Publisher's Synopsis
`This volume gathers an impressive collection of chapters about the external dimension of the European Research Area. The book examines in detail one of the issues that has received most attention lately in research policy-making, namely, the internationalization of S&T cooperation. Whereas it is widely accepted that global research-related problems need to be addressed beyond the strict national and European scales, there is still a considerable knowledge gap about how to develop a more coherent international S&T policy in Europe. This book bridges this gap by studying the existing internationalization patterns of S&T in Europe, analyzing the role of the EU in several areas of global S&T challenges (like global public health, poverty reduction, energy resources security), and discussing how policy coordination might offer possibilities for a more coherent European global S&T policy. For these reasons this book makes an invaluable contribution by expanding our knowledge on this matter, and providing solid evidence to policy makers.'
- Susana Borrás, Copenhagen Business School, Denmark
`This volume brings together the most recent results of policy research on international S&T cooperation in the European Research Area. The book comes at a time when EU member states start working together in a new European Partnership for International S&T Cooperation by developing joint activities targeting commonly agreed thematic and regional priorities. Based on sound theoretical considerations the book also provides practical guidance on how to set S&T priorities and develop cooperative activities at European level. It is a most welcome and important contribution to the understanding and development of the international dimension of European research and innovation policies.'
- Manfred Horvat, Vienna University of Technology, Austria
`This book offers a refreshing perspective: while former national research systems merge into intra-European institutional "landscapes" and policies, also fostered by dedicated "European Research Area (ERA)" initiatives, the demand for scientific knowledge and sustainable technology is a global issue, today more than ever. New knowledge is needed and generated across the world. Reinforcing research and innovation in Europe means upgrading its capacity to open up and tap into global knowledge networks, including the emerging contributions of "latecomer" countries. The book shows that ERA will turn into a real asset for research in Europe only if it helps to coordinate for global knowledge exchange and collaboration.'
- Stefan Kuhlmann, University of Twente, The Netherlands
In a globalized knowledge-economy, the European Union (EU) needs a new approach to its international science and technology (S&T) policies by focusing on improved coherence across the different tiers of government and by demonstrating leadership in tackling serious global challenges.
The contributors to this book analyze European S&T policies in several areas of global concern as well as by exposing both the pitfalls of policy coordination and its potential to contribute to a more coherent international S&T policy. They highlight the interactions between national, European and international policies, and explore how a common European policy for international S&T cooperation could work, and under which conditions. The book concludes that an EU external S&T policy is more likely to emerge if member states and the European Commission focus on a limited number of strategic priorities where Europe really can make a difference.
This book provides theoretical insights and practical solutions on how to equip the European Research Area with policies and instruments to `go global' successfully, and on how to implement policy measures effectively and efficiently. As such, it will prove essential reading for policymakers in research, science and technology. It will also provide a stimulating read for academics and students of science and technology policies, European studies and international relations.
