Watching out for European research and development The value and impact of European research activities are being boosted thanks to monitoring and support activities designed to strengthen an existing research inventory. Project initiatives aim to support policymaking in a constantly changing research landscape. Digital Economy © Thinkstock ERAWATCH is a public web-based platform primarily intended for an R&D policy audience, covering the EU-27 as well as some non-European countries. It offers information and analyses on research-related national, regional and European policies, actors, organisations and support measures. The EU initiated the 'Erawatch monitoring and analysis' (Erawatch2) project to facilitate the ongoing improvement and provision of services by ERAWATCH. Partners continue to collect data and produce analytical products recognised for their quality and relevance. As the project continues to evolve, ERAWATCH is strengthening its policy focus on the European Research Area (ERA) and enhancing its focus on national policy contexts. At the same time, it is building on its capabilities to anticipate and address policy questions related to the dynamics of the emerging European Research and Innovation System. To date, the 2010 and 2011 editions of the ERAWATCH Analytical Country Reports have been produced. These were realised under the coordination of the Joint Research Centre's Institute for Prospective Technological Studies (JRC-IPTS) in close consultation with the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (DG Research and Innovation). Although problems were encountered in the updating of the ERAWATCH research inventory, partners are forging ahead in all project objectives. One example is the updated information on national research, innovation, systems and policies published on the website. This has been presented in a newly designed country fiche format, together with structured information on key policy documents, policy support measures and key actors. Another accomplishment is the establishment, in cooperation with DG Research and Innovation and under the aegis of the ERA Committee (ERAC), of a system of national ERAWATCH contact points. Work is ongoing, with Erawatch2 on its way to making a major contribution to enhanced R&D across the continent and beyond.
