Primary networking tool in the European research and innovation landscape: Final Impact Assessment for the COST programme

The Final Impact Assessment for the COST programme (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) has been released. COST was established in 1971 and is a programme dedicated to promoting research networks in Europe and beyond. The in-depth study highlights the role played by the programme and its associated actions in the European research and innovation landscape during the last seven years.

On more than 100 pages, the study provides an overview of the networking, scientific and societal impacts of COST activities. During the Horizon 2020 period, COST has proven itself to be not only a career accelerator for young researchers but also the primary networking instrument in Europe. The programme's strongest aspect is nevertheless its perception as a pre-portal to other European funding instruments both by internal and external stakeholders. In this regard, the Final Impact Assessment also indicates the areas and topics to be developed for the next Framework Programme, Horizon Europe.