Policy framework : International Dimension of ERA
The absence of a common strategy for international science and technology cooperation on a European level has led to duplication in this field, with a resulting waste of resources and a reduced impact. A more coordinated approach will benefit Europe and the 3rd country partners.
The Commission has therefore come forward with a Communication (A Strategic European Framework for International S&T Cooperation) that identifies general principles and specific orientations for action: to strengthen the international dimension of the European Research Area (ERA); to improve the framework conditions for international S&T cooperation; and to promote European technologies in the world. It outlines different approaches to cooperation depending on the geographic and thematic targets, and calls for long term commitment of the Member States and the European Community. FAQs
The Council at its meeting on 2nd December 2008 (Competitiveness Council Conclusions) was very supportive of the Commission's proposal, establishing the Strategic Forum for International S&T Cooperation (SFIC) to drive forward the European Partnership for S&T cooperation. The SFIC met for the first time in February 2009 to select a chairperson and take preliminary consideration of its mandate to identify common priorities which could lead to coordinated or joint initiatives, and coordinating activities with respect to third countries and within international fora.
Building on the demand demonstrated by the ERA Green paper consultation exercise and work of a senior member country's research advisory group, the Communication provides an important impetus for action.
Other consultation activities were organised by the Commission to help designing the strategy: in September and October 2007, three workshops (workshop1, workshop2, workshop3) on key issues of international S&T policies took place in Brussels. In July 2008, two scientific panels on the EU in global science and technology cooperation at a major conference in Ljubljana. In October 2008, a high-level conference about Drivers of International Collaboration in Research took place in Brussels to share experiences and develop ideas for enhanced international research cooperation.
In order to support the development of policy options for future EU international S&T policies, an independent expert group of 12 high-level scientists worked closely with the Commission and presented a final report in March 2008.
In 2007 and 2008, an OMC CREST Working Group supported EU Member States, Associated Countries and the Commission in developing approaches for a proactive and better coordinated international S&T policy. The Working Group published its recommendations in December 2007 and January 2009, as well as three studies analysing S&T cooperation of the EU with Brazil, India and Russia.
Lees ook : http://www.vleva.eu/content/4309
