The ERA-NET scheme from FP6 to Horizon 2020 : report on ERA-NETs, their calls and the experiences from the first calls under Horizon 2020

The ERA-NET scheme was launched in 2002 under the 6th Framework Programme (FP6) to support the coordination and collaboration of national research programmes. It aimed at facilitating the exchange of good practices, the strategic planning and the design of joint research programmes as well as the implementation of joint activities, in particular joint calls. Under the 7th Framework Programme (FP7), the ERA-NET scheme was reinforced by introducing an additional new module, ERA-NET Plus, which allows the topping-up of joint trans-national funding for calls with European Union funding. ERA-NETs under Horizon 2020 follow the principle of simplification and build on the reliable collaboration with MS and their research funders established over the past ten years. They merge the former ERA-NET and ERA-NET Plus and have the central and compulsory element of implementing one substantial call with top-up funding from the European Union. The focus is shifting from the funding of networks to the top-up funding of individual joint calls in selected sub-challenges with high European added value and relevance for Horizon 2020 (policy-driven approach).