Mapping ERA-NETs across Europe
Mar 16, 2011
A report, prepared by the Institute for Prospective Technological Studies (IPTS) of the
European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC), presents the first mapping of the active ERA-NETs across Europe, carried out by JRC-IPTS between October 2009 and January 2010. This mapping provides a snap-shot of the ERA-NET landscape at the time of the analysis and involves collecting information along a range of dimensions that 'characterise' ERA-NETs (e.g. number of countries involved, joint activities developed, thematic coverage, etc.).
ERA-NETs are moving from a major interest in networking and building relations with
international peers towards a more strategic approach. Almost 80% of the networks consider
the implementation of joint calls a key strategic objective. A total number of 42 joint calls have been already completed and 47 are planned for the coming months.
Around 30% consider the definition of common research and the implementation of joint programmes "very important"objectives.The scheme is seen as a valuable tool by programme managers and owners across Europe to foster transnational collaboration. This is evidenced by the increasing number of countries engaging in the scheme. On average, 13 countries participate in a network.
The most relevant thematic priorities are "nanosciences and nanotechnologies" (15% of the total ERA-NETs), "food, agriculture and fisheries" (13%) and "health" and "environment", which represent around 10% each. The areas of "space" and "security" are not currently being covered by any ERA-NET.
Back