Boosting European RTD collaboration in Korea
One of the world's leaders in science and technology (S&T), Korea is also a key partner in European research and technological development (RTD), boasting well-established legal frameworks for bilateral cooperation. However, there is a lack of public awareness regarding opportunities for European collaborative research in this East Asian region. To provide the support necessary to boost the EU-Korean RTD cooperation foreseen by the EU-Korea Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement, the EU funded the 'Stimulating and facilitating the participation of European researchers in Korean R&D programmes' (Korridor) project. Partners aimed to provide European research groups with better access to and opportunities for participation in Korean national research and innovation programmes. Objectives included an opportunities mapping study, targeted dissemination to raise public awareness of the Korean science system and opportunities for joint research. For fostering, monitoring and evaluating bilateral cooperation, facilitation and capacity-building measures to create sustainable structures were an integral part of the aims. In the latter half of the project, Korridor members finalised the Policy Paper, Participation Guidelines, FAQ, and other documents, as well as the List of Principal Korean Research Institutions. The information in these outputs was shared with European researchers through Infoday events and a final project conference held in various cities across Europe. Promotional information and downloadable materials available on a constantly updated website offer information on Korea's S&T funding scheme and opportunities for bilateral collaboration. Other project activities included an expert workshop in Seoul for the train of existing and potential multipliers. Over the short term, project outcomes will boost the interest of European RTD teams in participating in Korean RTD programmes with their counterparts. Over the long term, an overall stronger basis for European participation will be realised. In this light, partners intended for the Policy Paper in its final form to highlight relevant problems and describe progress achieved, as well as actions to be taken for improving cooperation frameworks. In combination, project efforts will boost effective participation of European research organisations in Korean RTD programmes and promote a mutual understanding of each region's respective research systems.
