INCO-NET

The INCO-NETs carry out activities leading to the definition of priorities for
research collaboration between the target region and the Framework Programme.

INCO-NET actions deal with horizontal issues as well as with specific
cross-cutting cooperation programmes of global importance. Dialogues with third
countries include exchanges of views on interdisciplinary global issues and
opportunities of interest to both the European Research Area and third-country
partners.

Three complementary aspects that have to be considered within the framework of INCO-NET actions are the following:

Dialogue
For active and constant exchange of views between European and non-European stakeholders on a country/regional basis, for exchange by demands
and potential of both sides to guide and set the framework for international
S&T cooperation. Activities should build to the extent possible on ongoing
initiatives and can include surveys, studies, workshops, seminars and
networking among a range of actors and activities.

• S&T Cooperation dialogues should continue to be linked to the broader external Community actions. Synergies between the international S&T dialogues and the objectives and elements of the external relations actions should be strengthened and complementarity be ensured.
• The exchange of views with third country policy makers to lay down common objectives on global issues and face jointly the challenges and opportunities of the European Research Area (ERA) and its partners: Such discussions should focus on interdisciplinary issues with a real need for coordination of S&T policies and new rules that arise from the globalisationof research and S&T cooperation. These issues could usefully be linked to the seven new thematic programmes of External Relations.
• Activities planned to identify priority areas for cooperation should combine both a bottom-up (including different groups of stakeholders concerned) and a top-down approach (looking at longer-term strategic challenges of the EU that could benefit from research).
• Identification of areas with potential for enhanced co-ordination with Member States and Associated States on the one hand, and Third Countries on the other, leading to the setting of new priority areas of research cooperation based on mutual interest and benefit.

Implementation activities

• Setting up a platform for strategic analysis and anticipation with a focus on connecting global trends and issues to regional specificities;
• Elaboration of evidence and articulated recommendations prioritising issues for international S&T cooperation;
• Setting regional networks/fora with all relevant stakeholders;
• Increase awareness and dissemination of FP7 activities, their goal and tools;
• Disseminating results.

Monitoring and review

• Continuous monitoring and review of ongoing cooperation activities should be included in the tasks, with a view to provide feedback and updating of the policies and priorities for international cooperation.

Further Information

Subscribe to the RSS Feed of this Directory