ERA-Net
With the ERA-Net scheme, the European Commission promotes collaboration between the national research funding agencies. Since the Sixth Framework Programme, ERA-Net has been a key instrument for the integration of the European Research Area (ERA). ERA-Nets exist in a wide range of scientific disciplines.
These European networks offer the possibility to coordinate national and regional research activities in order to overcome the fragmentation of the European Research Area. A central aspect in this regard is often the development and implementation of joint programmes and calls for proposals.
The ERA-Net Plus networks established during the Seventh Framework Programme of the Commission are a further development of the ERA-NET scheme. ERA-Net Plus offers the possibility to supplement the funding provided by the national research funding organisations by up to 30 percent with EU funds ("top-up funding" for joint calls for proposals).
