Abstract

The present Coordination Action aims at developing the objectives of the INCO-Net MPC action as described in the Call for proposals, to further enhance regional S&T dialogue in the Mediterranean Region and the complementarities with activities carried out by other European Policy instruments, notably the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM). These objectives are focused on creating a dialogue platform using the state of the art of the ICT technologies, which will enable the discussion between relevant stakeholders from both sides of the Mediterranean to improve the S&T cooperation by, among other means, connecting and facilitating the interaction between the dispersed S&T cooperation initiatives already existing supported by the Member States, the European Commission and other political bodies; addressing training activities to improve the quality of the participation and management of the partners of FP7 from the MPC; creating discussion platforms and organizing meetings to monitor and discuss the content of the Thematic priorities of FP7 in term of the common interest of the EU and MPC; creating an Observatory of the EU-MPC S&T cooperation, which will agree indicators for the monitoring of RTD cooperation activities; and creating networks of research institutions and technological transfer services from both sides of the Mediterranean, to support strategic collaboration and provide a reference element for the development of the Euro-Mediterranean Innovation Space. All these activities are aimed at providing a strong institutional basis for the EU-MPC S&T cooperation. Furthermore, the mentioned objectives will be complemented with other activities, notably the development toward the common appropriation of the results of MIRA to activities on Innovation, and profiting the identification of common scientific priorities that could be used as clustering glue (“Research Driven Clusters”) around Projects already approved by the UfM, where business development can be foreseen using the Research potential in both sides of the Mediterranean. Supporting the activities of the UfM Programs that need the identification and development of a Research agenda in support of its objectives, notably the Program Horizon 2020 and the strengthening of the industrial cooperation through the creation of the Euro-Mediterranean Innovation Space is as well scheduled. All these activities are aimed at providing a strong institutional basis for the UfM cooperation in RTD.