Taking EU-SEA cooperation in S&T to another level
The initial SEA-EU-NET project formed a bi-regional dialogue between S&T policymakers in the EU and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). It also increased the level of SEA participation in the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7). With its international science cooperation network, the EU-funded 'SEA-EU-NET 2 - EU-ASEAN S&T cooperation to jointly tackle societal challenges' (SEA-EU-NET II) project is picking up right where its predecessor left off. Overall, the aim is to harmonise science, technology and innovation (ST&I) policies between the two regions. In 2014, project members organised their inaugural ST&I Days, an annual exchange forum for researchers, innovation stakeholders, policymakers and private businesses to improve EU-SEA cooperation. The team is focusing on three societal challenges, namely health, food security and safety, and water management. To this end, talks have begun on a joint bi-regional funding scheme to strengthen cooperation by bringing together key actors. In addition, several workshops on relevant scientific themes and Horizon 2020 info days have been held. Project partners mapped the current situation in the three domains and identified gaps, synergies and the potential for future collaboration. A report is being finalised based on an analysis that was carried out concerning innovation support policies, programmes and instruments available in selected SEA countries. SEA-EU-NET II is helping to establish a long-term framework for S&T collaboration and coordination between the EU and SEA. This will ultimately lead to a coherent approach to ST&I policymaking.
Keywords
Science and technology, South-east Asia, science cooperation, societal challenges, 'science, technology and innovation'
