What does SFIC do?
The Strategic Forum for International scientific and technological Cooperation (SFIC) develops, implements and monitors the international dimension of the European Research Area.
SFIC identifies areas for coordinated or joint initiatives with countries and regions outside the EU.
Who are its members?
SFIC is made up of the Commission, all EU countries and several non-EU countries as observers.
The General Secretariat of the Council of the EU provides the secretariat. and is chaired by an EU Member State, designated for a period of 2 years.
The Secretariat is provided by the General Secretariat of the Council of the EU and is chaired by an EU country, designated for a period of 2 years.
Main tasks
- sharing and structuring information on science and technology cooperation activities and objectives (whether ongoing or planned) of the various partners
- pooling relevant knowledge concerning third countries, in particular analyses of their science and technology resources and capabilities
- ensuring regular consultation between the partners in order to identify their respective objectives and common priorities in terms of science adn technology cooperation with non-EU countries
- coordinating activities of a similar nature implemented by EU countries and the EU (with variable geometry)
- proposing initiatives to be implemented, together with appropriate ways and means
- networking of EU countries' and the Commission's scientific advisors in key non-EU countries
Documents
Latest opinions, working papers and reports
