The overarching goal of the Presidency in the field of R&D is the further development of the European Research Area. Being one of the central pillars to achieve the Lisbon objectives, the full realization of ERA will significantly contribute to making Europe the most competitive knowledge-based economy in the world.

Deriving from the inherited agenda, the following dossiers will be at the core of the Presidency´s activities in the field of research and development:

Joint Technology Initiatives (JTIs). After having identified six sectors, the work on the European Commission´s proposals is being continued. While, after negotiations, embedded computing systems, innovative medicine, aeronautics and air transport, and nanoelectronics JTIs have already been supported by the Council, the fuel cells and hydrogen JTI will be first dealt with under the Slovenian Presidency of the Council.

Initiatives under Article 169. The final phase of the co-decision procedure for the first initiatives (Ambient Assisted Living and EUROSTARS) is expected and the discussion on the next two initiatives (in the field of Baltic Sea research and the field of metrology) might be initiated.

European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). Once having reached an agreement with the European Parliament, the establishment of the Governing Board will be of central importance. This body´s responsibility is, among other things,  to identify the first Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs).

Apart from the inherited agenda, the following topics will be in the special focus of the Slovenian Presidency:

Research Infrastructures. A conference on 5 and 6 March will explore the structural dimension of research infrastructures within the European Research Area, with a strong focus on regions. At the core of the discussions will be the question how to further develop these infrastructures in the context of ERA in a well coordinated way (systematic co-ordination between various levels – central, national and regional), how to better utilise the EU structural funds for their construction and start-up, and how harmonised development and use of these infrastructures can contribute to the Lisbon objectives.

EUREKA. Within its EUREKA Chairmanship (lasting from July 2007 to June 2008) and Presidency of the EU Council, Slovenia will prepare a new development strategy of the EUREKA international industrial research programme. The aim of the strategy will be to provide (particularly small and medium-sized) companies with easy access to the results of R&D projects.

Western Balkans. A more effective integration of the Western Balkan Countries into ERA is an important priority for Slovenia. Therefore, the meeting of the Steering Platform on Research for the Western Balkan Countries will be organised, and it is hoped that these meetings become a regular issue on each Presidency´s agenda. As modernization and renewal of R&D infrastructure is one of the most urgent needs of all WBCs, Slovenia is initiating a project of infrastructure donations for WBCs. These donations are planned to be acknowledged with a special award named by Herman Potočnik Noordung.

Role of women in science. In the framework of the informal meetings of CREST and the Council´s Research Working Party on 7 and 8 February, the results of a study on Women in Research Decision Making the activities of the Helsinki Group for Women and Science at the European Commission, as well as the concept of the Slovenian national Young Researchers Programme as an example of best practice will be presented. The aim of this approach is to develop an integrated model based on a policy mix addressing “Family Friendly Scientific Careers” (FFSC), and expected to boost the number of researchers which is of key importance for the full realization of ERA.