On 17 July 2012 the Commission adopted a Communication on the European Research Area (ERA) entitled ‘A Reinforced European Research Area Partnership for Excellence and Growth’.

With the explicit objective of opening up and connecting EU research systems, the ERA reform agenda focuses on five key priorities:

• More effective national research systems 
• Optimal transnational co-operation and competition 

On common research agendas, grand challenges and infrastructures 

• An open labour market for researchers

Facilitating mobility, supporting training and ensuring attractive careers 

• Gender equality and gender mainstreaming in research 

Encouraging gender diversity to foster science excellence and relevance 

• Optimal circulation and transfer of scientific knowledge 

To guarantee access to and uptake of knowledge by all