Objectives

Joint Programming is one of the five instruments for the implementation of the European Research Area (ERA). Member states cooperate on a voluntary basis in variable geometry and pool their resources in order to boost the efficiency of European research and lessen fragmentation.
The aim of Joint Programming is to develop transnational Strategic Research Agendas (SRA), deepen coordination between existing national programmes and to establish new joint funding programmes.
The Joint Programming Initiatives (JPIs) which are proposed by the member states deal with European and international grand societal challenges.

Implementation

The High Level Group for Joint Programming (GPC) is a configuration of ERAC (European Research Area Committee) and acts as an advisory body to the Competitiveness Council. The GPC has identified the themes for the JPIs and develops Voluntary Guidelines on Framework Conditions, a set of non-binding common rules for all JPIs. The European Commission publishes its Recommendations for the JPIs and supports their establishment. The final launch of every JPI is decided on by the Competitiveness Council.
The budget for each JPI is primarily allocated by the participating member states. The European Commission supports the establishment of organizational structures of some JPIs by a Coordination and Support Action (CSA) in FP7.

Overview of the ten Joint Programming Initiatives

Cultural Heritage and Global Change: A New Challenge for Europe
The Microbial Challenge – An Emerging Threat to Human Health
Water Challenges for a Changing World