European Commission's Joint Research Centre and National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine strengthen scientific cooperation
On 14 September 2016 the JRC and the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (NASU) have signed a research framework arrangement. This general agreement opens the path to strengthening and intensifying of scientific cooperation between the two organisations.
News
Vladimír Šucha, JRC Director-General and Anatoly Zagorodny, NASU Vice President signed the research framework arrangement, launching the two-day JRC-NASU event dedicated to research cooperation between the JRC and Ukraine. Mr Šucha spoke about the role of the scientific evidence for effective policies, and Maksym Strikha, deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine presented Ukrainian priorities in the area of science and main actors.
Detailed discussions with scientific experts followed, focusing on smart specialisation as a strategic approach to economic development through targeted support for research and innovation. In addition the experts presented the JRC research in the fields of agriculture and disaster risk reduction.
The signature of the research framework arrangement between the JRC and NASU is the result of several collaborations and joint activities already carried out, in particular within the JRC initiative for the Scientific Support to the Danube Region, as well as in the areas of nuclear safety and security, remote sensing, food security and food safety and energy.
Ahead of the event, Mr Šucha met also Stepan Kubiv, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Development and Lilia Grynevych, Minister of Education and Science.
Promoting smart specialisation in Ukraine
In a dedicated session, taking place on 15 September, JRC experts will present the opportunities and benefits of the smart specialisation approach for the national research and innovation (R&I) systems, provide examples of good practice from selected EU countries, and explore the needs for reinforcing capacity to develop effective R&I policy in Ukraine. The event is open to the relevant governmental, R&I and business stakeholders. The thematic event will be followed by an immersion training week, to take place in the JRC premises in Seville, in November 2016.
In the recent years smart specialisation strategies for research and innovation have been developed mostly across the EU as a key component of regional development policy. Smart specialisation has been recognised as a useful framework for research and innovation in the EU Enlargement and Neighbourhood policies, as one that is fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth in the countries addressed by these policies. The JRC has a special programme to support the application of smart specialisation in Ukraine.
Background
The JRC visit and events organised in Ukraine take place in the framework of a closer EU-Ukraine cooperation on research and innovation. In March 2015 Ukraine joined Horizon 2020, the EU's research and innovation programme. This allows Ukraine's researchers, businesses and innovators to fully participate in Horizon 2020 on equal terms with EU Member States and other associated countries. In June 2016, the European Union and Ukraine concluded an agreement on the association of Ukraine to the Euratom Research and Training Programme.
Source: https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/en/news/stronger-scientific-cooperation-national-academy-sciences-ukraine
