ERA progress report 2018 : data gathering and information for the 2018 ERA monitoring : technical report

The ongoing European Research Area (ERA) Monitoring Mechanism aims to document and assess the recent progress in the ERA implementation process, while taking into account changes both in the key ERA priorities and in the corresponding responsibilities and actions of the ERA Partnership actors - the European Commission, the Member States and the Associated Countries, research funding and research performing organisations. As such, the overarching objective of this study is to assist the European Commission in implementing the 2018 ERA Monitoring Mechanism to assess the recent progress made towards achieving six ERA priorities. Building on the monitoring approach suggested by the ERA Progress Report 2016 and using multiple lines of evidence to triangulate the findings, the study team gathered, coded, structured and analysed internationally comparable data and indicators to monitor progress in the implementation of the six ERA priorities. The primary focus of this study is on the quantitative Headline and complementary ERA Monitoring Mechanism indicators identified by the European Research Area and Innovation Committee (ERAC). The quantitative findings have been enriched by substantial qualitative data collected through document review and interviews with key stakeholders.