Surveying the international research environment EU-funded researchers have analysed developments in research policies around the world. Digital Economy © Thinkstock Central governments and authorities provide much of the funding for research initiatives, in line with their own policy priorities. It is vital that policymakers have an informed and accurate picture of the research landscape to ensure that this money is used efficiently. ERAWATCH was established by the EU to provide a comprehensive monitoring and analysis service of research policies across its Member States. An additional EU-funded research project, 'ERAWATCH international monitoring and analysis' (ERAWATCH INT), extended the scope of these efforts to cover research initiatives outside the European Union. The 21-month project covered 13 countries: Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Egypt, Jordan, Mexico, Moldova, Morocco, New Zealand, South Africa and Ukraine. Project members produced a detailed report for each country giving an overview of the structure and evolution of its research system and policy context. In total, 52 specific templates were produced, four for each country, detailing important policy documents, organisations and programmes. Further, ERAWATCH INT wrote in-depth analyses for five of the project countries: Mexico, Moldova, Republic of Korea, South Africa and Ukraine. One special report looked at science and technology cooperation between Europe and the United States and another focused on identifying priorities for research cooperation between the EU and India. These are two of the most important partners for the EU for research cooperation, yet in both cases there is a lack of systematic or readily available information. Project efforts have considerably expanded knowledge of international research environments and outcomes provide policymakers with a comprehensive knowledge base. Armed with this information, they can aim to ensure research funding will provide the greatest benefits possible for citizens.
