User:Anthonyhcole/ERA-NET

ERA-NET is one of the tools of the European Commission's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7). It performs a pivotal role in the structure of research in Europe via the improved coordination and cooperation of national and regional research programmes. Launched in 2002 as part of the previous Framework Programme (FP6), the scheme constituted an important activity in the drive towards the creation of the European Research Area (ERA).

Since 2002, more than 1,000 national and regional programme owners and managers of EU Member States and Associated States have participated in over 100 high quality ERA-NET actions. So far under FP7 the Scheme has funded over 31 actions. ERA-NET actions help strengthen the ERA by providing common answers to shared problems. The objective is to develop and strengthen the coordination of public research programmes conducted at national or regional level. This is done by encouraging programme owners and managers of national and regional research programmes in Europe to explore joint activities, strategy development and even joint calls for transnational research programmes.

Eligible participants in an ERA-NET action are 'programme owners' (typically national ministries and regional authorities) and 'programme managers' (e.g. research councils and funding agencies). Research organisations or universities which are not programme owners or managers are therefore not eligible partners for ERA-NET actions.

is a European Commission information platform on transnational R&D programme collaboration, with a current focus on the ERA-NET scheme. It supports transnational R&D programme collaboration in Europe by mapping the ERA-NETs, providing information on Joint Calls, giving analysis and evidence of the impact of programme collaboration, describing scope and results of ERA-NETs, and supporting mutual learning among transnational programme networks.