COST STRATEGY: renewing our strengths... ...shaping our futureStrategy to achieve Vision 2020 -- COST strategy concentrates on four strategic goals: best performance in its implementation; orienting COST Actions on output; improving cooperation within COST countries and beyond; and ensuring good governance.Fully committed to encouraging science-based innovation and to achieving the goals of the Europe 2020 strategy, COST will seek synergies and complementarities with the Framework Programme and other European fora. COST will use its intergovernmental framework as a forum to support the required coordination and mutually consistent approach among COST countries to respond to major societal questions and to react promptly and competently to future challenges.European Cooperation in Science and TechnologyCOST_066519b4-6049-11e4-a00f-76bb1cebad4eCOST - European CO-operation in Science and Technology - is the longest running European intergovernmental network for cooperation in research and technology. With a successful history of implementing scientific cooperation and networking in Europe over the last 40 years, COST now needs to look forward and take steps to respond to new demands.European ResearchersCOST is a unique means for European researchers to jointly develop their own ideas and new initiatives across all scientific disciplines through trans-European networking of nationally funded research activities.Early Career InvestigatorsScientific CommunitiesPolicy MakersRegulatory BodiesNational Decision MakersPrivate Sector_978de92e-60ae-11e4-ba83-70b31cebad4eCOST enables break-through scientific developments leading to new concepts and products and thereby contributes to strengthen Europe's research and innovation capacities._978deb40-60ae-11e4-ba83-70b31cebad4eCapacity BuildingCOST key features are: * building capacity by connecting high-quality scientific communities throughout Europe and worldwide ...Networking* providing networking opportunities for early career investigators ...Impact* increasing the impact of research on policy makers, regulatory bodies and national decision makers as well as the private sector.InclusivenessThrough its inclusiveness COST supports integration of research communities, leverages national research investments and addresses issues of global relevance.Integrated ResearchGlobal RelevanceInnovationCOST is a building block of the European Research Area, instrumental for successful innovation strategies and global cooperation.Global CooperationBest PerformanceCOST is the most efficient and user-friendly research networking tool for scientists in the European Research Area._978debf4-60ae-11e4-ba83-70b31cebad4e1Scientistsin the European Research AreaCOST Committee of Senior OfficialsUnder the direction and responsibility of the Domain Committees, monitored by the Committee of Senior Officials (CSO) and coordinated by the COST Office, COST continuously supports and enhances the efficient and effective management of COST Actions and strives to improve and implement transparent and cost-efficient Action assessment, evaluation and monitoring processes.GuidelinesAgree easy and clear common guidelines for applicants_978dec94-60ae-11e4-ba83-70b31cebad4e1.1Objectives & CriteriaAdapt Action objectives and evaluation criteria to its mission_978ded34-60ae-11e4-ba83-70b31cebad4e1.2Financial SupportEnsure adequate financial support of Actions_978dedca-60ae-11e4-ba83-70b31cebad4e1.3Software ToolsHave user-friendly software tools guiding its entire process_978dee6a-60ae-11e4-ba83-70b31cebad4e1.4Roles & ResponsibilitiesClearly define roles and responsibilities of COST's decision-making bodies_978def00-60ae-11e4-ba83-70b31cebad4e1.5Evaluation & ImprovementAnnually evaluate its processes to scope further improvements._978def96-60ae-11e4-ba83-70b31cebad4e1.6Output OrientationCOST provides a framework for pre-normative cooperation leading to international standards and contributes to Europe's competitiveness and innovation strategies._978df040-60ae-11e4-ba83-70b31cebad4e2Open to any emerging ideas and unforeseen developments COST fully exploits its Actions' outputs by delivering results to the appropriate target audiences (such as scientists, policy makers, regulatory bodies, national decision makers and the private sector). COST guarantees increased impact and dissemination of its research and technology results.KPIsHave key performance indicators linked to objectives_978df0e0-60ae-11e4-ba83-70b31cebad4e2.1Impact AnalysisFollow-up completed Actions, with regular impact analysis_978df176-60ae-11e4-ba83-70b31cebad4e2.2Dissemination StrategyDesign an ambitious dissemination strategy_978df20c-60ae-11e4-ba83-70b31cebad4e2.3Strategic ActivitiesDevelop concepts and criteria for strategic activities_978df2b6-60ae-11e4-ba83-70b31cebad4e2.4InteractionStrongly interact with other fora_978df414-60ae-11e4-ba83-70b31cebad4e2.5Better CooperationCOST uses research potential from all COST countries building on strengths while facilitating access to complementary specific knowledge and capacities._978df4be-60ae-11e4-ba83-70b31cebad4e3NetworksSeed opportunities to establish long-lasting networks_978df568-60ae-11e4-ba83-70b31cebad4e3.1COST CountriesWithin COST countries COST seeds opportunities to establish long-lasting networks, in particular for early career researchers and newly established research groups, allowing them to strengthen effectively their capacity to be globally competitive. The intergovernmental organisation of COST supports coordinated and mutually consistent approaches among COST countries to respond to major societal challenges.LinksLink research excellence in Europe_978df608-60ae-11e4-ba83-70b31cebad4e3.1.1Networking OpportunitiesProvide networking opportunities for early career researchers_978df6a8-60ae-11e4-ba83-70b31cebad4e3.1.2Early Career ResearchersTrainingEnhance training prospects for innovative minds_978df752-60ae-11e4-ba83-70b31cebad4e3.1.3CoordinationDeliver support for further coordination of COST countries' national research and innovation policies._978df7fc-60ae-11e4-ba83-70b31cebad4e3.1.4ConnectionsAllows easy connection of research communities both with European neighbouring countries and worldwide._978df89c-60ae-11e4-ba83-70b31cebad4e3.2European Neighbouring CountriesBeyond COST countries COST allows, once mutual benefit has been ascertained, easy connection of research communities both with European neighbouring countries and worldwide. COST thus contributes through reliable networks to building trust with partner countries.OpennessBe open to scientists from all over the world_978df950-60ae-11e4-ba83-70b31cebad4e3.2.1ScientistsTailored ActivitiesDevelop tailored activities for neighbouring countries_978dfa04-60ae-11e4-ba83-70b31cebad4e3.2.2International DialogueMaintain a dialogue with international organisations (such as the OECD, UN, WHO and UNESCO) on topics of mutual interest_978dfaae-60ae-11e4-ba83-70b31cebad4e3.2.3International OrganisationsOECDUNWHOUNESCOEuropean FrameworkEnsure its strategy complements the strategic European framework for international science and technology cooperation._978dfb94-60ae-11e4-ba83-70b31cebad4e3.2.4Good GovernanceCOST governance will adapt to fulfil COST mission strategy._978dfc48-60ae-11e4-ba83-70b31cebad4e4The roles of the different levels involved in its decision-making processes will be reviewed. COST's working methods will be of the highest quality and efficiency. The values integrated in the COST Code of Conduct, including excellence, integrity, commitment, trust and teamwork are a common feature in all COST activities and decisions.Rules & ProceduresSimplify its rules and procedures to support researchers' needs_978dfcfc-60ae-11e4-ba83-70b31cebad4e4.1Management & MonitoringImplement light-touch and more efficient mechanisms for management and monitoring of COST Actions_978dfdba-60ae-11e4-ba83-70b31cebad4e4.2ResponsibilitiesClarify responsibilities to ensure a proper sense of ownership of its activities and Actions_978dfe78-60ae-11e4-ba83-70b31cebad4e4.3Code of ConductEnforce clear commitment to the COST Code of Conduct and the values it expresses_978dff2c-60ae-11e4-ba83-70b31cebad4e4.42011-06-292014-10-30http://www.cost.eu/download/COSTstrategy4157_11OwenAmburOwen.Ambur@verizon.net