CREST report on the application of the open method of coordination in favour of the Barcelona research investment objective

The report presents the first cycle results of the application of the open method of coordination by CREST (Scientific and Technical Research Committee) to policies aimed at reaching the 3% research investment objective. The report is based on work that took place between November 2003 and October 2004 in the various policy areas of the 3% Action Plan where competence lies primarily at Member State level. The outcomes of the first cycle (exchange of information between Member States, mutual learning, identification of good practices and formulation of recommendations) constitute a valuable basis for the further development of Member States policies, taking into account their specific national contexts and priorities.