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Bilateral Coordination for the Enhancement and Development of S&T Partnerships between the European Union and the United States of America

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Full steam ahead for EU-US cooperation in science, technology and innovation

There is an increase in science cooperation between the EU and the United States. An EU initiative carried over this momentum by stimulating and boosting science, technology and innovation (ST&I) partnerships.

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EU-United States ST&I cooperation has become well established. However, there are remaining challenges and obstacles to making this transatlantic collaboration even more beneficial. Building on the outcomes of its predecessor, BILAT USA, the EU-funded BILAT USA 2.0 (Bilateral coordination for the enhancement and development of S&T partnerships between the European Union and the United States of America) project set out to nurture the sustainable ST&I dialogue between American and European funding bodies, researchers and innovators as well as stakeholders from the private sector, particularly SMEs and industry. Two high-level conferences were held in the EU and the US. The former gathered about 150 experts, policymakers and stakeholders to discuss upcoming challenges and opportunities in innovation partnerships based on best practices. It examined ST&I, best practices in transatlantic innovation policies, framework conditions for transatlantic innovation cooperation, development of transatlantic bridges and future innovation paths for EU-US S&T&I relations. The latter brought together policymakers, leading scientists and experts and political advisors to discuss the importance of science diplomacy and areas of potential cooperation for both sides. Results and conclusions from both events led to a series of recommendations to foster future joint activities and overcome barriers to cooperation. In addition, 45 workshops were organised. Some events focused on one thematic area and addressed EU and US researchers, research and innovation organisations, and institutions that cover a specific research question, challenge or joint endeavour. Others dealt with opportunities in existing funding programmes such as Horizon 2020 (H2020). Project partners also delivered several reports. These include US participation in the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) via collaborative research projects and support actions, monitoring and assessment of H2020 activities, and awareness raising activities for FP7 and H2020. BILAT USA 2.0 provided a fresh impetus to permanent ST&I dialogue between the EU and the US. These science powerhouses will consequently be in a better position to address any barriers to innovation collaboration.

Keywords

EU-US cooperation, science, technology and innovation, BILAT USA 2.0, bilateral coordination

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