LAUSR

Abstract This paper examines the issues involved in establishing multilateral, sustained and balanced international research cooperation activities with particular references to transport research. First, the paper presents a review of the current practices and does this in terms of a number of “key—strategic issues” grouped under the headings of four basic functions that are later defined as the pillars of a more permanent and institutionalised international research cooperation framework. As part of the presentation of the current situation and practices, the paper also presents – as a case study in successful multilateral international cooperation – the experience from the European Joint Programming Initiatives (JPIs) that are taking place among European countries under the support of the European Commission. These initiatives provide a good example of a functioning framework for multilateral international cooperation that could be taken as a blueprint for such cooperation between other countries at global level. The main conclusions and recommendations of the paper are that a truly multilateral and sustained framework for international research cooperation should consist of a number of well-established and documented functions as well as a number of organisations that would ensure its proper functioning and operation. The basic functions are the following four: Strategic Management/Research performing and capacity building/Programme monitoring and funding/Implementation and market uptake of research results. The suggested organisations include the creation of an independent and “trusted” organization, which could be called the “ International Research Cooperation Council”—IRCC. This organization should be attached to a “trusted” global institution like the UN and will perform a number of functions such as issuance of guidelines, harmonisation of procedures, monitoring and governance functions, (international) research needs assessment and formulation, funding management, etc. It is also suggested, that a number of individual, research-performing organisations, the so called International Cooperation Promotion and Networking Centres (ICPNC) should be designated and encouraged to act as “ champion organisations”, in promoting international cooperative work at global level.