Hans Müller Pedersen High Level Group for Joint Programming (GPC) Bruxelles The future ERA framework – strategies and tools Hotel Metropole Hans Müller Pedersen

GPC: High Level Group for Joint Programming What is GPC? Why Joint Programming? What has been achieved so far? An example: The Danish Case The grand challenges for the idea of Joint Programming in Europe. What can the Nordics bring into the future of Joint programming?

Hans Müller Pedersen What is GPC? GPC is a High level group for Joint Programming [French:Groupe de haut niveau pour la Programmation Conjointe ]. Established in 2008 as a sub-committee under ERAC. Its constitutive meeting took place on 13 February GPC's members are senior officials from Member States and the Commission. Countries associated to the Framework Programme may participate in the group. The GPC is chaired by a member representing the Presidency-in-office.

Hans Müller Pedersen Why joint programming? Joint Programming can: Help optimize the scope of research programmes across Europe and diminish duplication Make it easier to address common challenges Provide a forum for common prioritization process between Member States and update the state of play of European research in areas where JPI´s are developing Allow Europe to speak with one voice in the world in that field of research, where appropriate Enhance scientific excellence and relevance Promote cross-boarder mobility and training of researchers

Hans Müller Pedersen What has been acchieved? The current JPI covers the following areas: 1.Neurodegenerative Diseases (Alzheimer) 2.Cultural Agriculture, food security and climate change 3.Cultural Heritage and global change 4.Health, food and prevention of diet related diseases 5.The microbial challenge – an emerging threat to human health 6.Climate knowledge for Europe 7.More Years, Better Lives – potential and challenges of demografic change 8.Future of cities and transport 9.Water challenges for a changing world 10.Healthy and productive seas and oceans From a Nordic point of view it is interesting that Norway and Sweden have taken lead in one JPI each (#5&10)

Hans Müller Pedersen How do we work with Joint Programming in Denmark? – a case GPC JPI Researchers and civil servants JPI BaG Backing groups from Danish Universities Danish Council for Strategic Research $

Hans Müller Pedersen The (grand) challenges for Joint Programming in Europe? Red tape - Lack of political will in MS to deregulate in order to make cross boarder funding possible Lack of topping up financing by the Commission Lack of trust – Science Councils and Agencies The financial crises has put attention to other dimensions Lack of relevance to industry Lack of visibility to the political system – do the ministers know (by hart) that the JPI´s are the deliverables of the solutions to the grand societal challenges? Lack of routine – this is an untested field of operation in Europe All these challenges are faced in the GPC, and the ambition and task of the group is to develop answers and solutions in cooperation with the Commission

Hans Müller Pedersen The Nordic experiences The Nordic Countries have several years of experience of working together in the field of research The impact of the NORDFORSK organisation has been momentum and a higher level of activity in many fields (ResearchInfrastructure, Networks, minor scale joint programming). The flagship project in the Nordics is the top level research initiative TRI

Hans Müller Pedersen There’s only one way forward Just keep on trying!