FIRTS ANUAL MEETING EULARINET WP3. Bi-regional Policy Dialogue (Mexico & Central America) Lisbon, Portugal (March 2009)

Background: February 2008, Guanajuato, Mexico; Visit of Commissioner for Science and Technology of the European Commission, Janez Potocnik (February 2008, Guanajuato, Mexico). Within the framework of the EULARINET: First Mesoamerican – European Union meeting in science and technology (November 21 st, Mexico City) Mesoamerican – European Union cooperation in Science and Technology

Objectives * Establish interest regional collaboration and the ability of Mesoamerican countries of working in a coordinated way in science and technology to address solution of common problems affecting the region * Explore and identify common areas of work, which have the characteristic of world class and therefore also affect European society. Needs * Articulation mechanisms to represent in a legitimate way the MA interests * National consultation mechanisms and consensus on priorities in the medium and long term * Mechanisms foster networking and coordination actions * Training of HR * Support financial resources Instruments * CTCAP and the creation of a permanent secretary for technical issues, to set some focus points * Participation in bi-regional meetings * Monitoring and integration of all countries of AL in EULARINET Mesoamerican – European Union cooperation in Science and Technology Background meeting 2008:

4 Identification of priority themes All subjects considered to have economic impact and benefit to society. Biodiversity Rescue and conservation of endemic species that contribute to balance the system, issues related to PI. Environment Natural disasters, level of greenhouse gases, (affects costs), sustainable use of resources, among other. Energy Oriented largely to the use of alternative technologies that reduce the use of conventional energy. Health Focusing attention on emerging diseases, genomic medicine and traditional medicine. Nanotechnology Development of new materials from mineral resources of the Mesoamerican region through competitive processes. Information Technology Networking to enhance new development platforms and participating in policy standardization. Manufacturing and Technology Transfer Improving competitiveness of SMEs in sectors (agro industrial, forestry, fisheries, etc).

5 Commitments 1.Appointment of National Contact Points in each country in Central America 2.Carried out in each country an induction plan for NCPs on the VII PM 3.Preparatory meetings of the NCPs 4.Creating a background operation (website) 5.Appointment of specialists to participate in proposals for research topics of interest to the region. 6.Mobility of researchers and RH training (fellowships)

EULARINET First Mesoamerican – European Union meeting in Science and Technology

Objectives Develop lines of thought to identify the barriers and opportunities in science and technology cooperation between the Mesoamerican region and the European Union in the 7PM. Promote regional integration through the sub-regional approach, by creating platforms for politic dialogue. Attended ONCYT Representatives of Central America and European Partners of Eularinet and direct users of 7PM (researchers). First Mesoamerican – European Union meeting in Science and Technology

Obstacles to the bi-regional cooperation in Science and Technology There are no issues directed to the region (e.g. biodiversity and social sciences) and the existing have little troubleshooting. Respond to European interests (necessity to solve Europe's problems) and not necessarily those that occur in the MA region It is unknown as defined themes and working methods, in Europe (usually working in large groups, while in Latin America, the work tends to be more isolated) Participation as third countries in 7PM projects, remains under the invitation of European countries to participate in the calls. Difficulty in finding European partners from Mesoamerica

Difficulty to access project funds Little experience in project management of the FP, do not have human resource infrastructure to encourage participation, provide advice on the administrative side, finding partners and building consortia for end users. Lack of appointment of NCPs in the region Some national programs that exist in each country, are more attractive to researchers because of the ease of access (preference to participate in) instead of participating in European projects, given the complexity of them Difficult sustainability of European projects. Obstacles to the bi-regional cooperation in Science and Technology

Strengths for the bi-regional cooperation in Science and Technology Regional integration: willing of the countries to work collaborative: It is proposed to establish a regional office to assist the Central American countries to participate in 7PM projects. Proposal for a regional PNC (CTCAP) Promote the integration of information on the scientific capabilities of the region through the Red Scienti Develop networks of contacts among countries in the region. Tools for cooperation Political platform for dialogue INCONET-CA: participation of Guatemala (through the COCI); from Mexico (Colegio de la Frontera Sur) For both institutions represents an opportunity for external financing, and establishment of international links.

Commitments Creating platforms to give more visibility to the research capabilities and technological development in Mesoamerica. Leverage of staff trained in European projects to give continuity to the same. Coordination at the regional level. Integration between researchers and firms, then go to the next level to be regional. Appointment and formalization of the NCP to the EU

Agenda upcoming events Event in May 2009, in the framework of the Joint Steering Committee between Mexico and the EU: Experts from Central America region and EU in order to define a specific cooperation agenda.

THANKS!!