The European Research Area Evolving concept, implementation challenges IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS EPRS | European Parliamentary Research Service Author: Vincent Reillon Members' Research Service March 2016 — PE 579.097 EN This publication aims to provide an overview of the European Research Area concept, based on an historical perspective of more than 40 years of European policies in research. The paper focuses on the role of the different European institutions in modelling the concept and in addressing the barriers to its implementation. PE 579.097 ISBN 978-92-823-8859-4 doi:10.2861/427861 QA-02-16-225-EN-N Original manuscript, in English, completed in March 2016 Disclaimer The content of this document is the sole responsibility of the author and any opinions expressed therein do not necessarily represent the official position of the European Parliament. It is addressed to the Members and staff of the EP for their parliamentary work. Reproduction and translation for non-commercial purposes are authorised, provided the source is acknowledged and the European Parliament is given prior notice and sent a copy. © European Union, 2016. Photo credits: © Atlantis / Fotolia.
[email protected] http://www.eprs.ep.parl.union.eu (intranet) http://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank (internet) http://epthinktank.eu (blog) The European Research Area Page 1 of 37 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In 1972, the Commission proposed the first guidelines for a Community policy on research and innovation with two dimensions: Member State cooperation in tackling common issues, and national research policy coordination. The former dimension was implemented gradually and led to the adoption of the first framework programme for Community research in 1983.