SPIDER aims to support the exploitation of the full potential of the newly established BELLA network and the implementation of the outcomes of EU-LAC dialogues in the context of digitalisation and R&I. SPIDER proposes a multi-stakeholder approach to enable the development of an EU-LAC strategic partnership. SPIDER will engage relevant R&I stakeholders from EU and LAC more actively and strategically in supporting dialogues and creating a common and orchestrated vision and strategy for the exploitation of the full potential of BELLA network and the implementation of the outcomes of digital dialogues enhancing EU-LAC cooperation in R&I. SPIDER will adopt a human-centred and participatory approach, combined with an inclusive and intersectional perspective to support the development of strategic partnerships to stimulate the use of digital technologies that can benefit from BELLA and are relevant for EU-LAC R&I cooperation. At the core of this strategy is the EU-LAC Digital Dialogues Implementation Forum (DIF) that is unique of its kind in international cooperation in R&I and will serve as a multi-stakeholder platform to foster dialogues and exchange of best practices to support the implementation of digital dialogues’ commitments. Furthermore, DIF Working Groups will support the adoption of a human-centred approach to technology development, alongside Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (DEI) principles. Coupled with this, SPIDER will assess the use of BELLA and identify pathways for its future exploitation by engaging key actors of the digital ecosystem in project activities. Moreover, SPIDER will implement a Twinning Programme to foster digital partnerships by connecting EU and LAC innovation hubs that can seize the opportunities of BELLA for digital transformation. On top of that, a cascade of events, including Dialogue Forum events, focus groups, call for ideas, webinars and workshops, demo-days and a final conference will support the project actions.

The objective of REINFORCING is to become the ORRI (Open and Responsible R&I) central point of knowledge and expertise, easily accessible, up-to-date and tailored to community needs. It will do so by reviewing and exploiting the richness of 10 years of ORRI-related initiatives, including the RRI Tools database. It will make this know-how available in the REINFORCING One-Stop Source platform, together with new community-led resources, and pathways to support navigation through them. REINFORCING is committed to capitalize on EU-funded actions and the proven expertise of its partners in both the theory and the practice of ORRI implementation. REINFORCING will act as catalyzer of quadruple-helix community members, who will co-develop services, including policy recommendations; of ORRI-related initiatives (regional and EU), to support efficient cooperation and adaptation rather than replication; and of ORRI expertise through the creation of a European map of Ambassadors and Facilitators. A key focus is on financial support of institutional and territorial changes towards Fair Transitions governance through cascading grants. REINFORCING will award 96 grants dedicated to boost institutions scaling up their ORRI experience, and to incubate newcomer territories experimenting with ORRI for the first time. Mentoring and matchmaking services and training modules are part of the REINFORCING wide offer. Reducing disparities is also a key focus of REINFORCING. Three key gaps (Balkan territories, Open Innovation and Mission projects) have already been identified and addressed through specific actions, while the overall project contribution to their reduction will be thoroughly assessed. The engagement of the Global ORRI Network will guarantee wide international cooperation. These efforts will result in a number of medium and long-term impacts, such as over 150 sustainable, individual institutional changes and mainstreaming of excellent, open and responsible R&I across the ERA.

GENDER STI will innovatively contribute to solve complex problems associated to the integration of the gender perspective in STI dialogues with third countries. By adopting a design thinking human-centric problem-solving approach, GENDER STI will investigate how gender equality is taken into consideration at different levels of international cooperation dialogues in the area of STI, between the EU Member States and Associated Countries, and a selected set of 10 third countries, including Canada, the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, South Africa, India, South Korea and China. This one of a kind consortium of EU and third countries partners will have a meaningful impact in accelerating the integration of gender equality in STI dialogues with third countries. The investigation will be conducted along the three objectives of the Gender Equality strategy in EU R&I, i.e. gender equality in scientific careers, gender in decision making, and gender in R&I content. Built on the work done by ERA-related groups on gender equality and international cooperation, as well as EU funded projects, GENDER STI will provide a mapping and comparative analysis on gender equality in STI bilateral and multilateral agreements with the selected third countries. In addition, the project will deploy a series of Co-Design Lab workshops to create the environment to co-design solutions regarding gender inequalities in STI dialogues. As a result, the project will create the GENDER STI Community of Practice that will help to scale up the experience of gender equality in STI at a European and international level, and the European Observatory on Gender in STI, which is unique of its kind in Europe and will serve as a hub for gender equality in STI dialogues, incorporating all knowledge and materials resulting from the project. These actionable insights will feed the process to formulate recommendations to enhance the integration of gender equality in STI dialogues with third countries.