ERA-NET ROAD is a three-year programme that will focus on initiation and coordination of research relating to the management and operation of the strategic road network. Its objective is, by March 2008, to have achieved trans-national programmes that are strategically planned, nationally funded leading to the opening of national research programmes. ERA-NET ROAD is a commitment by 10 National Road Administrations, who between them manage extensive research programmes with a combined annual budget of 156M euros, to work in partnership to develop joint research programmes financed through joint funds. It will also assist those National Road Administrations without research programmes to develop them and implement research in a manner that provides European integration. It will bring about a joint vision, programme, targets, funds and calls, and will deliver results in a strict timeframe. ERA-NET ROAD is based on the principle that for networking of research activities to be developed, two key processes are required: 1. Management: A management structure within which trans-national joint research activities can occur. 2. Coordination: The identification of appropriate research opportunities and development of trans-national joint research that will provide added value, followed by the implementation of joint programmes and calls (A). For the covering abstract of the conference see ITRD E212343.
Abstract