An impact assessment of the science and technology agreement concluded between the European Community and the United States of America

The EU-USA S & T Agreement has resulted in European and United States collaboration in some significant areas of science in framework programme projects. Several noteworthy US government agencies and departments are involved in implementing the agreement. The arrangements in place are valued in the USA both by the scientists involved in the projects and at governmental level. Tangible beneficial impacts can be identified so the agreement should be renewed. However the administrative arrangements in place to support it need to become more dynamic with less focus on formalities and better involvement of the scientific community. The key lessons from this assessment include the need for more awareness so that the opportunities provided are better known - especially in Europe; the development of novel implementation strategies through, for example, use of seedcorn funding to stimulate innovative initiatives that will set future scientific agendas collaboratively; and identification of further areas of mutual interest where a deepening of joint efforts will advance and consolidate existing knowledge.