A Reinforced European Research Area Partnership for Excellence and Growth (2012)

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On 18 July 2012, the European Commission published a Communication on "A Reinforced European Research Area Partnership". It is based on a public consultation (autumn 2011) and on an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of Europe's research systems. Taking these into account and considering the overall objective of inducing lasting step-changes in Europe's research performance and effectiveness, the ERA priorities are:

• More effective national research systems – including increased competition within national borders and sustained or greater investment in research
• Optimal transnational co-operation and competition - defining and implementing common research agendas on grand challenges, raising quality through Europe-wide open competition, and constructing and running effectively key research infrastructures on a pan-European basis
• An open labour market for researchers - to ensure the removal of barriers to
researcher mobility, training and attractive careers
Gender equality and gender mainstreaming in research – to end the waste of
talent which we cannot afford and to diversify views and approaches in research and foster excellence
• Optimal circulation, access to and transfer of scientific knowledge

The external dimension is a cross-cutting and integral part of ERA. It was addressed later in 2012 as part of a separate Communication on a strategic approach to enhancing and focussing EU international cooperation in research and innovation.