apps, must be accessible to people with disabilities. This legislation requires adherence to standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2. - Projects like UserCentriCities, funded by the Horizon 2020 program, bring together municipalities and regions across Europe to benchmark and improve the user-centricity of local digital government services. The project provides a platform for sharing knowledge and best practices in implementing user-centric design principles. - Service design is increasingly being adopted by public sector organizations across Europe to innovate and improve public services by focusing on the user's perspective. This approach often involves co-creation with citizens and stakeholders to ensure that services meet their actual needs. - The EU's Horizon Europe funding program, with a budget of €93.5 billion for 2021-2027, is a significant driver of research and innovation in digital transformation and public service modernization. This funding supports projects that tackle societal challenges and aim to boost the EU's competitiveness.
