This paper conceptualises networks of excellence (NoEs), a new funding instrument in the EU's Sixth Framework Programme for research, to propose how to monitor and assess the achievement of their objectives. It analyses the dynamics of NoEs and potential changes taking place in an NoE during its...

This article presents a process for benchmarking scientific productivity fit for public policy purposes, in which quantitative indicators have the major role of initiating and focusing the discussions. It shows that the calculation of a research productivity indicator defined as the ratio of the...

This paper discusses the achievements of the European Union Framework Programme, paying special attention to its nature as a collaborative research programme. It draws on current studies of the Programme, particularly its various networking impacts, and addresses the new challenges that European...