| abstract: |
The project aims to support research and industrial communities in the European Union’s convergence and outermost regions to fully utilize their research potential, to strengthen their capacities and to increase their participation in the Framework Programmes. The instrument to achieve this goal is the development of a European Network of National Contact Points for the “Research Potential” programme (Specific Programme “Capacities”, FP7). The Network will be an essential “partner” for researchers and institutions in the convergence/outermost regions in their effort to utilize the knowledge and experience existing in more advanced European regions, to establish the necessary conditions and contacts for their development and to contribute to the overall European research effort.
The Network will be based on the structure and operation of the NCPs that have been officially established in the MS/AC. The typical work of NCPs is restricted to awareness and support activities at national level. The lack of coordination of NCPs, at European level, frequently leads to obstacles for both the NCPs and the research communities. On the one hand, NCPs often duplicate costs and efforts for solving common problems. On the other, researchers receive diversified services, which are reflected in the geographical distribution of the participation in FP projects, and face difficulties in establishing research collaborations beyond the frontiers of their countries. This is particularly important in the convergence/outermost regions, since researchers need funds from the FPs and sustainable cooperation with more advanced regions in order to unlock their potential.
The Research Potential (ResPot) Network will provide the means for improved information and support services across Europe, will facilitate transnational collaborations, will raise awareness on EU policies and funding schemes and will promote coherent development and growth in the enlarged and diversified Union. |
