EU–Russia Innovation Corridor (ERICO)

The vision behind ERICO is to become a major driver in a future common space where knowledge creation, technology transfer and successful innovations are fostered through a joint EU-Russia policy approach and supported by a dedicated EU-Russia Innovation Corridor Programme.

The relatioship between the EU and Russia in today´s changing wolrd characterizes both parties as close neighbours, global players and strategic partners that are steadily moving from competition to cooperation.

The June 2008 Summit between the EU and the Russian Federation marked the launch of negotiations on a New EU-Russia Agreement replacing the Partnership and Co-operation Agreement established in 1997. The new agreement will need to take into account the considerable developments seen across the EU and in Russia over the past ten years.

Aside from certain political challenges, excellent opportunities exist to establish a new common agenda and joint activities, particularly in the field of innovation and technological development. This area represents a key priority both for the Russian Federation as laid down in the concept of the Four I´s, and the European Union under the framework of the Lisbon Strategy.

The shared priorities in the area of innovation lay the foundation to enhance and formalize future cooperation under a Common Space for Innovation and Technology - a major aspect of the new agreement. In the meantime, a dialogue on innovation will be encouraged effectively laying the foundation for a future new Common Space.