International science and technology cooperation in the EU's 7th Framework Programme : the specific programme 'Cooperation' and its thematic areas : executive summary

This study reviews and analyses international research and innovation (R&I) cooperation in the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) of the EU, considering specifically the 'Cooperation' specific programme and its thematic areas. It provides a comprehensive qualitative and quantitative picture of all the projects involving international country partners in the FP7 'Cooperation' programme, i.e. third countries which are neither EU Member States nor FP7 Associated Countries. The result is an evidence-based input to EU policymakers supporting and implementing international cooperation in the Framework Programme (FP). The comprehensive review of international R&I cooperation provides an overall picture of recent experience in the FP and provides lessons for future design and implementation. The study is based on extensive qualitative and quantitative research, including desk reviews, a statistical review of the project database, three surveys aimed at EU coordinators, at third country project participants, and at National Contact Points (NCPs) in third countries, and three case studies on one developing country, one fast developing country, and one industrialised country. It shows that the European Commission has integrated international cooperation in FP7 in a comprehensive and advanced policy and implementation design. The Commission has been developing best practice approaches for the design and implementation of international cooperation in FP7, involving stakeholders in a combined top-down and bottom-up process, which ensures the necessary flexibility to adapt to a fast developing world. The conclusions include a set of recommendations for the improvement of the approach to international cooperation in EU FPs.