Draft Report of the Expert Group on International STI Cooperation to ...

Towards a strategic approach
A strategic approach to international cooperation that includes a focus on industry and
innovation needs to be based on a balance between two considerations:
• How to support and streng<strong>the</strong>n international cooperation through R&D related
resources on firm- or cluster level:
o Ensure that Europe becomes attractive as a region for lead markets, pilots and
demonstration, infrastructures for testing and technology verification, and that
Europe take a lead in technology platforms and standardisation through
cooperation with stakeholders, all with a view to reduce uncertainty for
industrial innovation.
o Stimulate mobility <strong>of</strong> researchers and students and access to talent and
research.
o Ensure that <strong>the</strong> business support presence <strong>of</strong> EU and MS in 3 rd countries is
coherent to provide relevant and pr<strong>of</strong>essional innovation support to European
firms;
o A stronger coordination <strong>of</strong> national actions at EU level; Joint priority setting
and pooling <strong>of</strong> resources; public authorities to provide a clear response to
industry initiatives (e.g. Strategic Research Agendas) and easy access for
SMEs to international R& I.
o An EU strategy should avoid a too strong pre-selection <strong>of</strong> countries for
international cooperation. Industry typically differentiates between <strong>the</strong>ir
partners on strategic research vs. development and engages in different
countries accordingly. An EU strategy needs to be flexible to accommodate
this varied approach to international investments and cooperation in R&D.
• How to develop and implement framework conditions globally that ensure level
playing fields:
o The EU should lead projects aiming to set global standards and norms. This is
an opportunity to take <strong>the</strong> initiative and have a decisive influence on <strong>the</strong> shape
<strong>of</strong> such standards. The EU could also take <strong>the</strong> lead in projects addressing
some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> grand challenges, where a global effort is beneficial for everyone.
This is especially useful in ‘horizontal’ issues where IPR is not a major
concern. More broadly, EU international projects should have clear and
transparent IPR and exploitation rights. The EU should work towards more
harmonised international rules and practices in relation to IPR.
o The EU should pay attention to traditional trade and industry policy aspects
such as reduction <strong>of</strong> trade barriers and encouraging entry.
o Ensure common rules in areas such as IPR, procurement and access to 3 rd
countries’ procurement programmes, licensing.
o Creating a strong European voice to influence strong international actors on
regulatory matters.
o Help create strong international incentives to innovation like performance
regulation <strong>of</strong> products and technologies.
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