Harmonising research through Joint Programming Initiatives
The project JPIS TO CO-WORK (JPI's: A process of mutual learning: Towards a common adoption of framework) was established to deliver guidance on FCs needed to make JPI planning and implementation more efficient. The Support Action's main objective was to organise a process of mutual learning between existing JPIs. Its main focus was on common challenges and JPI contributions to the European Research Area (ERA) within the Europe 2020 strategy. Project members selected the best approaches to FCs by building a common language for further development. The work plan covered project management structure, strategic-level and planning activities, and JPIs' operational tasks. A document titled 'A Functional Approach to Joint Programming Initiatives' was produced, helping to clarify running discussions on joint programming and providing a basis for addressing FCs at project workshops. FC-related efforts were aimed at the organisation of workshops where participants could exchange experiences. A final report was written after each workshop. Documents, presentations and related materials are available on the website. FCs defined by the ERA Committee as essential functions to be addressed by JPIs included: peer review procedures, foresight activities, evaluation of joint programming, funding of cross-border research by national or regional authorities, optimum dissemination and use of research findings, and protection, management and sharing of intellectual property rights. The topics of governance, ex ante evaluation and innovation were also considered for potential inclusion in the list of FCs. Through reviews of existing documents and experiences, as well as implementing a process of exchange and mutual learning, the project has made a positive contribution to development of FC in all JPIs. The activities support the research community with a common language and operational instruments regarding JPIs. Project work has provided a forum supporting the continued discussion and exchange of experiences and best practices. Through a process of mutual learning, current and future JPIs will be better equipped to decide on the options they have for implementing the FCs. A common understanding of issues needing attention and consensus on approaches will render high quality and efficient FCs' implementation. Overall, it will be easier for policymakers, researchers and stakeholders to access JPIs. The final report “A Technical Annex for the Voluntary Guidelines on Framework Conditions for Joint Programming in Research” includes the most important findings of the project and is available on the project website.
Keywords
Joint Programming Initiatives, fragmentation of research, framework conditions, mutual learning
