The European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC), as the EU's own in-house research center with 7 institutes located in 5 countries, the strategy for the coming decade is expected to further strengthen policy and research ties both within the European Commission and other clients.
The strategy was developed after extensive consultation with stakeholders in 2009, including 12 working groups made up of 150 scientists and administrative support staff from across the JRC. The priorities also represent a response to recommendations made to the JRC by an independent review panel led by former UK Chief Scientific Adviser Sir David King.
The JRC's new vision is to become a trusted provider of science-based policy options to policymakers throughout the EU and to address key societal challenges. The approach is in line with the EU's forthcoming Eighth Framework Programme (FP8) and the Europe 2020 Strategy.
Under the JRC Strategy 2010-2020, the research centre will focus its efforts on seven 'Grand Challenges' outlined by the EU:
(1) towards an open and competitive economy;
(2) development of a low carbon society: by addressing energy, transport, clean production technologies and consumption patterns, issues that will be central to the progressive transition of the EU towards a low carbon society;
(3) sustainable management of natural resources;
(4) safety of food and consumer products;
(5) nuclear safety and security;
(6) security and crisis management; and
(7) reference materials and measurements.
Along with its usual high standard of scientific and technical support, the JRC's goal is to add a forward-looking capacity that will help anticipate societal, economic, environmental, technical or scientific issues that may become relevant to EU policymaking in the future. Innovation Commissioner Geoghegan-Quinn explained that under the new strategy the JRC will act as the European Commission's radar to identify future risks and opportunities. The strategy will be reviewed in 2013 and 2016.