Pan-Nordic research board NordForsk has called on the European Commission to use to Nordic countries as a model for the development of the European Research Area.
In a submission to a consultation on the development of the ERA, published on 2 December, NordForsk says: “Due to its complexity, cross-border research cooperation often needs a trusted facilitator in order to flourish. Nordic research cooperation can be a model for further development of the ERA, and for several EU regional initiatives.”
It adds: “The Nordic model represents an efficient and flexible way of organising cross-border research cooperation, based on trust and dialogue-based support for cross-border initiatives with a potential to turn social challenges into opportunities and progress.”
NordForsk’s submission focuses on a number of areas that include researchers’ careers and mobility, cross border research cooperation and research infrastructures.