New database to help research policy across Europe

The database is designed to support the formation of European Research Area (ERA) by providing policy makers and policy analysts with information and analysis on the development of research systems and policies in all member states, plus selected other countries. Along with background policy documents and details of research programmes and funding agencies, it will contain comparative data such as expenditure, publications and patents.

Commenting on the launch of Erawatch, Janez Potočnik, Commissioner for Science and Research noted that figures released at the same time show R&D spending stagnated in 2005.

“This just goes to show the importance of implementing the measures proposed by the Commission in the Growth and Jobs Strategy in 2005,” he said.

“A fully functioning European Research Area will allow us to make the most of the resources we have and encourage further investment. ERAWATCH is an invaluable service that will allow us to take action to improve the functioning of the European Research Area on the basis of solid and accurate information.”