International Cooperation

Research and Innovation are increasingly interlinked globally, due to new integrated approaches concerning the Innovation Value Chain, new developments in information and communication technologies etc. International scientific publications are now state-of-the-art, foreign direct investment in R&D is thriving, whilst international researcher mobility supported by a growing number of international offices is also growing. Thus, international cooperation is a key element for creating and accessing knowledge beyond the European Union’s Research Area. In September 2012, the European Commission published its “Communication on a strategic approach about enhancing and focusing EU international cooperation in research and innovation”. This Communication aimed at developing and strengthening the EU’s excellence and attractiveness in the field of research and innovation, in order to develop solutions to global societal challenges. To improve coordination in the fields of research, innovation and external actions, a High Level Group, the Strategic Forum for International S&T Cooperation - SFIC, has been established.