ECO-INNOVERA · ERA-NET ON ECO-INNOVATION - Boosting eco-innovation through joint cooperation in research and dissemination

Eco-innovations (EI), i.e. “green” technologies, processes, products and services have an increasing impact for the global competitiveness of European industry. To reach a worldwide leading position, it needs to boost the implementation of EI in industry, especially in SMEs. The ERA-Net on EI will support research and dissemination in the field of EI.The success of EI is determined by criteria that will be promoted through multi-level and systemic approach, considering the social, economic, political and technological context.To promote the development and implementation of EI in Europe, following activities will be performed: (1) Pooling of Europe’s most relevant research and innovation programmes; (2) Developing a networking platform for information exchange on activities related to EI research in Europe and broadening the network, and (3) Creating a common research funding platform.Supported by 25 partners, the ERA-Net is built on 4 work packages: Strategy & network development, leader SenterNovem (NL); Joint calls, leader ANR (FR); Other joint activities, leader MATIMOP-ISERD (IL); Management & Dissemination, leader Juelich (DE).The ERA-Net aims to support research, innovation and environmental policy makers with best practices for funding EI. Researchers will also profit from facilitated access to transnational research.The development of common metrics for the ex-ante assessment will help to take the whole life cycle of a project / programme into account. Activities for a better EI transfer from research to industry and market will be performed: e.g. assessing the role of information technology and of integrated concepts like ‘green technology parks’.The public awareness of the ERA-Net and EI will be promoted via target-group selected tools and active interaction with stakeholders and/or expert networks.