Evolving frameworks for European collaboration in research and technology

The evolution of the inter-relationship between the European Union's Framework Programme, the EUREKA initiative and COST is examined. It is concluded that the rationales acquired through their historical origins and development have been overtaken by changing circumstances. In turn this has affected the division of labour and modes of co-existence between the initiatives. Using the conclusions of recent strategic reviews, and in the light of the European research area concept, a framework for European research policy driven by co-ordination is proposed which combines the strengths of the existing schemes but sets them in the context of a broader European innovation policy. © 2001 Elsevier Science B.V.