European Union's Plan for European Research Area

Achilleas Mitsos spoke at length about the four pathways the new Framework Plan will pursue in developing the European Research Area initiative.

Achilleas Mitsos spoke at length about the four pathways the new Framework Plan will pursue in developing the European Research Area initiative.

Four-Point Catalysis for the European Research Area:

1. Human Factor

• The mobilization of workforce potential. This includes sending EU researchers to universities outside the EU and inviting people from other countries to universities in the EU , and setting up fellowships and grants that will be bestowed following a peer-reviewed process.

2. Determination of Priorities

• The research budget will be devoted to key emerging technologies and research priorities: Genomics, Information Technology, Nanotechnologies, Aeronautics & Space, Food Quality and Safety, Ecosystem, Socio-Economic Research and Nuclear Research. Five percent will be kept aside for anticipated future needs.

3. Modalities

• More autonomy will be given to participants.
• The EC will no longer control every Euro spent, and will take more risks with the money allotted to research.

4. International Dimension

• The Framework Plan will not only involve the 15 EU members, but also the 13 candidate countries, as well as others who are in association with the EU. The overall goal is to create a network of excellence by involving the best researchers in the world.

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