Η παρουσία και ο ρόλος των ελληνικών ακαδημαϊκών και ερευνητικών ιδρυμάτων και των επιχειρήσεων στα ευρωπαϊκά ερευνητικά προγράμματα (1984-2006)

Abstract

This paper examines the participation intensity and role of the Greek academic and research institutions and business organizations in the networks established as a result of the research partnerships funded by the European Community's Framework Programmes (1984-2006). The assessment of the Greek presence in EU-funded research joint ventures as well the research networks' formation is based on the STEP to RJVs database. This database includes detailed information on the research partnerships funded since the first Framework Programme. Social network analysis tools are employed in order to understand the role of Greek actors in the networks formed. Some interesting results with significant policy implications arise: Greece exhibits high participation intensity in the EU-funded research networks. There are Greek organizations, especially universities and research centres that have assumed an influential role in these networks through time. Finally, the role of these central actors is also critical to the connectivity of the more peripheral Greek actors to the EU-funded networks. The active participation of Greece in the European Framework Programmes and the central role of certain Greek research teams in them, invert the prevailing poor picture of the Greek research system. However, this paper's findings also indicate that there is a need for a consistent policy for research, technological development and innovation so as to exploit the research capabilities of these teams and further enhance the role and participation of Greek actors in the EU-funded research networks.