Strengthening EU cooperation in R&D with the Western Balkan Countries
The Western Balkans has long been one of Europe's most unstable regions. But, with the prospect of technological and economic development, is that about to change?
That's the policy question being debated now in Brussels, as part of the Slovenian Presidency of the European Union in the first half of 2008. It's also a debate being stimulated by Romania, an important neighbour of the Western Balkan countries (Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and Montenegro). At a conference in Brussels, on 17 January, the Romanian government led a discussion exploring how the EU's research programmes could be applied to building up the region's scientific and technological capabilities - and, ultimately, create a climate for faster economic growth and greater political stability.
S|B CONFERENCE REPORT
Conference: Stability through Science and Technology
Strengthening EU cooperation in R&D with the Western Balkan Countries
Brussels - January 17, 2008
Over the past two years, the National Authority for Scientific Research (ANCS), through the Romanian Office for Science and Technology in Brussels (ROST), has conducted annual seminars to strengthen European cooperation.
This year, reflecting EU enlargement and enhancing cooperation (one of the Slovenian EU Presidency objectives), ANCS convened their 2008 annual event on 17 January with the topic "Stability through Science and Technology - Strengthening EU cooperation in R&D with the Western Balkan Countries". The idea was to make this geographical area an attractive centre for the EU scientific community. Therefore, the event investigated ways to support Western Balkan countries in modernising their RDI system and adapting it to European integration requirements.
Download the final report [PDF], produced by Science|Business.
S|B SPECIAL REPORTS
In a special series of reports, sponsored by the Romanian Office of Science and Technology, Science|Business examines the matter.
Romania pushes for tech development in Western Balkans
The Romanian government is launching a campaign to make science and technology a key to prosperity and peace in the strife-torn Western Balkans.more...
New Slovenian award to boost Western Balkan ERA participation
The Slovenian government is calling on the private sector to help the Western Balkans improve its science base.more...
Innovation: the road to peace in south-central Europe?
Can investment in science and technology help bring stability and prosperity to one of Europe's oldest trouble-spots? more...
Western Balkans: Surmounting the obstacles - country by country
If the Western Balkans region is to improve the overall position of its science and technology, what are the obstacles to overcome? more...
Western Balkans: Objectives for strengthening research cooperation
Research actors within the Western Balkans face a number of challenges in gaining the full benefit of participation in EU research programmes. more...
SPECIAL BRIEFING
Key innovation infrastructures in the Western Balkans
Innovation infrastructures in the Western Balkans differ greatly throughout the region. Sectoral clusters, innovation centres, technological and science parks, technology/business incubators and start-ups are present to varying degrees. In this briefing, Science|Business presents a country-by-country breakdown.
Based on a report from see-science.eu
PRESS RELEASES
New Slovenian award to boost Western Balkan ERA participation
Slovenia sees building integration of Western Balkan research into the European Research Area as a key priority for its six-month Presidency of the European Union.more...
S&T policy coordination with Western Balkans: New project supports integration
The Western Balkan Countries INCO-NET, a consortium of 26 partners, will work in the next four years on the integration of the region into European research networks.more...
