European Research Area

This Cost of Non-Europe study examines the state of implementation of the current policy framework for the establishment of a European Research Area (ERA). The study combines a backward-looking (ex-post) and a forward-looking (ex-ante) evaluation. While the ex-post evaluation looks at the implementation of the ERA policy framework, the ex-ante assessment focuses on potential costs and benefits of possible further policy action. In doing so, it identifies shortcomings in the ERA policy framework and outlines costs due to the lack of further action on the issue. The study makes a cautious estimate that the costs linked with implementation shortcomings of the ERA policy framework could amount to €3 billion per year.