The European Research Area

Launched in 2000, the European Research Area (ERA) aims to create a standardised and transnational market for research, innovation and technology in the participating countries. Switzerland is an integral part of the ERA.

The ERA facilitates co-operation between EU member states, associated countries and selected third countries. It aims to improve the coordination of research policies and programmes so that European countries can act more effectively and innovatively in the research sector.

ERA policy objectives

A core objective of the ERA is the ‘fifth freedom’: the free flow of research, innovation, knowledge and education. This aims to make it easier for researchers to work across national borders and share their knowledge and technologies. The ERA also aims to promote the practical use of research results.

ERA's policy framework and objectives are based on the:

• ERA governance, which includes
  • the ERA Forum and the ERA Forum Sub-Groups
  • the expert groups of the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI) and the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC)
  • the European Research Area and Innovation Committee (ERAC) and
  • the Council of the European Union
• the Pact for Research and Innovation in Europe
• an ERA Policy Agenda with specific actions, which is defined for three years.

Switzerland and the ERA

Switzerland and the EU have a long history of successful cooperation in research and innovation. Switzerland is part of the ERA and supports its ambitious goals.

SERI establishes the strategic and operational measures for Switzerland's participation in the EU framework programmes for research and innovation. In this context, SERI represents Switzerland's interests in the various programme committees of the European Commission, and also coordinates Switzerland's participation in a number of committees and initiatives for the further development of the ERA.