Toolbox Smart Coordination Positioning of the ERA-NET scheme

Joint Programming

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Joint Programming (JP) is one of the five ERA-initiatives that were launched in the framework of the Ljubljana-process. Its main objective is to contribute to responses to common societal challenges like climate change, the ageing of population or energy, i.e. challenges that cannot be solved by one single state alone.

Joint Programming is a strategic approach (and not an instrument), through which a more efficient and more effective public R&D funding in Europe can be reached. It contributes (through the identification of societal challenges of common interest (JP themes) and the transformation into JP Initiatives (JPI)) to strengthen Europe’s capacity to transform the results of its research into tangible benefits for society and for the overall competitiveness of its economy. This also means a strengthened political commitment by Member States to produce common or concerted responses.

JP is a process that is led by the Member States. The Commission has a supportive role. The competence of Member States and regions over their choice of research and innovation policies and related allocation of resources is fully recognised. Therefore, participation of Member States is voluntary and is carried out according to the principle of variable geometry and open access.

The realization of Joint Programming is an ongoing process. Up to date, three JP themes have been identified. Furthermore, there is one pilot initiative on combating neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s). It is currently developing into a JPI, but it has not started yet. Therefore there is practical experience with the identification of societal challenges and JP themes but not with concrete, ongoing JPIs.