Background Paper to the Lund Declaration 2015

Abstract:

State of Play and Progress Since 2009

The general view is that the Lund Declaration of 2009 has had a real impact on key features of European and na - tional research and innovation policies and strategies. The first important step was taken with Horizon 2020. In addition, the Joint Programming process, launched in 2008 by the Commission and subsequent Conclusions of the Council, stimulated Member States and Associated Countries to jointly tackle societal challenges. The European research and innovation policy concept really made a clear shift from a fragmented European research and inn - ovation system towards a more aligned challenge-based approach in the broader European Research Area (ERA). During the past six years a common understanding has emerged that the challenge-based approach must imply a more efficient use of investments in research and innovation and alignment of strategies, instruments, resources and actors at national and European level. This has resulted in the 10 Joint Programming Initiatives and in more structured and strategic processes whereby Member States and Associated Countries agree, on a voluntary basis and in a partnership approach, on common visions and Strategic Research Agendas (SRA).