The purpose of an INCO-NET is to bring together policy makers and stakeholders of a given region or group of countries with the EU partners to:

• establish a dialogue to identify S&T priorities of mutual benefit and interest;
• define cooperation policy orientations together;
• implement specific activities to promote and contribute to the participation of the targeted regions or countries in the Framework Programme.

In other words, a kind of platform is envisaged, playing a bridging role between the international scientific community and the EU's research capacity. Activities can e.g. include surveys, studies, workshops, seminars and networking, leading to the definition and recommendation of priorities, strategic analysis and the dissemination of results. The work of existing initiatives has to be taken into account and built upon. Also, synergies and complementarities with the broader international cooperation policy framework have to be ensured.
Concerning the region of the Western Balkan countries, this new instrument seems to be an excellent opportunity to build upon the experience and broaden the scope of the work of the Information Office.
The first call for proposals will be published by the end of the year 2006 or the beginning of 2007 at the latest. As the Western Balkan countries are a priority area for research cooperation with the EU, this target region should certainly be included in the proposed call. In any event, the Information Office will closely follow the further developments on this interesting and challenging initiative. Any institute or stakeholder interested can contact us.

Information provided by Tania Friederichs, EC, DG Research

Article published in eJournal fall 06.