CORNET to strengthen collective research in Europe
The ERA-NET 'COllective Research NETworking' (CORNET) is seeking to increase the efficiency of collective research policy and practice in Europe. As an ERA-NET supported by the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6), CORNET is a platform for the exchange of knowledge and best practices and collaboration between national and regional programmes for collective research across Europe. It networks key players in the field of collective research from 17 European countries with the aim of increasing the efficiency of collective research policy and practice in Europe. Collective research is the name given to research and development (R&D) performed by specialised research institutes or technological centres on behalf of associations and federations for the benefit of their member companies, often small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), to address their 'pre-competitive' needs within their specific business sector. The R&D results are then actively promoted and disseminated across the sector for exploitation. So, for example, collective research can be used to devise technical norms, raise health and safety standards or improve industrial processes. Its aim is to strengthen the European Research Area (ERA) by promoting cooperation between national/regional ministries and agencies and creating opportunities to set up trans-national collective research with national/regional funding. CORNET has recently launched a call for proposals for trans-national research projects. With no thematic focus, the third CORNET call is open to associations, federations and trade associations in all industrial sectors interested in setting up trans-national project consortia and submitting collective research project proposals.