Launched officially by the European Community in January 2007, ERAWATCH is a new online information platform on research systems and policies within the European Union.
ERAWATCH supports the ongoing construction of the European Research Area (ERA) by providing policy makers and analysts working in the field of science and research with condensed and updated information and analysis on the development of research systems and policies.
This data base contains information on recent policy documents, research programmes, funding agencies, research performance as well as major indicators such as expenditure, publications and patents.
Currently, ERAWATCH offers a comprehensive and timely information on the research systems of 43 countries: all Member States of the European Union but also associated countries (Switzerland, Norway, Croatia, Israel…) plus selected other countries (United States, China, Japan, Brazil…).
With the service’s evolution regional and other coverage is expected to increase over time.
The service is kept up-to-date by a network of national contact organisations who collect and organise the information presented.
ERAWATCH is a user driven service. Its users can access and customise the way information is presented and downloaded. They are also invited to provide feedback so the service can be developed and improved.