Methodologically this policy brief is based on analyses of relevant studies  and strategy papers including appraisals to identify common grounds as well as procedures for renewal and adoption (e.g. EU-Black Sea Synergy; BSEC Action Plans on Cooperation in S&T) as well as on an online survey addressing key stakeholders in all EU Member States and non-EU Black Sea Countries and interviews  with selected experts. Detailed analysis is provided in “Obstacles, drivers and opportunities to enhance EU-Black Sea STI cooperation – BSH Background Paper #1 (D1.1.) weil the main resultes are summarised in BSH Policy Paper #1.

Summary

Due to several reasons the target region - incl. Armenia (AM), Azerbaijan (AZ), Bulgaria (BG), Georgia (GE), Greece (GR), Moldova (MD), Russia (RU), Turkey (TR), Ukraine (UA) – possesses  a distinct place in the world, i.e. its strategic location, rich energy resources, economic potential etc. These countries have achieved considerable progress in the STI fields which have been identified as a priority field from the beginning of EU cooperation with the target region.

Several key documents, e.g. “Black Sea Synergy- A new regional cooperation initiative COM”, “EaP Roadmap for International Cooperation in R&I”, “EU Strategy for the Danube Region” etc., build the strategic base for improving EU-BS STI cooperation. The current analysis of policy documents reveals that the research fields: transport; climate change and environment; secure, clean and efficient energy; as well as ICT can be considered as priorities for the region. There have been several communication platforms and funding platforms in the BS Region, e.g. EU funded projects that proved fruitful grounds for interaction among the countries within these thematic areas.

Despite plenty of current initiatives within this strategic context the policy brief shows that there is still a need for improvement in the following fields:

• a more intensive S&T policy dialogue 
• creation of an additional policy framework for enforcing S&T and industry
• better exchange among the countries concerning experience in research management and capacity building
• ensuring funding for targeted S&T projects and innovative initiatives
• extending integrated programs on the regions by avoiding duplications.

Attachments:

• BSH Background Paper #1 (PDF)
• BSH Policy Brief #1 (PDF)