The Joint Research Centre (JRC) is the European Commission’s in-house science and knowledge service: a network operating in five countries with seven own research institutions, employing over 2,000 researchers whose primary concern is to provide scientific support to the decision-making processes of EU DGs in Brussels.

In addition, the JRC is involved in many international scientific partnerships and may also take part in the planning of national research, development and innovation policies.

At the meeting in Budapest the two heads discussed the thematic platforms organised by the JRC in the fields of energy, manufacturing technology and ICT, in connection with the smart specialisation strategies (S3). These platforms are JRC services which help the practical implementation, monitoring and development of the S3 strategies, as well as the exchange of international best practices.

József Pálinkás said that the recently launched thematic platform on manufacturing technology offers many connection points for Hungary as well. He also pointed out that the JRC programme examining the role of universities in the economic development of less developed regions is a very promising initiative. 

Of the JRC activities, technology transfer is particularly relevant to Hungary, so this field needs special attention from our perspective. For several years now, JRC has successfully operated the internationally renowned Technology Transfer Offices Circle which has 25 members currently. The aim of this network is to present and disseminate best practices, discover the key challenges of technology transfer, and shape the relevant policies.

Further topics covered in the meeting included JRC research activities in connection with the Danube Strategy and with water in general, which can make the European institution an important professional partner of the Budapest Water Summit, to be organised on 28-30 November 2016.