EU research and innovation on social issues reaches out to South Asia Collaboration between the EU and South Asia on societal challenges is poised to create a win-win situation for businesses on both continents, and most importantly for citizens as well. Industrial Technologies © szefei, Shutterstock Although the EU represents just 7 % of the world's population, it is responsible for 24 % of research spending worldwide, 32 % of high-impact publications and 32 % of patent applications. This leading role is being challenged by emerging new global players such as Brazil, China, India and South Africa, prompting the EU to increase international cooperation – particularly with South Asia. At the same time, the bloc is striving to maintain its position against the economic crisis and retain research and development talent within its borders. Against this shifting landscape, the EU-funded CASCADE (Collaborative action towards societal challenges through awareness, development, and education) project worked specifically on strengthening cooperation with seven South Asian nations. It identified global societal challenges and research priorities for Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, highlighting opportunities for EU-South Asia cooperation in research and innovation. The project consortium, comprising 18 partners from both Asia and Europe, analysed relevant policies in each country pertaining to key societal challenges under the EU's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme. It then identified the 10 priorities for EU-South Asia cooperation, covering topics ranging from demographic/environmental changes to ocean exploitation. Key priorities include renewable energy, disaster reduction, climate change adaptation, greater inclusivity for women and youth, social harmonisation, green transport and border security. Another key project achievement is the South Asian stakeholder inventory for partnerships. It comprises six categories: national/local government, international organisations, community, civic society, private/corporate sector and academia/professional associations. These stakeholders are pivotal for extending science, technology and innovation input within the scope of Horizon 2020's societal challenges. All the insightful outcomes emerging from the project were disseminated through events and online in Europe and in South Asia, promoting research and innovation priorities within a collaborative scope. CASCADE generated valuable data, including outputs of scholarly, economic, social and policy value that are useful for policymakers, government regulators, public administration, academia and the 18 project partners. Such an initiative is bound to strengthen European research in a win-win situation that will no doubt benefit businesses and citizens of South Asia as well. Keywords Research and innovation, South Asia, societal challenges, CASCADE, Horizon 2020
