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SSH Policy Brief


SSH Leaflet


SSH Videos


  • The REDCo project Towards greater corporate responsibility – Conclusions of EU-funded research
    Movie produced by REDCO (Religion in Education. A contribution to dialogue or a factor of conflict in transforming societies of European countries) an SSH project funded under the 6th Research Framework Programme. This project – focussing on the age group of 14-16 years – studies whether religion is a factor of conflict or a contribution to dialogue. To reach teachers but also the wider public REDCO has produced the movie "Research on religion – religion on the move" . This movie communicates three aspects of REDCO: First, the research process: the difficulty of finding the right research questions. Second, the movie shows the empirical part of its research: bringing questionnaires into the classroom, videotaping lessons and interviewing teachers. Third, "Religion on the move" presents the main project findings: the optimism of young people to live together despite differences in world views and their solutions. The movie can be downloaded (size: 98 MB!) for free from the REDCO project website www.redco.uni-hamburg.de

SSH Publications

  • The Atlantic Geopolitical Space: common opportunities and challenges

    The Atlantic Geopolitical Space: common opportunities and challenges

    2011, Edited by Mark Aspinwall, ISBN: 978-92-79-21628-2, doi: 10.2777/83581, 34 pages, 17.6 x 25 cm

    The relations between the "four pillars" of the Atlantic – Europe, Africa, North America, South America – need further and systematic analysis. Paradoxically, the academic and policy interest on the "rise of the Pacific" has not been paralleled yet with an "Atlantic space" perspective which is key for Europe and its partners in the region.

    The Atlantic region, both North and South, displays strong cultural, political and economic convergence.

    The great majority of the countries have embraced multiparty democracies and market economies. The level of economic interdependence in the region, seen by the rise of the volume in trade, has considerably grown during the last decade. At the same time there are important cleavages and diversities to be considered and managed at the multilateral as well as sub-regional levels.

    Issues discussed at the workshop, by experts from all regions of the Atlantic, included: partnerships between major players; regional integration and Atlantic cooperation; good governance and development; trade, finance and investment; energy and environment; peace building and security challenges.

  • The Future of Banking - PEGGED Project

    The Future of Banking - PEGGED Project

    2011 , Edited by Thorsten Beck, ISBN (eBook):978-1-907142-46-8, 91 pages

    Sovereign risk and banking risk are in reality so dangerously intertwined that no big European bank is now safe from the potential impact of holding bad government debt. This PEGGED book presents a collection of essays that offer solutions to the crisis and proposals for medium- to long-term reforms to the regulatory framework in which financial institutions operate. Amongst them, the authors present the case for a forceful resolution of the Eurozone crisis through the introduction of ‘European Safe Bonds’ (ESBies).

    The authors stress the need for a stronger, European-wide regulatory framework as well as for a European-level resolution authority for systemically important financial institutions (SIFIs), but they also recall that it is also extremely important to ensure that we do not forget the essential role of banks in terms of their vital contribution to the ‘real economy’ and the pivotal role they play as lenders to small- and medium-size enterprises in support of economic growth at local and regional levels.

  • Life in the Eurozone with or without Sovereign Default - PEGGED Project

    Life in the Eurozone with or without Sovereign Default - PEGGED Project

    2011, Editors: Franklin Allen, Elena Carletti, Giancarlo Corsetti, 181 pages

    This timely e-book contains the proceeding of the conference "Life in the Eurozone With or Without Sovereign Default?" organized by the PEGGED project, funded by the SSH Theme of FP7. This e- book addresses thoroughly the issue of Sovereing default, notably the case of Greece, and its political consequences for the Euro-zone, for the banking systems and for tax-payers. The books present very different perspectives and possible actions, and most suggest that debt restructuring is inevitable. As highlighted by Josep Borrell Fontelles - former president of the European Parliament - the main contribution of this e-book is that it discusses what such a restructuring could look like. It should be kept in mind, as indicated by Mitu Gulati, that "Greece is almost in a better position than any other country in recent memory to do a restructuring."

  • The INFOCON Mousebook

    Transnational Communities and Conflicts - Challanges and how to address them - The INFOCON Mousebook

    2011 , Editors: Elise Féron and Anna Orrnert, 190 pages

    The idea of this "Mousebook" - a handbook mainly disseminated online - grew out of Infocon, a research project funded by the European Commission under the Seventh Framework programme for Research and Development.

    While research on diasporas and transnational communities has been relatively extensive, little is known about the civil society organizations that grow out these communities. Despite their often small size, these organizations contribute significantly to building links between countries of origin and countries of settlement. They have a key role to play in peace building initiatives in these two locations and in the development process of their home countries.

    The book helps them to imagine and set their own path through the various traps and quagmires as well as opportunities that lie ahead.

  • Crime and Deviance in the EU – Key findings from EU funded social sciences and humanities research projects

    Crime and Deviance in the EU – Key findings from EU funded social sciences and humanities research projects

    2011, EUR 24858 EN, ISBN 978-92-79-20494-4, doi: 10.2777/63953, 32 pages

    In a changing European political landscape, where borders have progressively been erased and people’s mobility has become a reality, crime is a fully-fledged European phenomenon, which needs to be analysed from a European and interdisciplinary perspective, within the umbrella of Socio-economic and Humanities disciplines.

    The European Commission has funded several research projects in the field of Crime and Deviance, through the Socio-Economic Sciences and Humanities Programme, within the 6th and 7th Framework programme for Research and Technological Development.

    This policy review summarises main findings of those projects, with the aim of providing a useful tool for policy makers, practitioners as well as researchers in the field of crime and deviance.

  • Databases from socio-economic research projects for policymaking

    Databases from socio-economic research projects for policymaking

    2011, EUR 24822, ISBN 978-92-79-20296-4, doi 10.2777/58320, 60 pages

    Socio-economic research leads to a better understanding and measurement of the economic, social and environmental impact of government policies.

    It relies on statistical data series coming from surveys and other structured sets of data. This publication presents an overview of the socio-economic research funded from FP. It shows that for each dimension of the Europe 2020 Strategy and the Innovation Union partnership research has been carried out looking at, measuring and supporting decision making.

    The material presented in this publication allow the reader not only to access the quantitative data which underpin the strategies adopted by Europe but at one and the same time inform the reader about these projects and the teams working on them.

  • Science, economy and society - Highlights 2010

    European forward-looking activities: Building the future of Innovation Union and ERA

    This publication presents a synthesis of European and national forward-looking exercises in the fields of science, technology and innovation. It answers to the two following questions: "What recent national forward-looking activities tell us on the future of science and technology?" and "What EU forward-looking activities tell us about societal challenges that need to be addressed by EU research and innovation?".

    This publication provides a fresh insight on the main current trends and expected perspectives on the European Research Area and Innovation Union including citizens’ visions about science and technology.

  • Science, economy and society - Highlights 2010

    Science, economy and society - Highlights 2010

    • 2011, EUR 24797, ISBN 978-92-79-19979-0, doi 10.2777/54837, 44 pages

    In 2010 the European Union continued to address the challenges of the Europe 2020 Strategy by funding Research and Innovation and implementing the European Research Area. A key element of this was the funding from the 7th Framework Programme for Research (FP7) devoted to Socio-Economic Sciences and Humanities research (SSH). Research which is an important tool enabling the European Commission to analyse the challenges Europe is facing and to support its development of appropriate policy responses. Furthermore the future of Europe is linked to its capacity to integrate science into society and this is supported by the European Commission through the Science in Society (SiS) theme of FP7 with, inter alia, its major efforts at developing the “Fifth Freedom” (i.e. the free movement of knowledge). This report describes the current organisation of SSH and SiS and what happened during 2010 under these headings.


  • SSH experiences with FP7 – A commentary" NET4SOCIETY survey report

    SSH experiences with FP7 – A commentary "NET4SOCIETY survey report"

    • Authors: Angela Schindler-Daniels (DLR, DE), Christina Bitterberg (DLR, DE), Ranjana Sarkar (DLR, DE), Małgorzata Krotki (IPPT-PAN, PL), Larissa Titarenko (BSU, BY) 09/03/2011, 84 pages

    Within the context of the EU-funded project NET4SOCIETY a survey-based report entitled: “SSH Experiences with FP7 – a Commentary” was launched in Summer 2010.

    The overall learning objective of the SSH commentary is to capture a vivid picture of SSH researchers’ opinions and – if possible – experiences on the general structure of Theme 8 “SSH” and on the integration of SSH aspects in the other nine research Themes of the Cooperation programme.

    The SSH commentary was conducted at the midterm stage of FP7 – reflecting four years of experience with FP7. The SSH Commentary is part of a work package in the NET4SOCIETY project, funded by the European Commission. Its objective is to improve the tools of SSH funding and to provide policy-relevant recommendations.

    More information on the Net4Society project: www.net4society.eu


  • Towards a greater understanding of the changing role of business in society

    Towards a greater understanding of the changing role of business in society

    • 2011, EUR 24651, ISBN 978-92-79-18870-1, doi 10.2777/44703, 44 pages

    With the increasing activities of the European Commission aimed at promoting responsible business and advancing Corporate Social Responsibility throughout the private sector, there is a growing need of robust scientific analysis of the phenomenon and its different aspects. This publication summarises the outcomes of a conference ‘Towards a greater understanding of the changing role of business in society’ organised on 22 April 2010 in Brussels by the European Commission, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation. The conference participants discussed a number of topics related to the role business in society including, among others, the challenges of interaction and cooperation between enterprises and their stakeholders, the problem of voluntary codes versus legal frameworks in promoting corporate responsibility in a globalised economy, the need to build new relationship between enterprises and the state, as well as potential contribution of business to millennium Development Goals. In its final section the publication proposes a number of topics which could inspire future research funding.


  • EuroMed-2030 - Long term challenges for the Mediterranean area. Report of an Expert Group

    EuroMed-2030 - Long term challenges for the Mediterranean area. Report of an Expert Group

    • 2011, EUR 24740, ISBN 978-92-79-19519-8, doi 10.2777/4609, 140 pages

    Intensifying the relationship between the European Union and the countries on the Southern and Eastern shores of the Mediterranean has been a key target since the Barcelona process. This objective has been reinvigorated with the Union for the Mediterranean. The "EuroMed-2030" forward looking report is divided into three parts: the trends, the tensions and the transitions in the Mediterranean area in the next two decades. This "EuroMed-2030" report addresses the trends in the fields of demography and macroeconomics, water and agriculture, energy and climate change, education and science, religion and culture, and geopolitics and governance.
    Tensions among socio-economic groups, between competing visions of State and reform, between hostile States and between the expectations of Euro-Mediterranean cooperation are identified. Finally, four transitions for the future Euro-Mediterranean relations are presented: managing conflict, win-win projects, deeper economic integration and towards a Euro-Mediterranean Community.


  • EuroMed-2030 - Collection of individual contributions of the experts

    EuroMed-2030 - Collection of individual contributions of the experts

    • 2011, EUR 24754, ISBN 978-92-79-19667-6, doi 10.2777/49190, 320 pages

    The expert group "EuroMed-2030" was established in January 2010, to assess the trends, tensions and scenarios for the Mediterranean area by 2030. The collection of individual contributions first looks at the trends, especially in terms of economic and social transformation, water and environment, political reforms and socio-economic instability factors. Then, it focuses on the tensions in the Mediterranean area ranging from conflict/diplomacy and self reliance/dependency to economic growth/sustainable development and jobs/migration. Thirdly, it introduces proposed transitions (Managing conflict, Engaging in win-win projects, Deeper economic integration and Towards a EuroMed Community) as well as additional insights on the topics of research and innovation, desalination, educational systems, identity and cultural values and gender relations. Finally, the experts' proposals are presented. They deal mostly with EuroMed cooperation in the fields of geopolitics and governance, sustainability, demographic change and economic development, cultural cooperation, education, science and innovation.


  • Synopsis

    Pluralism and religious diversity, social cohesion and integration in Europe - insights from European research

    • 2011, EUR 24690, ISBN 978-92-79-19031-5, doi: 10.2777/44819, 103 pages

    This cluster synopsis provides an overview of 19 research projects dealing with ‘European pluralism, religions, tolerance and values’. The projects address issues such as the balance between individual and societal needs, notions of respect for otherness, and the role of pluralist societies in responding to increasing levels of diversity. This research will make a significant contribution to creating an evidence base to support policymaking at European, national, regional and local levels. The present publication marks a first step in the process of supporting these projects to meet the policymaking challenges faced by European societies.


  • Synopsis

    European Arts Festivals: Strengthening cultural diversity

    • 2011, EUR 24749, ISBN 978-92-79-19569-3, doi 10.2777/48715, 72 pages

    This publication describes the Festival project – funded under the Social Sciences and Humanities theme of the European Union’s Seventh Research Framework Programme – presents some of its main research findings in this publication.It addresses these and other questions that will be of interest to policymakers at the EU, national, regional and local level, those engaged in the culture sector and European citizens.


  • Synopsis

    Synopsis "European Research - Socio-economic Sciences and Humanities – List of projects 2007-2010 - 7th Research Framework Programme

    • 2010, EUR 24470 EN, ISBN 978-92-79-16227-5, doi: 10.2777+87149, 316 pages

    This publication describes 135 European research projects funded by the Socio-economic Sciences and Humanities theme of the 7th Framework Programme from 2007 to 2010. These projects concern the Lisbon strategy, sustainable development and regional cohesion, major societal trends, Europe in the world, the citizen in the EU, indicators, foresight and infrastructure.


  • Why socio-economic inequalities increase? Facts and policy responses in Europe

    Why socio-economic inequalities increase? Facts and policy responses in Europe

    • 2010, EUR 24471 EN, ISBN 978-92-79-16343-2, doi: 10.2777/94928, 50 pages

    There is now compelling scientific evidence that since the mid-1970s socio-economic inequalities have greatly increased in the world and also in Europe. What the research in Social Sciences and the Humanities clearly show is that countries with higher socio-economic inequalities also experience more acute socio-economic problems – whether we are speaking about lower economic growth, more violence, poorer educational achievements, lower civic or electoral participation or higher mortality rates. At the same time, we have experienced sustained economic growth since the 1980s. This means that the kind of growth experienced over the last decades fosters inequalities and, with them, all the social and economic evils that strike the European Union and weaken it as a model for progress and well-being. The way forward is a new socio-ecological model which will have the European democratic values of equity and progress at its heart and make sure that socio-economic inequalities will decline and soon.

  • Innovation: Creating knowledge and jobs – Insights from European research in socio-economic sciences

    Innovation: Creating knowledge and jobs – Insights from European research in socio-economic sciences

    • 2010, EUR 24431 EN, ISBN 978-92-79-16136-0, doi 10.2777/56513, 56 pages

    This publication addresses the issues of intangible investments, the role of finance to push innovation, the importance of entrepreneurship, the dynamics of institutions and markets, regional economic growth, social innovation, social entrepreneurs, the service economy, the internationalisation of firms and the globalisation of knowledge, global innovation networks and the R&D and innovation perspectives.

  • Evaluation of the Impact of the Framework Programme on the Formation of the ERA in social Sciences and Humanities (SSH)

    Evaluation of the Impact of the Framework Programme on the Formation of the ERA in social Sciences and Humanities (SSH)

    • 2010 , EUR 24453 EN, ISBN 978-92-79-16192-6, ISSN 1018-5593, doi 10.2777/76190, 148 pages

    The following report presents the results of a study aiming to evaluate the contribution of the Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) parts of the Framework Programme on the European Research Area in SSH. It covers research carried out in the 3rd call of the Socio-economic Research Key Action of the 5th Framework Programme as well as the "Citizens and Governance in a Knowledge-Based Society" part of FP6. The study examined the impacts of these programmes in four domains: the research policies for SSH in Member States, the structuring effects of the new instruments; the importance of the support for research infrastructures in the context of the SSH programme; and the impact of the programme on the careers of participating researchers.

  • Gender ResearchGender research in the 6th Framework Programme and the first period of the 7th Framework Programme - “Socio-Economic Sciences and Humanities” Programme

    2010, EUR 24517, ISNB 978-92-79-13761-7, doi 10.2777/61483, 64 pages

    Gender relations are at the core of most social, economic and political experiences. Accordingly, they have been the object of policy initiatives at national, European and international level, and became a dedicated area of research decades ago. Activities carried out in the 6th and (beginning of) 7th Framework Research Programme in the field of Socio-economic Sciences and Humanities pursued both gender-specific research as well as mainstreaming of gender issues in research related to different fields such as global governance, democracy, or conflict resolution. This is also consistent with the approach developed under the Science in Society thematic programme of the 7th Framework Research Programme concerning to the gender dimension of scientific inquiry and science policy. In this respect, a wide range of activities were undertaken in order to raise awareness about issues facing women in science as well as to promote better access for women to scientific studies and career. This short compendium is intended to be a useful reference for anyone interested in gender research and also for those still sceptical about it.

  • European Forward Looking Activities - EU Research in Foresight and Forecast

    European Forward Looking Activities – EU Research in Foresight and Forecast – Socio-economic Sciences and Humanities – List of Activities 2007-2010

    • 2010, EUR 24480, ISBN 978-92-79-16363-0, doi 10.2777/11829, 52 pages

    Forward looking activities (FLA) are used for the preparation and the formulation of EU policies. Foresight and Forecasting allow to elaborate long term visions and to assess economic, social and environmental impacts of policies. Between 2007 and 2010 around twenty research FLA initiatives have been launched by the 7th Research Framework Programme under the theme “Socioeconomic Sciences and Humanities” in the following fields: Globalisation, Europe and neighbouring countries; ERA (European Research Area), science, technology and innovation; Evaluation of policies and modelling of post-carbon society; Mapping, preferences, visions and wild cards.

  • World and European Sustainable Cities

    World and European Sustainable Cities - World and European Sustainable CitiesPortable document format

    A new publication featuring highlights of European research examines how continuous urbanisation can be reconciled with sustainable and inclusive growth. Compiled by the European Commission, the aim of the 'World and European Sustainable Cities' report is to encourage a shift towards a culture of economic, social and environmental sustainability.
    The main message of the publication is that such a move is vital. By the year 2030, some five billion people out of a total global population of eight billion will be living in cities. While the European Union is strongly committed to promoting sustainable and inclusive growth, questions remain over how challenges resulting from urbanisation, such as providing key services, migration, new forms of poverty and green urban planning, can be effectively addressed.
  • Communicating research for evidence-based policymaking

    Communicating research for evidence-based policymaking - a practical guide for researchers in Socio-economic sciences and humanitiesPortable document format
    2010, EUR 24230 EN, ISBN 978-92-79-14858-3, ISSN 1018-5593, doi 10.2777/9276, 56 pages

    In today's enlarged European Union, the demand for policy-relevant evidence is greater than ever before. Policymakers need accurate and timely input from the research community in order to assess socio-economic challenges and propose effective strategies for tackling them.
    This guide offers practical advice on how to build a functional communications interface between researchers and policymakers. Advocating a cooperative approach to the policy design process, it is specifically tailored to meet the needs of those involved in EU-funded socio-economic research projects.
    Communicating research for evidence-based policymaking provides essential help in creating policy briefs, project websites, flyers and brochures. It offers insights into dealing with the press and contains valuable suggestions on how to organise a final conference. With this guide, researchers should be better able to develop and implement a successful dissemination strategy.
  • The Proceedings of the Conference Mapping the future of the EU-US Strategic Partnership The Proceedings of the Conference Mapping the future of the EU-US Strategic Partnership: Policy and research perspective (Brussels, 25-26 January 2010) are now available http://ec.europa.eu/research/social-sciences/pdf/eu-us-conference-proceedings_en.pdf.

    Eds: Erik Jones & Angela Liberatore; 2010, Luxembourg, Publications Office of the European Union, EUR 24308, ISBN 978-92-79-15357-0, doi: 10.2777/16565, 88 pp.

    The conference was intended to provide a forum for dialogue between research and policy across the Atlantic in a time where the European Union is defining its new roles and modes of operation following the entry into force of the Lisbon treaty and President Obama's Administration entered its second year facing complex and difficult choices and challenges.

    More info on the conference: http://ec.europa.eu/research/social-sciences/events-89_en.html

    • Proceedings

  • Evaluation of the Impact of Framework ProgrammeEvaluation of the Impact of Framework Programme supported Social Sciences and Humanities Research - A bibliometric approachPortable document format, EUR 24311, 2010, ISBN 978-92-79-15370-9, doi 10.2777/18202, 58 pages
    The report presents the results of an evaluation study of the impact of Framework Programme supported Social Sciences and Humanities research by means of bibliometric analysis. It covers research carried out under the Socio-economic Key Action of the 5th Framework Programme, and aims to provide a benchmark for the evaluation of the scientific impact of subsequent programmes. On the basis of a structured sample, the study developed a quantitative estimate of the outputs of the programme and then applied bibliometric evaluation methods to the outputs that were amenable to this type of analysis. The study found that the programme was quite successful in producing high quality scientific knowledge in the fields that it addressed and that it was particularly beneficial for female scholars and young scholars.
  • EFMN Final reportEFMN Final report - Monitoring foresight activities in Europe and the rest of the worldPortable document format, EUR 24043, November 2009, ISBN 978-92-79-13119-6, DOI 10.2777/47260, ISSN 1018-5593, 72 pages
    The report ‘Monitoring foresight activities in Europe and the rest of the world’ is part of a series of publications produced by the European Foresight Monitoring Network (EFMN project, 2004-2008). EFMN is a Europe-wide network inspired and financed by the European Commission within the framework of the Foresight Knowledge Sharing Platform implemented under the Research Framework Programme (FP7). This report is the concluding report of the European Foresight Monitoring Network. After 4 years of activity, the report provides you with a concise overview of the backgrounds and organization of the EFMN. It gives you a more detailed insight in how the organization of work and network development evolved. It shows the results of the Mapping, Issue analysis, Briefs production and Dissemination, being the main activities of the network. 2 000 Foresight initiatives were identified. Annual overviews of foresight activities were produced at country level as well as an analysis of all the collected foresight initiatives. Four annual issue analysis workshops have been conducted, focusing on crucial societal topics. They were all the result of a systematic analysis of the emerging issues. The aim of the report is to provide the academic reader, as well as the policymaker and the otherwise interested an overview of some of the most inspiring results, as well as show them some insights in the lessons learned. By identifying the big scientific, technological and social challenges of tomorrow and bringing relevant information on crucial societal topics to the attention of the foresight community and policy-makers, EFMN was considered as being one of the most valuable current foresight initiatives.
  • Mapping ForesightMapping Foresight - Revealing how Europe and other world regions navigate into the future –European Foresight Monitoring Network - Series of EFMN publicationsPortable document format, EUR 24041 EN, November 2009, ISBN 978-92-79-13110-3, DOI 10.2777/47203, ISSN 1018-5593, 128 pages
    The “Mapping Foresight” report is part of a series of publications produced by the European Foresight Monitoring Network (EFMN project, 2004-2008). EFMN is a Europe-wide network inspired and financed by the European Commission within the framework of the Foresight Knowledge Sharing Platform implemented under the Research Framework Programme (FP7). The mapping activity was one of the main activities of the network. Over 2 000 initiatives were mapped between 2004 and 2008 in Europe and other world regions, including Latin America, North America, Asia and Oceania. The report is the result of the first large international effort aimed at understanding the nature of foresight practices. Foresight has become more than just a tool to support policy or strategy development in Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI). Foresight practice is the result of a systematic work to promote effective processes to proactively think about the future. These processes can be applied to a variety of research areas or knowledge domains, such as natural sciences, medical sciences, engineering and technology, agricultural sciences, social sciences, and the humanities.
  • Special issue on healthcareSpecial issue on healthcare - Healthy ageing and the future of public healthcare systems - Series of EFMN publicationsPortable document format, EUR 24044 EN, November 2009, ISBN 978-92-79-13120-2, DOI 10.2777/47289, ISSN 1018-5593, 80 pages
    The “Special issue on healthcare” is part of a series of publications produced by the European Foresight Monitoring Network (EFMN project, 2004-2008). EFMN is a Europe-wide network inspired and financed by the European Commission within the framework of the Foresight Knowledge Sharing Platform implemented under the Research Framework Programme (FP7). The “issue analysis” was one of the main activities of the network and aimed at identifying and analysing “key emerging issues” which are relevant for European future S&T policies. With a focus on public health systems, the EFMN Issue Analysis 2008 addressed a topic of high importance in foresight activities at national or regional level. Future challenges, such as an ageing population call for reforms of public health systems that exceed national borders. This paper exploits how the topic of “healthy ageing and the future of public healthcare systems” features in most recent forward looking exercises and prospective studies around the world focusing on the most important emerging challenges for the future. It consolidates the global perspective on healthy ageing and the future of public healthcare systems and how the issue is displayed by various communities/nations/regions. The European Commission under its Framework Programme 7 is providing the means to continue the activities of the European Foresight Monitoring Network. The new project, EFP (European Foresight Platform – supporting forward looking decision-making) started in October 2009 and will last for 3 years.
  • EFMN Briefs - Part 1The European Foresight Monitoring Network, Collection of EFMN Briefs - Part 1Portable document format, EUR 23095 EN, 2008, - ISBN 978-92-79-07448-6, 481 pages
    Foresight identifies future research and innovation priorities going within and beyond the Lisbon strategy and contributes to building a strong European Research Area. It helps in the early identification of emerging issues that could have far-reaching implications for European Science and Technology in the long run. It contributes to the analysis of changes in the global research system and their possible implications for European research policy. The Foresight Monitoring Network (EFMN) is a Europe-wide network inspired and financed by the European Commission in the framework of the Foresight Knowledge Sharing Platform implemented under the Research Framework Programme. The EFMN initiative identifies the big scientific, technological and social challenges of tomorrow, contributing thus to the main priorities of the socio-economic sciences and humanities research. Through a continuous monitoring and mapping of ongoing and emerging Foresight activities conducted not only in Europe, but also in other regions of the world, the EFMN project identifies “hot topics” noteworthy for their novelty or importance and contributes to the dissemination of this relevant information through the production of short foresight policy briefs. It covers countries as varied as the EU Member States, Japan, China and Korea, the US, Canada and Brazil. Those briefs that were written between 2004 and 2007 summarize the results of recently terminated or on-going foresight activities dealing with crucial topics such as the hydrogen economy, the knowledge-based development of rural economies or the sustainable exploitation of marine resources.
  • EFMN Briefs - Part 2The European Foresight Monitoring Network, Collection of EFMN Briefs - Part 2Portable document format, EUR 23095 EN, November 2009, ISBN 978-92-79-12610-9, DOI 10-2777/33167, ISSN 1018-5593, 176 pages
    The “EFMN briefs” is part of a series of publications produced by the European Foresight Monitoring Network (EFMN project, 2004-2008). EFMN is an initiative inspired and financed by the European Commission in the framework of the Foresight Knowledge Sharing Platform implemented under the Research Framework Programme (FP7). The EFMN approach is based on the continuous process of monitoring and collecting data on foresight exercises conducted not only in Europe, but in other regions of the world as well. This information is collected using experts within the international foresight community. One of the tasks of the network is the production of Foresight briefs. These are short descriptions of interesting, recent, or ongoing foresight exercises and forward looking studies. The present publication is Part 2 of the collection of EFMN briefs and presents the last 40 briefs written in 2008. The first 120 briefs were published in April 2008 and met a large success (EUR 23095 EN). Both publications are a very useful information and dissemination tool addressed not only to the Foresight community but also to policy-makers.
  • Annual Report 2009 RTD.LThe 2009 Science, Economy and Society Highlights are publishedPortable document format The publication brings in an attractive form an overview of the many activities carried out in 2009 by Directorate L - Science, Economy and Society of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Research. The Directorate has the responsibility of managing both the Socio-economic Sciences and Humanities (SSH) and the Science in Society (SIS) Programmes.

  • Greater Corporate Social ResponsabilityTowards greater corporate responsibility – Conclusions of EU-funded researchPortable document format, Brussels, 2009, EUR 24168, ISBN 978-92-79-13819-5; doi 10.2777/7; ISSN 1018-5593; 64 p.
    This publication examines the results of socio-economic research projects on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funded under the European Union’s Sixth Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development. In this review, the research carried out is put in the context of developing the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility as well as the evolving European Union policy in this area. As the document analyses different aspects of the issue, from strategies through instruments to outcomes in a comprehensive way, identifying also knowledge gaps and possible future trends, it should provide informative reading to all parties interested in the topic.

  • Greater Corporate Social ResponsabilityPeople, the economy and our planet.Portable document format, Brussels, 26-28 May 2009 EUR 24053, ISBN 978-92-79-11952-1, DOI 10.2777/50111, ISSN 1018-5593, 40 pages.
    At the European level, the sustainable development strategy, the energy and climate change package, and the procedure of ‘impact assessment’ of major EU initiatives are good examples of the integration of sustainable development into the daily life of the European Union. Sustainable development has passed from a conceptual idea to an operational reality. Sustainable development has been subject to scientific, technological and, more and more, socio-economic research and studies. Sustainability hinges on whether one can find a new model of development that reconciles profit, people and the planet. Here, EU research deals with long-term issues and with the need to support a post-carbon and knowledge-based society. This publication draws upon presentations and discussion at the ‘Sustainable development: A challenge for European research’ conference that was held in Brussels in May 2009. It focuses on the role of the Socio-economic Sciences and Humanities within European research and which is directed at creating more wealth while consuming fewer resources.

  • The World in 2025Seminar - Anthropological perspectives in a changing Europe "Bringing people in"Portable document format, Brussels, 2009, EUR 24160, ISBN 978-92-79-13622-1, ISSN 1018-5593, doi 10.2777/53840, 44 pages
    An initiative of the Director of the "Science, Economy and Society Directorate", Jean-Michel Baer, this seminar was organised both to encourage the participation of humanities scholars in the SSH Work Programme and to contribute to the Directorate’s preparation of its 2012-2013 road map. 18 anthropologists from Europe and beyond participated in discussion on the specific contribution the discipline can make to the programme.
    Presentation by anthropologists such as Michael Herzfeld from Harvard University, Marc Abélès from the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales, and Christina Garsten from the University of Sweden, were followed by discussions.

  • The World in 2025The world in 2025 – Rising Asia and socio-ecological transition. Portable document format
    Brussels, 2009, EUR 23921 EN, ISBN 978-92-79-12485-3, ISSN 1018-5593, DOI 10.2777/2539, 28 pages
    Recent developments in the world and the strong European commitment to a regulating globalisation argue in favour of a forward looking analysis. “The World in 2025” first underlines the major future trends: geopolitical transformations in terms of population, economic development, international trade and poverty. Secondly, it identifies the likely tensions: natural resources (food, energy, water and minerals), migrations or urbanisation. Finally, it defines possible transitional pathways: towards a new production and consumption model, towards new rural-urban dynamics, towards a new gender and intergenerational balance. “Rising Asia and socio-ecological transition” is the explicit sub-title that could be an inspiring source for the future strategy of the European Union.|fr|

  • Euro-Indian Workshop"Cultures of Governance and Conflict Resolution – A Euro-Indian Workshop" Portable document format
    Proceedings, New Delhi and Shimla, India, 20-22/11/2008 - EUR 23739 EN, 2009, ISBN 978-92-79-11088-7, DOI 10.2777/57250, 94 pages
    The proceedings of this workshop - which was convened by DG Research, in cooperation with the Delegation of the European Commission to India, The Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla, with the support of the Transcultura International Institute, Paris - present some highlights of research conducted in Europe and India on issues of common interest and high policy relevance such as governance, democracy and conflict resolution where mutual learning can enhance current and future analytical work. The debate at the workshop was organised around four interconnected themes: Cultures of Governance and Perspectives on Diversity; Global Governance and the Universal Values Quest; Cultures of governance and Mutual Perceptions; Conflict Resolution and Human Rights; and Cultural Traditions and the Road Ahead.

  • The World in 2025The World in 2025 – Contributions from an expert group Portable document format
    Brussels, 2009, EUR 23864, ISBN 978-92-79-11482-3, DOI 10.2777/41493, 390 pages
    This publication is a prospective analysis based on the current state of the world and its historical evolution, including economic and societal changes and new geopolitical configurations. This prospective exercise incorporates the demographic, economic, trade, financial, environmental, technological and social dimensions as well as the issues of migration, security and governance. "The World in 2025" contains the contribution of the individual experts as well as scenarios outlining future developments over the next fifteen years.

  • European Research on Education and TrainingEuropean Research on Education and TrainingPortable document format
    Brussels, 2009, EUR 23865, ISBN 978-92-79-11484-7, ISSN 1018-5593, DOI 10.2777/4165, 56 pages
    High quality education and training systems are essential for European welfare and for developing a knowledge-based society. This publication aims to give an overview of the European research carried out in the 6th and 7th Framework Programmes. These education and training projects deal with knowledge and skills (Lisbon Strategy), inclusion and cohesion (Social Agenda), culture, youth and migration (Citizenship), horizontal, international and support actions.
  • European Research on YouthEuropean Research Socio-economic Sciences and Humanities - Project Synopses - List of projects 2007-2009Portable document format
    Brussels, 2009, EUR 23587, ISBN 978-92-79-09798-0, ISSN 1018-5593, DOI 10.2777/11498, 236 pages
    This publication describes European Research projects funded by the Socio-economic Sciences and Humanities theme of the seventh Framework Programme in 2007, 2008 and 2009. These projects concern the Lisbon strategy, sustainable development and regional cohesion, major societal trends, Europe in the world, the citizen in the EU, indicators, foresight and infrastructure.
  • European Research on YouthEuropean Research on Youth - Supporting young people to participate fully in society - The contribution of European ResearchPortable document format
    Brussels, 2009, EUR 23863, ISBN 978-92-79-11450-2, ISSN 1018-5593, DOI 10.2777/4263, 76 p.
    This publication examines the results of youth-related socio-economic research projects funded under Research Framework Programmes. This review of projects focused on youth and how to best ensure their transition into working life, on strategies for social inclusion of young people and on their full participation as citizens in society. Its main purpose is to distil some common themes which recur in the projects and which are of interest to policy-makers. On the basis of this evidence, concrete recommendations are made to policy-makers as well as to those working with young people.
  • INEQ policy briefPortable document format - Inequality: mechanisms, effects and policies
  • Moving Europe – EU research on migration and policy needsMoving Europe – EU research on migration and policy needsPortable document format
    Brussels, 2009, EUR 23859, ISBN 978-92-79-09698-3, DOI 10.2777/58809, ISSN 1018-9593, 48 p.
    Demography, migration, integration and social cohesion are key topics for the present and future of the European Union. Research in relation to these issues is a core part of the European Seventh Research Framework Programme, theme Socio-economic Sciences and Humanities (SSH). This report presents a brief description of the projects focusing in the area of migration and integration of migrants funded in the last five years, their main findings and relevance for European policy making.
  • The METRIS Report - Emerging Trends in Socio-economic Sciences and Humanities in EuropePortable document format - Brussels, 2009, EUR 23741, ISBN 978-92-79-11136-5, DOI 10.2777/57083, 144 pages
    METRIS stands for Monitoring European Trends in Social Sciences and Humanities. The aim of METRIS is to support the European Research Area (ERA) in the Social Sciences and the Humanities (SSH). This is particularly important for these sciences, because their knowledge is embedded into national systems, and the ERA brings about novel insights and perspectives that result from comparing national systems and situations as well as rising above such comparisons. European level research in SSH forms an important support for European policy-making.
  • New Databases, Indicators and ToolsPortable document format - Brussels, 2008, EUR 23605, ISBN 978-92-79-10156-4, ISSN 1018-5593, DOI 10.2777/24786, 108 pages
    This publication highlights the major European research initiatives aimed at developing new, complete and harmonized economic and social databases and indicators in the fields of the knowledge economy, welfare, demography, sustainable development and impact assessment. This background is a pre-requisite for evidence-based European policies and for improving forecast, foresight, impact assessment and modelling in emerging policy issues related to globalisation, social trends and sustainability.
  • Socio-Economic Sciences and Humanities, Science and Society, 2008: Highglights of the YearPortable document format, Brussels, EUR 23734, ISBN 978-92-79-10567-8, DOI 10.2777/35243, 112 pages
    The 'Highlights of the Year' publication represents a selection of activities conducted within the programmes SSH (Socio-economic Sciences and Humanities) and SIS (Science in Society) in 2008
  • European Union Research on Human Rights, Conflicts and Security in the 6th FP and the first period of the 7th FP – Socio-Economic Sciences and HumanitiesEuropean Union Research on Human Rights, Conflicts and Security in the 6th FP and the first period of the 7th FP – Socio-Economic Sciences and HumanitiesPortable document format. EUR 23723, ISBN 978-92-79-10653-8, ISSN 1018-5593, DOI 10.2777/36911 , 103 pages
    War and peace are as old as humankind, and violation to human dignity and integrity also - but their shapes, causes, impacts keep changing over time and in different contexts. This is surely also the present case – with factors such as globalisation, pace of technology, new geopolitical landscapes and new actors (private and public) contributing to change the way conflicts arise and are dealt with and human rights are perceived and acted upon.
    Such developments need to be accompanied by analysis: independent, pluralistic and accurate knowledge is essential to inform policy and public debate. It is thus important that research on those issues be included and fostered in the context of EU research, and this publication provides a sort of easy "Vademecum" of research conducted in the 6th and first phase of the 7th Framework Research Programme (with some projects also in the 5th Framework). Hopefully this can help in both making such research better known and used for policy and debate, and can help identify gaps and future challenges to be addressed.
  • FEMAGE – Immigrant Women and their Integration in Ageing Societies, Results from the FEMAGE Project funded under the 6th FP, area Social Sciences and Humanities. Brussels, 2008, EUR 23610, ISBN 978-92-79-10332-2, ISSN 1018-5593, DOI 10.2777/30284, 96 pages Portable document format
    Immigration is a universal phenomenon that meets with a mixed reception depending on the host countries' historical and socio-economic background, their integration policy, the cultural differences between foreigners and nationals, and many other factors. One such factor is gender. Researchers from the FEMAGE project (Needs for Female Immigrants and their Integration in Ageing Societies) have studied the integration issue from the dual gender perspective of women nationals from the host countries and the women migrants who have come to join them. The result is a unique and detailed record of the experiences, needs, attitudes and expectations of women in relation to this urgent topic. In addition, the project has produced a number of key recommendations on support policies and services for the integration of female migrants in view of an ageing European population.
  • EU Research on Governance and Citizenship in the 6th FP and the first period of 7th FPEU Research on Governance and Citizenship in the 6th FP and the first period of 7th FP – Socio-economic Sciences and Humanities Programme, 2008, EUR 23596, ISBN 978-92-79-09971-7, ISSN 1018-5593, DOI 10.2777/16864, 103 pages pdf
    Research on the very working of the European institutions, the web of actors involved in deciding about the European 'res publica' - and the involvement of citizens in this - only started at the European level in the late nineties, in the 5th Framework Research Programme and flourished since then. In the 6th Framework Programme several projects – including large Integrated Projects and Networks of Excellence - have addressed these major issues, and some more are coming in the context of the 7th Framework programme – mainly in relation to global governance, multilateralism and the role of the EU in this, and on the new challenges concerning active citizenship and participation. This means that European research on governance evolved from 'latecomer' to well-grounded, and possibly international leader.
  • European Union Socio-economic Research - Sustainable Development & Territorial DynamicsEuropean Union Socio-economic Research - Sustainable Development & Territorial Dynamics, Brussels, 2008, EUR 23477, ISBN 978-92-79-09525-2, ISSN 1018-5593, DOI 10.2777/90149, 42 pages
    Sustainable development and territorial dynamics are at the crossroads of the social, economic and environmental dimensions. They are key issues at the EU-level as they directly refer to Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), cohesion policy and structural funds. They provide inputs for European "Impact Assessment". They allow to identify societal model changes and paradigm shifts in the fields of energy-environment-transport-land use. The EU efforts in Socio-economic Sciences and Humanities research of the seventh Framework Programme should bring new knowledge, new data and new tools which, in turn, should bring Europe in a more sustainable and cohesive trajectory.
  • European Research on Social Trends - Demography, Migration, Cohesion and IntegrationEuropean Research on Social Trends - Demography, Migration, Cohesion and Integration, Brussels, 2008 EUR 23478, ISBN 978-92-79-05201-9, ISSN 1018-5593, DOI 10.2777/9015, 50 pages pdf
    The ageing of population, the determinants of the birth rate in Europe, the migrations both inside and outside the European Union, the gender and cultural interactions, the factors of social exclusion, the integration of homeless and immigrants, and the development of new indicators are key policy questions in Europe that researchers are answering in the Socio-economic Sciences and Humanities theme of the Seventh Framework Programme.
  • Growth, Employment and Competitiveness in a Knowledge SocietyGrowth, Employment and Competitiveness in a Knowledge Society, Brussels, 2008 EUR 23474, ISBN 978-92-79-09457-6, ISSN 1018-5593, DOI 10.2777/8473, 44 pagespdf
    A new publication on European Research in Economics - Socio-economic Sciences and Humanities 7th Research Framework Programme "Socio-Economic Sciences and Humanities" (2007-20008)
  • European Foresight Monitoring Network : publication of 120 briefs with project outcomes
    The aim of this publication is to allow a better use of the results of foresight exercises by bringing information on crucial societal topics to the attention of policy-makers.
  • Scientific evidence for policy-making (pdf 4.0 MB)
  • Towards a Post-Carbon Society: European research on economic incentives and social behaviour (pdf 3.0 MB)
  • The complete Projects' Synopses for Social Sciences and Humanities in FP7 are available (pdf 2.9 MB)
  • The complete Projects' Synopses for Social Sciences and Humanities in FP6 are available (pdf 1.9 MB)
  • Detailed list of publications in the area of Socio-economic Sciences and Humanities

Last updated on: 2012-03-29