Institute of Food Research

Optimising Opportunities for Cooperation in Transnational Scientific, Training and Networking.

Roger Fenwick

International Co-ordinatorroger.fenwick@bbsrc.ac.uk

Reasons for Trans-national Cooperation

• Afford economic, scientific and societal benefit to individual countries, Serbia and the Western Balkans, in particular, and the European Union, in general.

• Foster effective networking and co-operation between organisations.

• Facilitate long-term career development of individual scientists and technologist.

• Share expensive infrastructures.

• Add value to nationally-funded activities.

• Experience of, and training in, emerging techniques.

• Obtain necessary funding and support for research.

It is also very satisfying.

Trans-national Cooperation Why Now?

• The European Research Area is progressively expanding and offers benefits to science, industry and society,

• Need for EU links with Candidate Countries, Serbia and the Western Balkans,

• Exploit the global research environment,

• Need to agree the structure, priorities and funding for FP8,

• Rapid introduction of new technologies,

• Interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral opportunities,

• Need to offer careers in Europe for Europe’s best young scientists,

• Boost innovation across Europe’s manufacturing industries,

• Stimulate and underpin European entrepreneurial activity.

The European Food & Drink Sector – a slumbering giant

Largest manufacturing sector in the EU-15 [13.6%], Turnover of €913 billion in 2007, Total exports €54.7 billion and €2 billion trade surplus in 2007, Transforms over 70% Europe’s agricultural raw materials, Employs more than 4.3 million people, 63% within SMEs.

X Share of global markets declined 24.6%→19.8% during last decade, X Limited growth of 1.5%,X Food and drink investment 0.23% [2006], lagging well behind China, India,

Brazil, Japan, US and Australia, and below the European manufacturing average.

Innovation - knowledge transfer from research to industry for the mutual benefit of both parties and society.

Consequences of Poor Innovation

• Reduced economic growth across Europe, within the Western Balkans and nationally,

• Reduced national, regional and global competitiveness,

• Fewer opportunities for Europe’s established researchers,

• Reduced career opportunities in Europe for young people,

• Fewer students choosing S&T as a career.

• Poor innovation in the food and health sector means lower levels of health and wellbeing, higher national social and medical costs, and reduced economic productivity.

To be successful the Europe of the Future needs

• experience,

• trans-national cooperation,

• efficient capture of global best practices,

• effective knowledge transfer,between sectors,

across disciplines,

across all regions and countries,

• a dynamic entrepreneurial culture,

• youth, energy and enthusiasm.

Europe’s Future

• Food and Health, closely linked, will remain priorities,

• Societal concerns will dominate,

• Personal wellbeing and sustainability will drive industry,

• Europe can only compete in global markets by adding value,

• Innovation pressures will increase,

• Local and regional foods will have a premium,

• Researchers will need professional knowledge and broad complementary skills,

• Entrepreneurial activity will shape the marketplace,

• The food and drink industry sector will remain dominated by SMEs,

• Research funding through public/private partnerships will grow.

Priorities - 1

• Share the loadwithin and between organisations and sectors,

• Clarify personal, organisational goalsthese will change with time so regularly review and update,

• Plan a medium- and long term strategybe realistic about timescales. Step 1 is gathering information,

• Identify targets and potential partnersuse conferences, meetings and professional networks,

• Be aware of your/your organisation’s strengths and weaknessesbe ready to explain why you should be a partner,

• Address all issuesnot just the easy ones.

Priorities - 2

• Exploit National Contact Points, scientific and business nodes [they are there to assist]

get to know staff and ensure that they understand your interests,

• Seek out people who already cooperate trans-nationally

they are sources of knowledge and experience; what can you offer in return?

• Exploit professional and other networks,

• Be realistic

you do not have to coordinate at the beginning!; gain experience and decide when you want to have more responsibility,

• Agree a time schedule and keep to itthings usually take longer than you think.

Priorities - 3

• Be flexible - recycle ideas

not every proposal will be successful; understand evaluators’ reasoning,

• Learn from experiences

do not repeat mistakes,

• Share experiences with others

gain from their mistakes,

• Regularly review progress

how might you have done better?

• Broaden contacts nationallyencourage colleagues to do the same.

Effective Communication is Crucial

Talking + LISTENING

Do Not Give Up

It really does get easier with experience.

You do not have to repeat colleagues’ and

partners’ mistakes, learn from them

because you will make

many of your own.

However, tell others about your mistakes.

Results of Effective Cooperation

• Enhanced wealth and social benefit for Europe,

• Demonstration of the fundamental role of science for public good,

• Enhanced public understanding and appreciation of science and scientists,

• Improved career opportunities for current and future generations of scientists in Europe,

• Better positioned for further cooperative activities,

• National and regional leadership.

How to Recognise Effective Trans-national Interactions

CONTACTS BECOME COLLEAGUES

COLLEAGUES BECOME FRIENDS

FRIENDS ARE TRULY RELIABLE

Well worth remembering

• Colleagues across Europe are keen to, and need to, cooperate with you,• The key first steps for cooperation are open communication and mutual

awareness,• European projects are partnerships that need your involvement,• Take time to gain experience, operate within your comfort zone; play to

your strengths,• Joining a partnership requires you to promote and publicise yourself and

your organisation.

THE DOOR TO CROSS-BORDER COOPERATION IS OPEN

BE SELF-CONFIDENT!

If there are any points that you would like to pursue further

please do not hesitate to contact me

roger.fenwick@bbsrc.ac.uk

Thank you for your attention