Staff-Exchange Schemes to 10
European Peripheral Regions
What is PROMPT?
The PROMPT Initiative is a Specific
Support Action under the "Stepping up
Economic and Technological
Intelligence" (ETI) programme of the
Sixth Framework Programme aiming at
stimulating SME participation in
European R&D Projects.
The PROMPT project aims to support
activities that will strengthen the EU’s
general scientific and technical
foundations and make a significant
contribution to its cohesion, by
developing the technological
potential of the outermost regions of
Europe and combining them with the
core EU regions. It will provide SMEs in
the outermost regions of Europe with a
presently inexistent “broadband”
access to EU technological dynamics
and promote the formation and
development of a consolidated
structure to provide support for
organizations in all regions concerned
for their successful participation in R&D
activities, building on the knowledge,
networks, tools and services
developed within the most relevant
technology interface organisations in
How can SMEs and Researchers participate in Mobility
Schemes to European Periphery?
PROMPT Project will focus the efforts on
the 'Marie Curie Actions'. These actions
have long been one of the most
popular and appreciated features of
the Community Framework
Programmes for Research and
Technological Development.
They have developed significantly in
orientation over time, from a pure
mobility fellowships programme to a
programme dedicated to stimulating
researchers' career development. The
'Marie Curie Actions' have been
particularly successful in responding to
the needs of Europe's scientific
community in terms of training, mobility
and career development. This has
Peripheral Regions Oriented Measures for
Promotion of Technological Intelligence
COORDINATOR:
such regions.
Instituto Tecnológico de
In order to create the conditions for Canarias, S.A. (Spain)
successful participation of local SMEs in prompt@itccanarias.org
European R&D projects, PROMPT www.itccanarias.org
partners are developing a campaign
close to European research PARTNERS:
organisations and high-tech SMEs
FORTH – STEPC (Greece)
within the identified sectors in order to
kgal@stepc.gr
identify researchers, innovation
www.stepc.gr
managers and technicians with an
experience of EU projects
MADEIRA TECNOPOLO (Portugal)
participations that could take part on
info@madeiratecnopolo.pt
“staff-exchange” schemes with
www.madeiratecnopolo.pt
researchers and technicians from
peripheral regions organisations and
EGE UNIVERSITY (Turkey)
SMEs.
ab@ebiltem.ege.edu.tr
http://fp6.ege.edu.tr
Consorzio Catania Ricerca
Catania (Italy)
fcappello@mediainnovation.it
www.mediainnovation.it
Fundació IBIT (Spain)
mchacon@ibit.org
www.ibit.org
Malta Enterprise (Malta)
nadine.cauchi@maltaenterprise.com
www.maltaenterprise.com
Sardegna Ricerche (Italy)
been demonstrated by a demand in
masala@sardegnaricerche.it
terms of highly ranked applications that
http://www.sardegnaricerche.it/
in most actions extensively surpassed
the available financial support. IceTec (Iceland)
In the Seventh Framework Programme, oling@iti.is
the 'Marie Curie Actions' have been www.iti.is
regrouped and reinforced in the
Cyprus Institute of Technology
'People' Specific Programme.
(Cyprus)
In the next pages you can find a brief
atantoni@industry.cy.net
description of the most important Marie
www.technology.org.cy
Curie Actions, the Peripheral Regions
involved in the PROMPT Project and
some useful information and links for
researchers and SMEs interested in staff www.promptnet.org
exchanges with these regions.

If you are an organization (SME
or University/Research Centre)
interested in developing a
Mobility or Staff Exchange
proposal with organizations
from PROMPT regions you can
contact PROMPT Project
Coordinator
If you are a Researcher from
any Prompt Region interested
in taking part in mobility
actions related to enterprises
you can contact your
Regional PROMPT Partner
People Programme
Researcher’s Mobility: Marie Curie Actions
The Marie-Curie actions funded under the People programme aim to increase
mobility between public and private sectors, as well as between countries. To this
end they will support industry training, joint research partnerships and staff
secondments between the two sectors.
'Marie Curie' actions address researchers at all stages of their careers, in the
public and private sectors, from initial research training, specifically intended for
young people, to life long learning and career development.
1. Marie Curie Initial Training Networks (ITN)
Initial training of researchers is offered evaluation process. Proposals are
through this action in order to improve evaluated by external independent
their research and complementary experts against a series of
skills, help them join established predetermined criteria and selected
research teams, and enhance their for funding for up to 4 years.
career prospects in both public and
Support will be provided for:
private sectors.
• Recruitment of researchers (in the
A network should comprise at least
first five years of their career) for initial
three participants (e.g. universities,
training;
research centres, companies, SMEs)
proposing a coherent research • Recruitment of experienced
training programme. However, in researchers of outstanding stature in
certain cases single or twinning host international training and
organizations may also be eligible. collaborative research to strengthen
transfer of knowledge;
Proposals from all areas of scientific
and technological research of interest • Networking activities, organisation
to the European Community are of workshops and conferences,
welcome. involving the participants own
research staff and external
Networks will be selected
researchers.
competitively following a two-stage
2. Intra-European Fellowships for career development
This action aims at supporting
experienced researchers at various
stages of their career, helping them in
acquiring new research skills (multi or
interdisciplinary) or to undertake
intersectoral experiences.
Researchers from Member States or
Associated Countries in possession of
a doctoral degree, or having at least
4 years of full-time equivalent
predetermined criteria. Financial
research experience after obtaining
support will be provided to the best
the degree allowing them to embark
proposals for a period of 12 to 24
on a doctorate can participate in this
action.
months (full-time equivalent).
Funding is provided for advanced
Proposals from all areas of scientific
training (including complementary
and technological research of interest
skills) and transnational mobility, on
to the European Community are
the basis of a “personal career
welcome.
development plan” established by
Proposals are submitted in liaison with the researcher with her/his personal
the organisation that will host the supervisor in the host organisation. It
individual researcher concerned and includes in particular a salary for the
evaluated by external independent researcher and a contribution
experts against a series of towards research-related costs.
 3. Marie Curie European Reintegration Grants

Marie Curie European Reintegration and technological research of interest

Grants provide financial assistance to to the European Community are
researchers who are looking for long- welcome.
term employment in research after
The proposal has to be submitted at
they have concluded their training
the earliest 1 year before the end of
within a Marie Curie Action under the
the initial Marie Curie fellowship and
6th or the 7th Framework programme.
not later than 6 months following its
The duration of the grants is between 2
end. The execution of the project must
and 3 years.
start at the latest 12 months after the
Researchers from EU Member States or end of the initial fellowship.
Associated Countries with at least 4 Applications will be evaluated twice a
years’ full-time postgraduate research year.
experience or a doctoral degree, who http://ec.europa.eu/eracareers
The grant is a flat-rate contribution to /index_en.cfm
have benefited from a Marie Curie
the project costs, e.g. salary costs of
training and mobility action with a This portal is a single entry point
the researcher or other staff employed
duration of at least 18 months can for researchers wishing to work in
for the project, travel cost,
apply. The researcher applies in liaison another country and for
consumables, patent or publication
with a (re)integration host organisation organisations wishing to recruit
located in an EU Member State or the most talented European
per year during the period of
Associated Country. and non-European researchers.
reintegration.
Proposals from all areas of scientific Three main types of information
are available:
• Fellowships/grants;
4. Marie Curie Industry-Academia Partnerships and Pathways • Research job opportunities;
• Practical information.
Partnerships between public and the participants;
private research organisations, The portal, based on two
• Recruitment of experienced databases (one devoted to job
(including universities, SMEs,
researchers from outside the
manufacturing industries), based on a vacancies and the other
partnership, for involvement in transfer
common research project and aiming containing researchers’ CVs), is
of knowledge and/or training of effectively an online job market
to increase skills exchange between
researchers;
the two sectors. for both researchers and
• Networking activities, organisation of research bodies.
There must be at least one organisation
workshops and conferences, involving Public research institutions,
from each sector from at least two
the participants’ own research staff universities and the private
different Member States or Associated
and external researchers. sector can use the first
Countries of which one must be from
the EU27. database not only to advertise
their vacancies online free of
Proposals from all areas of scientific charge, but also to consult the
and technological research of interest online CVs of researchers who
to the European Community are
are interested in research
welcome.
opportunities in Europe.
Proposals are submitted, evaluated Researchers can use the second
against a series of predetermined database to upload their CVs
criteria by international peer review and simultaneously consult job
and selected for funding of 3-4 years. offers, as well as information on
Support will be provided for: grants and training opportunities
offered by research bodies.
• Exchange of know-how and
experience through inter-sector two-
ways secondments of research staff of

http://europa.eu.int/eracareer
s/era-more
This network, made up of
organisations that provide
concrete assistance to
researchers and their families
before, during and after their
move abroad, helps to create
a more favourable
environment for the mobility of
researchers in Europe and,
accordingly, enhances the
continent’s attractiveness.
By tapping into the resources
and experience of dozens of
organisations in the 33
countries participating in the
European Union’s Sixth
Framework Programme for
Research, the ERA-MORE
network offers researchers and
their families comprehensive,
up-to-date information, as well
as customised assistance on all
matters relating to their
professional and daily lives in
their host country.
Every mobility centre has
special links to the universities
and research bodies in its
country or region. This provides
researchers with direct access
to local expertise and highly
reliable information.
Since the ERA-MORE network
was launched in June 2004,
thousands of researchers have
benefited from the services of
some 200 mobility centres in
the following areas:
• visas
• work permits
• salaries and taxation
• social security, pension rights
and healthcare
• accommodation
• recognition of qualifications
• day care and schooling
• language courses
• social and cultural aspects
• intellectual property rights
5. International Outgoing Fellowships for career
development
This action aims at offering the Proposals are submitted by the
European researchers the opportunity researcher in liaison with the return
to be trained and to acquire new host organisation in a MS or AS.
knowledge in a third country high-
Financial support will be provided to
level research organisation, and
the best proposals for a period of up
subsequently return to an organisation
to 3 years, including an initial
in a Member State or Associated
outgoing phase (1-2 years) in a third
Country.
country and a mandatory
Researchers from a Member State or reintegration phase.
Associated Country in possession of a
Funding is provided for advanced
doctoral degree or with at least 4
training on the basis of a “personal
years’ full-time equivalent research
career development plan”
experience after obtaining the
established by the researcher with
degree which allows them to embark
her/his supervisor in the host
on a doctorate (it is however
organisation. It includes in particular a
expected that researchers will have
salary for the researcher and a
more experience) can apply to this
contribution towards research-related
action.
costs.
6. International Incoming Fellowships
This action aims at encouraging top will have more experience).
class researchers from third countries
Proposals are submitted by the
to work on research projects in
researcher in liaison with the
Europe, with a view to developing
organization that will host her/him in a
mutually beneficial research co-
Member State or Associated Country.
operations between Europe and third
countries. Financial support will be provided to
the best proposals for a period of 1 to
Researchers from third countries in
2 years, and eventually for an
possession of a doctoral degree and
additional return phase of 1 year if the
with at least 4 years full-time
researcher originates from an
equivalent research experience after
International cooperation partner
obtaining the degree which allows
country.
them to embark on a doctorate (it is
however expected that researchers
7. Marie Curie International Reintegration Grants
Marie Curie International in liaison with a (re)integration host
Reintegration grants provide financial organisation located in an EU
assistance to researchers who wish to Member State or Associated Country.
return and find a job in Europe after
Applications are evaluated twice a
they have worked in research in a
year. If the proposal is selected, the
third country for at least three years.
Commission signs a grant agreement
The duration of the grants is between
with the (re)integration host. The
2 and 4 years.
(re)integration host will then sign an
Researchers from EU Member States employment agreement with the
or Associated Countries with at least 4 researcher.
years full-time postgraduate research
The grant is a flat-rate contribution to
experience or a doctoral degree,
the project costs and amounts to
who at the deadline of submission
g the period of
foreseen in the call for proposals have
reintegration.
been active in research in a third
country for at least 3 years can apply
to this action. The researcher applies
Aca demic/Industrial Staff Exchange to
The Canary Islands
General information about the region
The Canary Islands is a territory of the
European Union further south of the
continent in the Atlantic Ocean, made
up of seven major islands, all of which
are of volcanic origin, located off the
coast of West Africa and at a distance
of some 1100 kilometres from the
Spanish Mainland.
The Canary Islands are divided into
two Provinces, Las Palmas, comprising
Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and
Fuerteventura, and Santa Cruz de
Tenerife, which includes Tenerife, La
Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro. The
region has as its twin capitals the cities
of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and
Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Recognized as a tourist destination,
the islands receive nine million visitors
annually, which are the main source of
wealth. The regional GDP is divided
into: 79% service sector; 12%
construction; 7% industry; and 3%
agriculture.
Quality of life
The Islands' strategic location enables
residents to enjoy an enviable quality
of life, in an exceptional climate (the
average year round temperature
varies between a maximum of 24°C
and a minimum of 15°C) and a unique
natural environment.
The profuse and varied plant life of The
Islands and the beauty of the
landscapes are two of the most
Tourism and the service and
construction-related sectors are the
principal motor for the economy – a
healthy and growing economy, yet
overly-dependent on one sector.
For the Government of the Canary
Islands, economic diversification
through the development of a type of
clean industry, compatible
tourism, is a priority.
attractive features, making the Canary
Islands not only one of the favourite
holiday destination for the citizens of
the European Union but no less a
superb place of residence in that they
make possible the perfect combination
of business activity with superb leisure
options.
Thanks to their location and
geographical disposition, the Canary
Islands have significant air and sea
infrastructure, which together with land
transportation, ensures rapid and
efficient transfer of goods and
passengers.
The six international airports in the
Canary Islands have registered the
greatest growth in both flights and
passengers of any airport in Spain and
have sufficient capacity to receive
over twenty-five million passengers a
year.
Contacts/ Links
a. Academic/research organization:
Universidad de La Laguna
(ULL) http://www.ull.es
Universidad de Las Palmas
de Gran Canaria (ULPGC)
http://www.ulpgc.es
Canarian Institute for
Cancer Research (ICIC)
http://www.icic.es/
with
Antonio González University
Institute of Bio-organics
(IUBO)
http://www.iubo.ull.es/
Canarian Institute of Marine
Sciences (ICCM)
http://www.iccm.rcanaria.e
s/
Canarian Institute of
Agrarian Research (ICIA)
http://www.icia.es/
Canarian Foundation of
Health and Research
(FUNCIS)
http://www.canarias.org/fu
ncis/
Technological Institute of
the Canaries (ITC)
http://www.itccanarias.org
Oceanography Center of
the Canaries
http://www.ieo.es/tenerife.h
tml/
Canary Astrophysics Institute
http://www.iac.es/
Institute of Technology and
Renewable Energy (ITER)
http://www.iter.es/
Canarian Water Center
http://www.fcca.es/
University Institute of Applied
Microelectronics (IUMA)
http://www.iuma.ulpgc.es/
National Aerospace
Technical Institute (INTA)
http://www.inta.es/
University Institute of
Cybernetics Science and
Technology
http://www.iuctc.ulpgc.es/
University Institute of
Intelligence Systems and
Numerical Applications
http://www.iusiani.ulpgc.es/
 Research Capacities
b. Technology Transfer Centers

SEIRC. Centro de apoyo a la The research capacities are focused number of international space
transferencia de tecnología on key industries that include: Medical missions.
http://seirc.itccanarias.org/ Technology, Water Technology, Institute of Astrophysics of the
Fundación Universidad de Las Renewable Energies, Biotechnology, Canaries (IAC)
Palmas de Gran Canaria Information and Communication
http://www.fulp.ulpgc.es/ Today, telescopes and other
Technology (ICT), Astrophysics, Optics
instrumentation from more than 60
OTRI de la Universidad de La Laguna and Space Technology. Our
institutes in 19 countries are
http://www.ull.es/docencia/otri/prin universities offer degrees (in addition to
cipal.htm concentrated here, creating the
doctoral programs) in Computer
largest astronomical complex in
Fundación Empresa de la Science, Electrical Engineering,
Europe.
Universidad de La Laguna Telecommunications, Robotics,
http://www.feu.ull.es/ Medicine and Surgery, Physics, and Canarian Institute for Cancer
Fundación ITC Biosciences. Research (ICIC)
http://fundacion.itccanarias.org/ The Canarian Institute for Cancer
There are two public universities, 45,000
c. Regional Economic Development Centres students, 40% of the student body Research conducts biomedical
and other regional links studies science and technical degrees, research, basic and clinical. ICIC
and about 3,000 faculty members. develops an intense activity of
Promociones Exteriores de Canarias,
S.A. (PROEXCA) scientific exchange with researchers
University of Las Palmas de Gran
http://www.proexca.es/ and national and foreign professional
Canaria (ULPGC)
societies –promoting new researchers
Cámara de Comercio de Las Created in 1989, it now has an
Palmas de Gran Canaria in the field of cancer.
http://www.camaralaspalmas.org/
enrollment of 25,000 students and a
Canarian Foundation of Health
rotation of 1,500 faculty members
Cámara de Comercio de Santa and Research (FUNCIS)
spread across 35 departments (12
Cruz de Tenerife
technical, 11 natural sciences and FUNCIS finances, or helps in the
http://www.camaratenerife.com/
health, 6 social sciences, and another search for financing, research
Portal de Innovación de Canarias
6 humanities). Currently, there are 4 projects, educational activities in elite
(PIC) http://pic.itccanarias.org/ centers, education and training in
university research Institutes, 4 research
Sistema de Información Empresarial and development centers and 132 medical centers in the Canaries, and
de Canarias (SIECAN)
research groups. assisting with the advancement of the
http://www.siecan.org/
administration of research in health.
University of La Laguna (ULL)
d. NCPs – Mobility Centres in Canary Islands Canarian Institute of Marine
Founded 200 years ago, there are
http://www.feu.ull.es/centromovilida Sciences (ICCM)
currently almost 25,000 students and
d/ The basic areas of research and
around 1,700 professors/researchers. Its
http://www.fulp.ulpgc.es/index.php degree catalog covers 56 courses of development of the ICCM are:
?pagina=movilidad&ver=inicio study in the first and second cycles, aquaculture, fishing biology,
divided into 28 Bachelor´s degrees, 16 sustainable development, coastal
degrees, one in technical architecture, intervention, oceanography, and
6 in technical engineering, and 5 in fishing resources.
The Researchers’ Mobility engineering. Currently, there are 8 Institute of Technology and
Portal for Spain university research institutes, of which Renewable Energy (ITER)
http://www.eracareers.es/ three are most related with ITER has three large areas of R&D:
technological research and renewable energies, environmental
The mobile researcher's development. energy, and engineering.
guide to the Canary Islands
http://www.fulp.ulpgc.es/index.php?pagina=m
Canarian Institute of Agrarian
ovilidad&ver=guide In the Canaries there are also other Research (ICIA)
Institutions and R&D centers that we It has three large, basic research
describe briefly. fields: vegetable production, animal
Canary Islands Institute of production, and applied botanics.
Prompt Project Con tact Data in Technology (ITC)
the Canary Islan ds The mission of the ITC is to lead in
Address technological innovation and transfer
Instituto Tecnológico de Canarias in strategic sectors in the Canaries
Plaza d e S ixto Macha do, 3. mainly in the fields of Renewable
38009 – Sant a Cru z d e Ten er ife Energy, Water Technology, Information
Cana ry Isla nds and Communication Technology,
Spain Biotechnology, and Bioengineering.

e-mail: prompt@itccanarias.org Canary Islands Space Center

Phone number: + 34 922 56 89 00
Fax numbe r: +34 92 2 56 89 13
The Canary Islands Space Center,
dependent of the National Aerospace
Technical Institute, undertakes the
intensive task of supporting a great
Aca demic/Industrial Staff Exchange to
Crete
General information about the region
Crete is the largest island in Greece,
with 5.5% of the country’s total
population (650,000 people), 5.3% of
GDP, and 80.1% of EU25 average GDP
per capita in 2003. Service activities,
such as tourism, transportation services
and education dominate the regional
economy, accounting for over 62% of
total employment and producing
78.2% of the regional value-added.
The manufacturing sector mainly
revolves around activities connected
to processing of primary sector output,
such as food and beverages, plastics
and construction. Agriculture is the
second largest activity, dominated by
Quality of life
Crete is the place where the Minoan
civilization, one of the most important
civilizations of the world (2600-1150 BC),
started.
According to Greek mythology Crete is
the land of King Minos. The legend is
that the king refused to sacrifice a bull
to the gods and Poseidon punished
him by making his wife fall in love with a
bull. From this union the Minotaur was
born and was hid in a labyrinth.
Another legend says that to avenge
the death of his son by the Athenians,
King Minos made them send seven
young girls and boys to Crete every
year, to offer them as a sacrifice to the
Minotaur. During an expedition the
famous mythical hero Theseus, the son
of the King of Athens, left Athens with
the young Athenians and, with the help
of Ariadne, the daughter of the King
Minos, managed to kill the Minotaur
and find his way out of the labyrinth.
In 1204, the Venetians conquered the
island of Crete. They fortified the old
castles built by the Arabs, built new
ones, and founded new fortified cities
such as Chania and Rethymno.
The city of Rethymno is the only one
that remains intact since
Renaissance, with its beautifully
decorated piazzas, its superb fountains
and its fine churches and palaces.
small landholdings. The unemployment
rate in Crete (4,5 % in 2006) is the a. Academic/research organization:
lowest among the country’s 13 regions.
University of Crete
(www.uoc.gr)
During 2003 R&D expenditure
accounted for 0.86% of GRP, a Technical University of Crete
(www.tuc.gr)
considerably larger share than the
national average of 0.63% and second Technological Education
Institute of Crete
only to Attica’s 0.93%, with universities
(www.teicrete.gr)
and PROs (public research
Foundation for Research
organisations) accounting for 97.2% of
and Technology
total regional expenditure. Crete (www.forth.gr)
receives 18% of the expenditure
Mediterranean Agronomic
allocated to public research centres Institute of Chania
and 8% of that allocated to higher (www.maich.gr)
education institutes HEIs) in Greece. National Agricultural
Research Foundation
(www.nagref.gr)
Hellenic Centre for Marine
Research (www.hcmr.gr)
During those years, the arts flourished b. NCPs – Mobility network
such as painting and literature. The
Science & Technology Park
famous painter El Greco (Domenicos of Crete (www.stepc.gr,
Theotocopoulos) started his carrier in www.forth.gr/ncp)
this epoch, and other artists and
The researchers’ mobility
scholars from Constantinople and other portal in Greece:
parts of the old Byzantine Empire came http://mobility.certh.gr/pls/r
to Crete. mp/mobility.main
Nikos Kazantzakis, the notable writer, Associations (Chambers of
was borne in Heraklion. Every year, the commerce etc)
city of Heraklion hosts the well-known
Chamber of Heraklion
“Heraklion summer festival”, with many (www.ebeh.gr)
cultural events from May to September.
Nowadays Crete is a very dynamic Chania Chamber of
Commerce and Industry
region with many cultural AND
TOURISM attractions. It has a very good
Chamber of Rethymnon
tourist infrastructure with more than
(www.eber.gr)
250000 beds and attracts more than 4
million tourists every year. The island has Chamber of Lasithi
(www.epimlas.gr)
very good air connection with many
European cities during the tourism c. Regional authorities
season.
Regional authority of Crete
(www.crete-region.gr)
Prefectural administration of
Heraklion (www.na-
hrakleioy.gr)
Prefectural administration of
Chania
(www.chaniaperf.gr)
the
Prefectural administration of
Rethymnon (www.na-
rethymnon.gr)
 Prefectural administration of
Lasithiou (www.lasithinet.gr)
Municipality of Heraklion
(www.heraklion-city.gr)
Municipality of Chania
(www.chania.gr)
Municipality of Rethymnon
(www.rethymno.gr)
Municipality of Agios Nikolaos
(www.agiosnikolaos.gr)
d. Large companies in Crete
FORTHNET (www.forthnet.gr)
Mills of Crete (www.mills.gr)
Creta Farm (www.creatafarm.gr)
Plastika Kritis
(www.plastikakritis.com)
Megaplast SA
(www.megaplast.gr)
Capsis Hotels & Resorts
(www.capsis.gr)
Grecotel (www.grecotel.com)
MINOAL Lines (www.minoan.gr)
ANEK Lines (www.anek.gr)
e. Guide for incoming researchers (Mobility
Centres)
FP7 – PEOPLE NCP
(www.forth.gr/ncp)
The Researchers’ Mobility
Portal for Greece
http://mobility.certh.gr/pls/rmp/mobility.main
Prompt Project Contact
Data in Crete
Address
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY PARK OF
CRETE,
P.O. BOX 144 7
71110 , Hera klion
CRETE, GREECE
Research Capacities
Over the last 25 years Crete has solar, etc.).
developed a significant public In addition, Crete hosts one of the
academic and research infrastructure, country's largest research centres –
through the foundation of two the Foundation for Research and
universities, one non-university higher Technology Hellas (FORTH) established
education institute (TEI) and five in the 1980s. Its main activities are
research centres (see Links).Taken based in Heraklion but it has branches
together the three HEIs had 25 300 in other cities on Crete and in other
students in 2002, accounting for 7.7% Greek regions. The four institutes
of the entire student population. In based in Heraklion work on molecular
terms of student concentration, Crete biology and biotechnology,
occupies fifth place among the computational mathematics,
country’s 13 regions. It is estimated that materials structure, lasers and
the three HEIs employ approximately computer science (software
2000 teaching staff (of all levels) and development). One institute in
over 1350 research staff members. In Rethymno focuses on "Mediterranean
terms of size, the University of Crete is studies". Another two of the
the largest institution, with 633 Foundation's institutes are based
teaching staff and over 14000 students outside Crete.
in 2005 (2040 enrolled in 2002). It has The Mediterranean Agronomic
five departments, two of which focus
Institute of Chania (MAICh),
on science, engineering and medicine established in 1985, conducts
while the rest are devoted to the scientific and technological research
humanities and arts. in the fields of food quality,
In contrast, the Technical University of sustainable agriculture, horticulture
Crete (TUC) focuses exclusively on genetics, natural products and
technology disciplines. The university is biotechnology. The institute runs a
based in Chania, with 2500 students in Master's degree, with 625 graduates,
2005 (309 students enrolled in 2002) of whom 95 came from Crete. The
and 180 teaching staff. Its five agricultural research facilities of
departments focus mainly on industrial National Agricultural Research
automation, ICT applications, Foundation (NAGREF), a national
materials, energy, biochemical and research centre, are based mainly in
environmental engineering. The Chania and Heraklion, with
Technological Educational Institute of outstations in many places on the
Crete acquired the status of a higher island. Heraklion also houses two
educational institute in 2003. Its central institutes of the Hellenic Centre for
campus is located in Heraklion, while Marine Research (Institute of
five branches are located in Crete's Aquaculture & Institute of Marine
other three prefectures. The TEI has Biology, established in 2003) and a
over 15000 students and 1143 teaching new aquarium. The Centre manages
staff. It is more active in research fields major aquaculture research facilities
related to the agricultural sector and in Heraklion.
renewable energy sources, a fast
growing field on the island, which has
a large untapped potential (wind,

e-mail

Phone number
+30 2 810 391907

Fax numbe r
+30 2 810 391906
Aca demic/Industrial Staff Exchange to
Madeira
General information about the region
Lying in the North Atlantic some 900
kilometres from mainland Portugal, the
archipelago of Madeira is comprised
of four islands. Madeira and Porto
Santo are inhabited and the other two
are nature reserves.
The total surface area of the
autonomous region of Madeira is 800
km². The island of Madeira, which has
the largest surface area (740 km²), is
characterised by an extremely
undulating land form (of volcanic
origin). There is something of a north-
south divide in that the north coast is
steep, humid, wild and little inhabited
while the south of the island hosts crop
production and villages. It is also where
the capital Funchal is located (45% of
the total population).
The total population is in the region of
250,000. The population's youthful
profile makes it well suited to regional
development and the adoption of
technologies for innovation and
research. In fact, the proportion of
young people is higher than the
national average as recorded in the
most recent census: 20% (18.3% in
2004) of the population was under 15
vs. 17% nationally; the proportion of 15-
64 year olds remained stable at 68%,
whereas the proportion of over 65s fell
to 12% (13.2% in 2004) vs. 15%
nationally).
The population is primarily focused
around the capital (45%) and in
coastal areas. This clustering
phenomenon around Funchal creates
a critical mass which is conducive to
the creation of synergies between the
players in different fields.
The breakdown of the working
population has changed in recent years a. Academic/research organization:
(between 2000 and 2004). The primary
and secondary sectors which University of Madeira –
www.uma.pt
experienced growth at the end of the
last decade (between 1995 and 2000) Mathematics Centre -
accounted for a lower proportion in http://ccm.uma.pt/
2004: 9.2% of the working population in Macarronésia Centre -
the primary sector, 25.6% in the http://www.uma.pt/cem/
secondary and 65.2 in the tertiary sector.
Economics Centre -
Madeira has one of the lowest http://www.uac.pt/~ceeapla/
unemployment rates in Europe. One Chemistry Centre -
explanation lies in the negative http://cqm.uma.pt/index.php
migratory flow.
b. NCPs – Mobility network
The region's economy is primarily
founded on agriculture and the tertiary GRICES -
http://www.grices.mctes.pt/
sector, tourism being the biggest source
of income for the Madeiran economy. Mobility NCP - Ministry of Science,
Accounting for 20% of GDP, providing Technology and Higher
Education -
year-round support to activities related http://www.mctes.pt/1
to trade and transport and offering an
c. Regional authorities
outlet for local production, tourism is a
major sector for the region's economy. Regional Government -
http://www.gov-madeira.pt/
The tertiary sector is consequently
predominant (85% of businesses and 53%
of jobs in 2006). The archipelago is a
high-quality destination which is fully
integrated into international tourism
networks (major hotel chains and
charter firms).
The farming sector produces bananas
for the local and mainland market, as
well as flowers and Madeira wine which
enjoys an excellent reputation on export
markets. There is minimal diversification
on the market. It is primarily craft-
oriented with production of embroidery,
tapestries, and basket ware, although
the free zone of Madeira also hosts
financial, industrial and commercial
activities operated by foreign firms
drawn in by tax incentives. The business
fabric is dominated by small and very
small enterprises (97% of the total
number of businesses). The level of
qualification is low, below the average
on the Portuguese mainland, which itself
lags behind the EU average. Recent
years have seen significant spurts in
economic growth. In fact, the regional
GDP experienced average annual
growth of 7.5% between 1995 and 2003.
 Research Capacities
Created in 1988, the University of It offers masters in:
The Researchers’ Mobility Madeira is the youngest public Arts and Patrimony
University in Portugal and the only one
Portal for Portugal in Madeira.
Earth Sciences
Sports
http://www.eracareers.pt/
With approximately 5000 students, the
University offers the following courses: Informatics
Arts Strategic Management
Bio-Chemistry Mathematics
Biology
Prompt Project Contact
Medical All the research centres of Madeira
Data in Made ira are integrated in the University,
Culture Sciences
namely:
Education
Address Mathematical Centre
Communications and Culture
Madeira Tecnopolo Portuguese Language Centre
Caminho d a Pentead a Design
Macarronésia Centre
9020-10 5 Funchal Economy
Madeira Economics Centre
Sports
Portug al Chemistry Centre
Nursery
Astonomy Group
e-mail Civil Engineering
Genetics Centre
admin@madeiratecnopolo.pt Electronics Engineering
History and Arts Centre
Telecommunications
Phone number Engineering
+351 291 72 00 00 Informatics Engineering
Psychology
Fax numbe r
Mathematics
+351 291 72 00 11
Chemistry
Management
Researchers’ Mobility Portal-
Turkey
Aca demic/Industrial Staff Exchange to
Sicily

General information about the region Contacts/ Links

The Sicilian population represents 8,7% 70% of the Sicilian GDP (year 2000). a. Academic/research organization:

of the total Italian population. From
1999 to 2002 the growth of the
population has decreased. The
number of employees in the service
sector still represents the main
contribution to the Sicilian work force
(55,5%) and, recently, this tendency
has increased even more. Employment
levels in the industrial sector have
been characterised by a dynamic
trend from 2000 onwards, whereas the
number of employees in agriculture
has constantly decreased.
Since 1997 the number of skilled
workers has grown. Most workers are
between 25 and 64 years old. The
Public administration, trade and www.unict.it (University of
tourism are the principal components Catania);
of the service sector in the region. www.unime.it (University of
The industrial sector contributes for Messina);
16,5% of GDP , with the presence of www.unipa.it (University of
several large companies in the fields of Palermo);
energy industries and refineries.
www.unikore.it (University of
Traditionally, the main industrial sectors Enna);
in Sicily have been Agro food, Energy
(Petrol and Petrochemical), Building www.pstsicilia.org (Scientific
and technological park of
and Tourism. Added-value industrial Sicily);
domains are mainly represented by
Mechanics, Microelectronics, www.cnr.it (Reserch National
Centre);
Telecommunications and some
“embryonic” industrial districts like www.miur.it (Institutional
those belonging to natural stones and research centre)

unemployed population of less under ceramics, viticulture and wine www.ccr.unict.it (Consorzio
25 years olds is mostly represented by production, plastic materials and Catania Ricerche)
women although since 2000 the textiles. In the last few years, the Sicilian b. NCPs – Mobility network
unemployment rate has started to industry has shown an overall dynamic
decrease, thanks to the national policy tendency towards innovation, http://www.unict.it University
of Catania Research Office
that has actively supported female especially within the so called “Etna
employment. Valley” district, an area located on the www.mediainnovation.it
outskirts of Catania, which is devoted (Innovation Relay Centre of
The Sicilian contribution to the Italian Sicily and Calabria)
GDP is 5,8%. From 1996 to 2001, the to microelectronics and ICT
regional GDP has shown an average technologies. c. Associations (Chambers of
commerce etc)
increase of 2.1% that reflects the The share of the primary sector in the
national growth. regional GDP is about 5%. Recently it www.pa.camcom.it
has maintained the same rate (Chambers of commerce of
The island’s wealth is based on Palermo)
agriculture, tourism and industry. The because of local government’s
contribution of each sector to the support for agriculture through the EC www.ct.camcom.it
(Chambers of commerce of
regional GDP is uneven. The service funds (FEOGA). The agricultural sector
Catania)
sector is the most important in the is now involved in a process of growing
economy of the region, accounting for product specialization. http://www.etnahitech.it/
Consorzio Etna HiTech

Quality of life d. Regional authorities

www.regionesicilia.it

Sicily is the largest island of the e. Large companies

Mediterranean and it is a place www.antech.it

blessed with a richness of history and
tradition. Each town has a strong local
identity, with traditions, cuisine and
even the local dialect changing
between towns, even if they are only
10 minutes apart. There is always
something new to discover and enjoy!
Defining Sicily, as any place in the
world, is hard since its the result of the
mixture between Greeks, Romans,
Arabs, Normans, Spaniards and various
others that have visited the island (not
(Telecommunications field)
www.sicilianacarbolio.it
(Energy field)
www.proteo.it (ICT field)
www.teseosistemi.it (ICT
field)
always with the best of intentions) and
decided to extend their stay. What is www.xeniaprogetti.it (ICT
field)
easy to say is that the result is a richness
and variety of architecture, food, www.fluorosat.com (Nano &
traditions and personalities that is hard micro systems)
to resist. www.hitec2000.it (Nano &
micro systems)
Research Capacities
The special powers attributed to the
regional government in the industrial
policy have contributed to the
creation of specific bodies devoted to
industrial promotion and development,
with a special focus on innovation,
training and market openings.
Research and innovation have been
recognised as priority areas of
intervention both at regional level and
by the institutional agreement with the
National Government. Consistent
resources have been assigned to those
priority areas by POR (Sicilian
Operating Programme 2000-2006) and
PON “Ob.1 2000-2006” strategic plan,
which has been undertaken to
optimise the utilization of these
resources for innovation enhancement
in the whole of Sicily. Now is starting
POR 2007-2007.
The education system in the region is
very well developed and competitive.
It is mainly focused at academic level.
There are three Universities (Palermo,
Catania, Messina) and a lot of higher
education institutions (e.g. Scuola
Superiore dell’Università di Catania,
CERISDI). The main strengths identified
in the interviewed people are the
human resources of universities and
national research centres.
Unfortunately, there is a large number
of graduates who cannot find a job in
The Researchers’ Mobility
Portal for Italy
http://www.fondazionecrui.it/eracareers/
Prompt Project Contact Data
in Sicily
Address
Consorzio C ata nia Ricerche
Plaza Falcone n. 3
95127 – Cata nia
Sicily
Ita ly
e-mail
media@m ediainnovation.it
Phone number
+ 39 0 95535606/0953 13341
Fax numbe r
+ 39 0 95 /313367
Sicily and they are forced to move
outside. It means that it is still difficult
to find a good job, linked to a degree.
In the recently only graduates in the
fields of engineering, chemistry,
physics, mathematics, electronics and
informatics have found a good job.
Employment in high-tech
manufacturing is low and it is
concentrated in the area known as
“Etna Valley”, located in Catania,
where high tech companies, such as
STM, Nokia and numerous SMEs in the
fields of electronics, materials, ICT are
situated. In the class of computer
hardware and electronic
components, Catania is the only
centre in southern Italy appearing
among the main concentrations in
any high-tech class in Italy. Through
the activity of its large companies
more than 1.000 researchers have
been employed.
The percentage of regional R&D
expenditure is 0,9% of the regional
GDP, while in Italy is 1,12%. The
distribution of the total R&D
expenditure among the different
institutional sectors shows the highest
value in Universities expenditure
(60,1%), while only the 13,83% on the
total regional expenditure is
represented by public administration.
R&D expenditure is highly
concentrated in large firms, which are
normally part of bigger industrial
groups.
The Sicilian economic system is
characterised by the presence of a
few large companies and numerous
SMEs (73%). In Italy SMEs represent 63%
of the total number of companies.
According to recent surveys the total
number of companies in Sicily is
310.597; the majority still belongs to
agriculture and trade, which still
represent the most relevant sectors in
the Sicilian economy. Nevertheless,
the building sector and industry have
maintained a significant weight over
the last years.
The “Etna Valley” is mainly
characterised by the presence of
national and international companies
which mostly operate in the
electronic sector, as well as in
telematics and telecommunications
sectors. The main industrial colossus, ST
Microelectronic, together with the vital
action of local SMEs, has given an
innovative impulse to the region.
During the 90’s, ST Microelectronics has
started to co-operate with important
local institutions, such as the
Universities of Catania, Palermo and
Messina; it has been involved in many
research projects, in the fields of
microelectronics and nano-
technologies. In the innovative process
University has has played a key role
through the creation of Consorzio
Catania Ricerche including public
institution and industries. Another
relevant aspect concerns the birth of
new firms which have been setup both
by STM ex-employers and by young
entrepreneurs, such as Antech
(telecommunication)or Proteo (water
management software system). Local
government policies have
encouraged the establishment of
national and international companies
even by offering of important services,
whose main function is to provide
companies with all the necessary
assistance for the creation of new
businesses. Thanks to its support, some
of the most important companies
have decided to develop businesses
in the area and local Hi-tech
companies aggregate creating a
network of competences, know-how,
resources, and pursuing a shared
competitive strategy in the fields of
Micro and Nano Technologies, ICT,
Agroindustry, Telecommunication,
Environment, Plant systems and
production of composite materials.
The companies have a turnover of
about 90 million Euros and employ
about 1100 people.
Aca demic/Industrial Staff Exchange to
The Bal earic Islands
General information about the region
The Balearic Islands, of which the capital
city is Palma de Mallorca, are an
archipelago in the western
Mediterranean Sea, near the eastern
coast of the Iberian Peninsula. The
region comprises the four well-known
Mediterranean islands of Mallorca,
Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera.
Covering a total geographical area of
4,992 km², in 2006 the official population
of the Balearic Islands was 1,001,062
(2.2% of Spain) the majority of which are
Majorcan residents, with a density of
196.94/km². The islands also include
numerous isles like the ones that form
the La Cabrera Archipelago, declared
a Marine-Land National Park. The
Balearic Islands, also officially known as
the Illes Balears, is an Autonomous
Community and province of Spain with
its own government. The insular
institutions are made up of the Balearic
Government, the Balearic Parliament
and three insular Councils: the Council
of Majorca, the Council of Minorca and
the Council of Ibiza and Formentera.
The co-official languages in the Balearic
Islands are Spanish and Catalan (i.e.
mallorquí, menorquí and eivissenc, as
Catalan is known by its speakers in this
territory, in Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza
respectively.
In the last 25 years the Balearic Islands
have experienced a great economic
growth due to the development of
service activities, mainly tourism. In fact
more than 80% of the Gross Added
Value is generated by service activities,
more than 60% directly by tourism and
90% indirectly. The Balearics have
become one of the main European
tourist destinations with one of the
highest GDP per capita in Spain (116.8%
for the Balearic Islands compared to
94.5% for Spain in 2002 with EU 25=100).
The larger islands are connected by
plane and ferry. Each airport offers
several direct flights between each of
the islands and to main European
airports. Only Majorca has a railway line,
although the network of buses makes it
possible to reach every area of each
island on public transport. The most
popular method of transport amongst
the archipelago's many tourists is car
hire. These islands enjoy mild weather,
characteristic of the Mediterranean
climate, while tinged with typical insular
features such as high levels of
environmental humidity. As a result, the
difference in temperature between
seasons is accentuated. The average
temperature varies between 19.5 ºC in
spring, 27ºC in summer, 20.5ºC in autumn
and 15ºC in winter. The yearly average
temperature for the entire archipelago is
approximately 17 ºC, with minor
fluctuations between the various islands.
Throughout the year, the Balearics enjoy
300 days of sunshine, a fact that has
lead it to become a highly appealing
tourist destination for Northern
Europeans, for whom this is not such a
common occurrence.
Traditionally the water is drawn by
windmills, whose outlines form a very
characteristic feature in the landscape
of these irrigation lands, especially in
Majorca. The calm landscape of the
windmills, which are no longer in use,
can be seen in the areas of the Pla de
Sant Jordi, Campos, Muro and sa Pobla.
The most developed industries in the
Balearics and those which have the
greatest repercussions abroad are
undoubtedly the production
footwear, costume jewellery, furniture
and fake pearls, of which the latter two
are mainly carried out in the region of
Manacor. Apart from the regular hotel
selection, there is also a new series of
facilities for the enjoyment of the visitor,
including marinas, golf courses, agro-
tourism establishments, etc.
a. Academic/research organization:
UIB (Balearic Islands
University) http://www.uib.es
FUEIB (Enterprise-University
Foundation)
http://www.fueib.net
ESB (Balearic Islands School
of Higher Education)
http://www.escolasuperiorb
alear.es/
Fundación IBIT
(Technological Innovation
Centre) http://www.ibit.org
CITTIB (Balearic Islands
Research Centre for Tourism
Technologies)
http://www.caib.es/govern/
organigrama/area.do?lang
=ca&coduo=476
INESTUR (Institute of Tourist
Strategy of the Balearic
Islands)
http://www.inestur.es/p/
INESCOP (Spanish
Technological Institute for
Footwear)
http://www.inescop.es/
CETEBAL (Balearic Islands
Technological Centre for
Wood)
http://www.cetebal.com
Research Support Office of
the UIB http://www.uib.es
Mateu Orfila Foundation
(Health Research
Foundation of the Balearic
Islands) http://www.fmo.es/
b. NCPs – Mobility network
Balearic Islands Innovation
Portal
www.balearesinnova.net
University of Alicante – OTRI
(IRC)
of http://www.cenemes.es
c. Chambers of Commerce
Majorcan Chamber of
Commerce
http://www.cambramallorc
a.com/
Minorcan Chamber of
Commerce, Industry and
Navigation
http://www.camaramenorc
a.com/

d. Regional Authorities
Balearic Islands Government
http://www.caib.es/root/index.do
?lang=es
Ministry for Economy, Treasury and
Innovation
http://www.caib.es/govern/organi
grama/area.do?lang=es&coduo=
6 Living in The islands is a unique
Directorate General of R+D+I
http://www.caib.es/govern/organi
grama/area.do?coduo=272&lang
=es
e. Large Companies
Hotelbeds
http://www.hotelbeds.com
TUI
http://www.tuitravelplc.com/tuitra
vel/
HOTETUR
http://www.hotetur.com/?adnetw
ork=af
f. Other Organisations
Oficial Tourism Portal of the
Balearic Islands
http://www.illesbalears.es/ing/bal
earicislands/home.jsp
Technological Park
http://www.parcbit.es/
FEHM (Hotel Federation of
Mallorca) http://www.fehm.info
ASHOME (Hotel Association of
Menorca)
http://www.infotelecom.es/ashom
e/
FEHIF (Hotel Enterprise Federation
of Ibiza and Formentera)
http://www.fehif.net/
The Researchers’ Mobility
Portal for Spain
http://mobility.certh.gr/pls/rmp/mobility.main
Quality of life
The Balearic Islands has become a
tourist emporium and the top tourist
destination in the western
Mediterranean. It hosts an excellent
combination of elegant summer
resorts, coves and beaches, without
detracting from the beautiful spots
hidden inland on each of the islands.
opportunity, outlined by the following
reasons:
1. Unique warm weather during
the whole year, with no winter
season. Habitual sunny days
softened by the breezes of the
Mediterranean Sea. The sun
shines 300 days a year. The
Balearic Islands is situated in
the Mediterranean Sea, which
gives the island a subtropical
climate. During the winter the
temperature is pleasant and in
the summer warm and dry.
From November to April there
is the possibility of heavy
rainfall, however infrequent. In
august the temperature can
reach as high as 40ºC.
2. Healthy gastronomy based on
diet of plenty of vegetables,
fruit, fishes and olive oil that
constitute an insurance for
longevity and a better quality
of life. The typical local dishes
are based on chicken, lamb,
pork, vegetables, and a lot of
olive oil and garlic. And there
is a wide range of fish dishes
available. Sopes mallorquines
or Majorcan soup is a very
traditional soup, which is
made from slices of special
bread soaked in the cooking
broth, vegetables, tomatoes,
paprika and garlic.
3. Gorgeous country-sides and
natural places, where you can
enjoy different natural areas
such as beaches, mountains,
coves, and historic places to
visit and discover. The islands
have varied coastlines with
extended beaches and many
bays. The beach mainly
consists of sand. The sea is very
calm and has a nice
temperature from June until
October. Next to their
magnificent beaches, the
islands also offer inland forests
and mountain ranges, with
impressive varied landscapes.
4. Relaxing way of life that
provides the visitor the
opportunity of practicing
sports like: golf, tennis,
swimming, hiking, trekking,
horse-riding, sailing, etc…
5. Charming personality of
Spanish people, due to the
climate and healthy life-style.
The Spanish enjoy and spend
important amounts of time in
leisure. The islands have a lot
of entertainment for
everyone. The cities offer art
exhibitions, concerts, musicals
& festivals. Next to this the
island offers discos which are
open all night, clubs, bars
and pubs. And if you want to
relax, you can go to one of
the many cinemas or shows.
Mallorca in particular has
many museums. Most resorts
have at least one museum,
and in Palma there are
dozens.
6. Good economy and social
services among the best of
the world such as health
system. Spain has big
corporations that are
extended all over the world,
and its reputation in the
business world is increasing.
7. Continuous increment of
tourists and residents from
other parts of Europe which
leads to a high demand of
property.
8. Cheaper cost of life than
those of Northern Europe, a
condition this is favoured by
the large influx of foreigners.
9. Culture, history, art, reflected
in the small towns of the
island centres and coasts.
Theses characteristics provide
The Balearic Islands with its
own distinct singularity.
Universities and Research Institutions

The Balearic Islands is home to a very R&D Plan and the 1st Innovation Plan
young university, the Balearic Islands for the period 2001-2004, and the
University (UIB), which offers degrees in current drawing-up of a Regional
law, economics, tourism, physics, Tourism Development Strategy, to be
biology, computer sciences, etc. It is completed and implemented at the
located in Palma de Mallorca close to end of 2007. All these efforts have
the technological park ParcBIT. UIB is a brought about some good results such
public institution in favour of quality, as as an increase in scientific
much in teaching as in research and its competitiveness of regional
cultural actions. It is a modern researchers. The current R+D Innovation
university, open to everyone and in the Plan for the period 2005-2008 run by the
last few years has been integrated in government concentrates its efforts in
solid international university networks, three basic areas: tourism, environment islands, the Spanish Institute for
which has attracted many foreign and health sciences. Footwear (INESCOP), a centre of
students and which is preparing to knowledge transmission to the
A network of physical and virtual
assume the important challenge of the associated companies, and the
company support centres
Balearic Technological Centre for
incorporation to the European space (technological antennas), which will
of higher education. Wood (CETEBAL). Organisations
analyse and enhance the demand for
functioning as interfaces between
Several R&D institutes such as the innovation and consolidate the science and business include the
Mediterranean Institute for Advanced technological supply in the Balearic
Research Support Office at UIB, the
Studies (IMEDEA), the Oceanographic Islands, is being designed and Enterprise-University Foundation (FUEIB),
Institute, the Health Science Research established. This network would the CITTIB and the Mateu Orfila
University Institute (IUNICS), the Balearic comprise support centres in each of the
Foundation. The ParcBIT promotes the
Blood and Tissue Bank Foundation, the three large islands (Mallorca, Menorca islands as a location of innovative
Research Unit of the Son Dureta and Ibiza) where entrepreneurs could enterprises, particularly in the field of
University Hospital, the Spanish make any consultation whatsoever
information and communication
Geological and Mining Institute, the related to their needs for innovation technologies. It offers an advanced
Aquaculture Station and the Balearic and the improvement of their telematic infrastructure as well as
Territorial Meteorological Centre can competitive position.
advice for technology-based
also be found in the region. Key technology institutions include the companies and academic spin-offs.
The R&D and innovation system has IBIT Foundation (Fundación IBIT) The park hosts a business incubator.
seen a fresh development in recent dedicated to the promotion of
years thanks to the Balearic information technologies, the Balearic
Governments increased efforts to Islands Centre for Research of Tourist
enhance the system through the Technologies (CITTIB), which is a primary
design and implementation of the 1st catalyst of the tourist research in the

Regional ICT Tourism Cluster

The Balearic Islands ICT Tourism Cluster
was created in April of 2007 by the DG
R+D+I of the Ministry for Economy,
Treasury and Innovation, IBIT, gsBIT,
FUEIB and ESB. Apart from its founders
and current leaders, the AEI at present
has 69 members, all of which are SMEs
dedicated to ICT in Tourism. The Cluster
is a concrete industrial sector of
companies, training centres and
public/private research centres,
involved in collaborative exchange
processes, driven to obtain
advantages or benefits derived from
the execution of joint-projects of an
innovate character on Regional,
National and International levels. This
activity will be centred on a market or
segment of an objective market or to
a scientific-technological reference
Prompt Project Contact
sector. The objective of the Regional Data in the Balearic Islands
ICT Tourism Cluster therefore structured
will be to reach a critical mass to the
effect that its international competition
Address
and visibility can be assured.
In line with the Regional Tourism
Development Strategy currently being
drawn-up, the cluster consists of four e-mail
working groups as follows:
Internationalization through the
promotion of the Balearic Islands Phone number
Tourism Software, with emphasis on
Europe, Latin America, Russia and
China as an initial phase; Training of Fax numbe r
professionals and academics in the
sector; R+D+I of the Balearic Islands
products; a unique branding of the
Cluster.
 Aca demic/Industrial Staff Exchange to
Malta
General information about the region
The Maltese Archipelago lies virtually
at the centre of the Mediterranean,
with Malta 93kms south of Sicily and
288kms north of Africa. The Maltese
Archipelago consists of three major
islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino. Their
total population is around 400,000.
Malta is the largest island and the
cultural, commercial and
administrative centre, with its capital,
Valletta. Gozo is the second largest
island and is more rural, characterized
by fishing, tourism, crafts and
agriculture. Comino is largely
uninhabited and has one beach resort
hotel.
Malta joined the European Union in
2004 and shall be introducing the Euro
as its main currency on the 1st of
January 2008. The official languages
are Maltese and English, with English
being the main business language.
Malta serves as an ideal bridge
between Europe, North Africa, and the
Middle East, and is a gateway to the
south for investors seeking to manage
their interests in Libya and North Africa.
Malta’s public online services, known as
eGovernment, rank second amongst EU
public online services. The report was
carried out by IT company Capgemini,
which analyzed thousands of websites in
areas such as tax, social services and
construction permits in the EU member
states as well as Norway, Switzerland Apart from the climate and beaches,
and Iceland.
A benchmarking study showed
penetration rates of fixed telephone General contacts:
lines at 98% and mobile telephony www.maltaenterprise.com
exceeding 76%; Internet access costs
www.gov.mt
);
public Internet access points are www.visitmalta.com
amongst the highest (0.5% per 1000 http://mjha.gov.mt/
inhabitants); Internet access in primary
www.um.edu.mt
and secondary schools is also amongst
www.mcast.gov.mt
the highest in Europe.
Malta has one of the cheapest property www.airmalta.com
rental costs within the EU, with prime www.foi.org.mt
www.chamber.org.mt
National Contact Point for FP7:
www.mcst.gov.mt
Top Companies Located in Malta:
ST Microelectronics www.st.com/
De La Rue www.delarue.com/
Playmobil www.playmobilmalta.com
HSBC Malta www.hsbc.com.mt
Unibet
residential property enjoying historical Go www.go.com.mt
and natural sea views that make the
Toly www.toly.com
island one of the most desirable
Mediterranean island states in which to Actavis www.actavis.com.mt
invest and reside. Vodafone www.vodafone.com.mt
Malta is rated A2 by Moody's Investors
Microsoft www.microsoft.com
Service, A by Standard & Poor's Corp.,
and A+ by Fitch Ratings confirming that
Malta is a safe and secure place to do
business. Malta is also rated as “Mostly
The Researchers’ Mobility
Free” by the heritage Foundation in
Washington with particular strength in Portal for Malta
the areas of Monetary Policy, Banking
and Finance, Intellectual Property Rights, http://www.eracareers.org.mt/
Foreign Investment, Property Rights and
Personal and Corporate Taxation that
contribute to this performance.
Foreign exchange facilities are available
on a 24-hour basis all year round. There
are a number of automated foreign
exchange machines found around the
islands as well as automated teller
machines (ATMs). A number of
exchange brokers operate on the
islands, and also a number of
international banks such as HSBC; FIM
Bank and Volksbank.
Malta is also synonymous with history.
 The Megalithic Temples of the Maltese
islands are on the prestigious World
Heritage Sites list. These prehistoric
free-standing stone structures are
much older than the Pyramids of
Egypt and Stonehenge.
The Maltese economy is highly
dependent on tourism, which is a
major contributor to output growth,
employment creation and foreign
exchange generation. Malta's Grand
Harbor has become one of the most
important ports in Europe for the
cruise industry, becoming the seventh
most visited in Europe in 2005.
Malta offers a highly competitive and
diverse investment location for high
value added industries and service
providers particularly in the fields of
aviation services, automotive
technologies, electronics, ICT, back
office operations and healthcare. The
location is also fast becoming
recognized as a particularly attractive
centre for generic pharmaceuticals
industry, and the island’s favorable
legal environment for generic
producers has attracted a number of
leading internationals to migrate to
Malta.
The rapid expansion of the financial
services sector, which now accounts
for 12% of GDP, is a further measure of
Malta’s economic strength.
Educationally, the number of
graduates has more than doubled in
the last decade. Malta is one of the
few countries that encourage tertiary
education through the use of
Prompt Project Contact stipends. Apart from the University of
Data in Malt a Malta, many students graduate from
MCAST - the Malta College of Arts,
Address
e-mail
p rompt@maltaenterprise.com
Phone number
+ 356 2542 0000
Fax numbe r
+ 356 2542 3401
Science and Technology. Its mission is
"To provide universally accessible
vocational and professional
education and training with an
international dimension, responsive to
the needs of the individual and the
economy". Malta, with English as an
official language, has developed a
strong reputation as the location of
choice to learn English, with its perfect
mix of culture, entertainment and the
glorious Mediterranean climate.
2007 International Living magazine’s
ranked Malta first as offering the best
climate to live in. Malta also ranks as
16th worldwide (10th amongst EU
members) in their Quality of Life
surveys. According to this study,
annual living costs in Malta are
substantially lower that the UK,
France, Spain, Italy, Ireland, Greece,
Cyprus and Turkey. Safety and
security are outstanding. Children can
play outside in absolute safety, and
the streets are safe to walk or drive
around at night.
Malta, Hungary, Sweden and France
provide the most generous
healthcare systems in Europe
according to the 2006 Euro Health
Consumer Index (EHCI) that included
the members of the European Union
and Switzerland. Malta also
emerged as the Happiest Place in the
World amongst 90 countries surveyed
by Erasmus University Rotterdam in the
Life Satisfaction Index.
Aca demic/Industrial Staff Exchange to
Sardinia

Sardinia is a constitutive part of Italy Administration and implemented by Contacts/ Links

with a special statute of autonomous Sardegna Ricerche the technological
region under the Italian Constitution. park of Sardinia. Sardegna Ricerche is
With 1.643.096 habitants Sardinia is the a research and development www.sardegnaricerche.it

second largest island in the infrastructure providing the best www.regionesardegna.it

Mediterranean Sea (after Sicily). Its conditions for fostering technology,
R&D and industrial application www.unica.it
area is about 24.090 square kilometers
and lies surrounded (clockwise from capabilities in Sardinia. www.uniss.it
north) by the French island of Corsica, Sardinia has always been a world
www.apre.it
the Italian Peninsula, Tunisia and the
Spanish Balearic Islands. www.miur.it

The capital of the island is Cagliari with www.apisarda.it

about 160,000 inhabitants, or about
www.ca.camcom.it
500,000 including the suburbs; the
other main cities are Sassari, Nuoro www.confindustriasardegna.
it
and Oristano. This cities were also the 4
traditional provinces; from 2005 other 4
provinces were established in the

The Researchers’ Mobility

appreciated touristic place, for its Portal for Italy
http://www.fondazionecrui.it/eracareers/
natural environment, mountains,
clean sea and historical cultural
heritage. In the last time has been
recognized like one of the most
attractive Italian region for external
investment in R&D activities , specially Prompt Project Contact
in the biotech sector. Data in Sardinia
A new Distretto della Biomedicina has
been realized, with a National funding
Address
Sardegna Ricerche
territory: Carbonia-Iglesias, Medio Loc Piscinamanna
Campidano, Ogliastra and Olbia- 09010 Pula
Tempio. But the population is mostly Sardinia
concentrated in the provinces of Italy
Cagliari and Sassari.
e-mail
Until very recent times the population masala@sardegnaricerche.it
inhabited the inner lands away from rocchi@sardegnaricerche.it
the sea, and the economy was based
on sheep-raising and connected
activities. Today the main economic
Phone number
activities are agriculture, food industry, + 3970 92432204
farming , handicraft, tourism.
The research activities in Sardinia are
Fax number
+3970 92432203
supported from Regional
Aca demic/Industrial Staff Exchange to
Iceland
General information about Iceland
Land Area: 103,000 square kilometres;
40,000 square miles.
Population: 300.000 (Jan. 2006).
Density: 2.8 per square kilometer.
Iceland is the least populated country
in Europe (7th in the world).
Capital: Reykjavík
Reykjavik Population: 114.968
Greater Reykjavík area population:
187.263
Language: Icelandic
Religion: Evangelical Lutheran Church,
state church of Iceland (84,08%)
Currency: Icelandic Crown
Iceland is a highly developed country,
the world´s fifth in terms of gross
domestic product per capita and
second in terms of human
development respectively.
Iceland is a member if the UN, NATO,
EFTA and the EEA, and
In Human Development Index (HDI)
Iceland is second after Norway.
Research Capacities
Iceland is ranked 5th among OECD
countries for the R&D/GDP ratio. Only
Sweden, Finland, South Korea and
Switzerland are ranked ahead of
Iceland. In 2005, approximately 48% of
the total expenditure on R&D was
financed by the private sector, 41% by
the government and 11% of the
funding came from abroad.
Iceland has a relatively large public
R&D system: the country hosts two
major universities, the University of
Iceland, several smaller university
institutions, specialized governmental
research institutes, and innovation
support institutions including risk capital
funds. The system is currently in flux, with
a number of mergers
reorganizations ongoing on the public
research side. Until recently
universities had limited research
activities, but this is currently changing.
While expanding rapidly during the last
Contacts/ Links
Academic/research organization:
Life expectancy at birth is
80.9 years University of Iceland
Dunhaga 5
Combined primary, IS-107 Reykjavik
secondary and tertiary www.hi.is
education gross enrolment Reykjavik University
ratio is 96.3 % Kringlan 1, IS-101 Reykjavík,
Iceland www.ru.is
GDP per capita is 33.051 US$
Iceland is number six on the list of Innovation Centre Iceland
Keldnaholti IS-112 Reykjavik
Empowerment Measure which is a www.nmi.is
composite index measuring gender
Research Directory can be
inequality in three basic dimensions of
found under: www.rannis.is
empowerment - economic /english/research-directory
participation and decision-making,
political participation and decision- NCPs – Mobility network
(ISK) making and power over economic National Contact Point:
resources.
Dr. Rebekka Valsdóttir,
RANNÍS Laugarvegi
13 IS-101 Reykjavik
www.rannis.is
rebekka@rannis.is
Tel. +354 515 5800
National Experts:
Anna Ingólfsdóttir, Reykjavik
University. Kringlan 1, IS-101
Reykjavík, Iceland. www.ru.is
annai@ru.is Tel.+354 599
6319
Ásta Erlingsdóttir, Research
Liaison Office of the
University of Iceland.
Dunhaga 5
IS-107 Reykjavik
decade, third level education is still http://www.rthj.hi.is
astasif@hi.is Tel. +354 525
weakly developed. This 4900
is compensated by strong incentives
and inclination of the population to Elísabet Andrésdóttir,
RANNÍS Laugarvegi 13 IS-101
study abroad. The university sector is Reykjavik www.rannis.is
currently developing new strategies elisabet@rannis.is Tel. +354
with a focus on increasing research 515 5800
quantity and quality, and on Associations
developing the offer for doctorate-
level education. ICELAND CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE Tel: +354 510
7100 Fax: +354 568 6564
www.chamber.is
info@chamber.is
TRADE COUNCIL OF
ICELAND Borgartún 35 IS-105
Reykjavík Tel. +354 511 4000
Fax +354 511 4040
www.icetrade.is
icetrade@icetrade.is
and
THE ICELANDIC CENTRE FOR
the RESEARCH (RANNÍS)
Laugarvegi 13 IS-101
Reykjavik Tel. +354 515 5800
Fax. +354 552 9814
www.rannis.is
rannis@rannis.is
 Regional authorities

Directorate of Immigration
Universities and research institutions The strongest sector traditionally in
Skógarhlíða 6 105 Reykjavík. Iceland University of Iceland (state Iceland has been the fisheries sector,
Tel (+354) 510 5400 Fax (+354) 510 but others such as banking, ICT and
5405 www.utl.is utl@utl.is
university)
pharmaceutical are showing rapid
Reykjavik University
Directorate of Labour Hafnarhúsinu growth in the past years.
v/Tryggvagötu 150 Reykjavík Tel University of Akureyri (state
(+354) 515 4800 Fax (+354) 511 2520
Some of the large international
university)
www.vinnumalastofnun.is companies based in Iceland are:
Iceland University of Education Alfesca (Fisheries), Kaupthing
Ministry of Industry Arnarhvoll 150 (state university)
Reykjavík Tel (+354) 545 8500 Fax (Banking), Marel (Food Industry
(+354) 562 1289 Bifröst University processing equipment), Actavis
www.idnadarraduneyti.is
Hólar University College (Pharmaceutical).
postur@ivr.stjr.is
Agricultural University of
Ministry of Social Affairs Hafnarhús
v/Tryggvagötu 150 Reykjavík Tel Iceland
(+354) 545 8100 Fax (+354) 552 4804 RES - The School for
Large companies Renewable Energy Science
Alfesca Kringlunni 7
Innovation Centre Iceland
IS - 103 Reykjavík Marine Research Institute
Iceland Tel.: +354 477 7000 Fax:
+354 477 7001 www.alfesca.com National Energy Authority
alfesca@alfesca.com
Iceland GeoSurvey
Kaupthing Bank Borgartún 19 IS-105 Icelandic Fisheries Laboratories
Reykjavik Iceland Tel (+354) 444 6000
Fax (+354) 444 6009 Agricultural Research Centre
www.kaupthing.com
info@kaupthing.com

Marel ehf Austurhraun 9 IS-210

Gardabaer Iceland Tel +354 563
8000 www.marel.com
info@marel.com

Actavis Dalshraun 1, IS-220

Hafnarfjordur Iceland Tel +354 535
2300 Fax +354 535 2301
www.actavis.com
actavis@actavis.com

Other organizations

The Intercultural Centre

(Althjódahús) A meeting point for
foreigners in Iceland, provide
assistance with translations and
general queries. Hvervisgata 18 101
Reykjavik Tel. +354 530 9300 Fax.
+354 530 9301 www.ahus.is
info@ahus.is

Mímir-símenntun Icelandic courses

for foreigners. Grensásvegur 16a
Skeifan 8 IS-104 Reykjavik
www.mimir.is mimir@mimir.is

Prompt Project Contact

Data in Iceland
Address

The Researchers’ Mobility

Portal for Iceland
http://www.eracareers.is

e-mail:
Phone number:
Fax numbe r:
Aca demic/Industrial Staff Exchange to
Cyprus

General information about Cyprus

The island's population is Autocephalous Greek Orthodox

approximately 837.300 (2005 figures), Church of Cyprus, whereas the a. Academic/research organization:
of which the 77,8% are Greek Cypriots language of the Turkish Cypriot
community is Turkish and the University of Cyprus -
(including Maronites, Armenians and www.ucy.ac.cy
Latins), 10,5% are Turkish Cypriots and community adheres to Islam.
Cyprus is today a major tourist Cyprus University of
11,7% are foreign citizens.
Technology - www.cutac.cy
The capital of the island is Lefkosia with destination, a service centre - mainly
a population of 219.200. Lefkosia is banking and shipping - and Cyprus Institute -
telecommunications node. The local www.cyprusinstitute.ac.cy
situated roughly in the centre of
Cyprus and is the seat of government, currency is the Cyprus Pound (£1 = Cyprus International Institute
for the Environment and
as well as the main business centre. It is Public Health -
the only divided capital in the world. Cyprus aspires to adopt the Euro, www.hsph.harvard.edu/cyp
The second largest town is Lemesos on giving up its national currency, on 1 rus
the south coast with a population of January 2008. At the same time, it will
Higher Technical Institute
around 172.500 inhabitants. Lemesos is become a member of the Economic (Ministry of Labour and
Cyprus' main commercial port, an and Monetary Union (EMU) which is Social Insurance) -
industrial centre and an important based on the conduct of a single www.mIsLgov.cy/mlsi/hti/htL
nsf .
tourist resort. Larnaca, in the south- monetary policy primarily focused on
coast of the island, has a population of maintaining price stability. Cyprus Forestry College
77.000 and is the country's second (Ministry of Agriculture,
Cyprus is an independent, sovereign Natural Resources and
commercial port and an important republic with a presidential system of Environment) -
tourist resort. To the south of the town government. Under the 1960 www.moa.gov.cy/moa/fe/F
Larnaca's International Airport is orestry.nsf
Constitution the executive power is
located. Paphos, on the southwest exercised by the President of the Cyprus College -
coast, with a population around Republic, elected by universal suffrage www.cycollege.ac.cy
51.300, is a fast-developed tourist for a five-year term of office. The Intercollege -
resort, home to the island's second President ensures the executive power www.intercollege.ac.cy
international airport and an attractive trough a Council of Ministers
Frederick Institute of
fishing harbour. appointed by him. The Ministers may Technology -
The language of the Greek Cypriot be chosen from outside the House of wwwJrederick.ac.cy
community is Greek and the Representatives.
Philips College -
community adheres to the www.philips.ac.cy

Americanos College -
www.ac.ac.cy
Quality of life
PA College -
www.pacollege.ac.cy
Cyprus has come in 25th out of 175 The standard of living is high, for
countries in the UN's annual Human overseas visitors and locals alike, b. Non-academic Institutions

Development Index measuring quality making it pleasant to be there. Food, Cyprus Institute of Neurology
of life across the world. In working out clothing, facilities and services are just and Genetics (CING) -
the best place to live, the report seeks like the ones you are accustomed to, www.cing.ac.cy

to go beyond per-capita-income, and while a state of the art Agricultural Research

includes factors such as educational telecommunications network keeps Institute (ARI) -
you in touch with the family, friends, www.arLgov.cy
levels, health care, and life
expectancy in order to measure a business ...the world. Bank of Cyprus Oncology
nation's well being.Cyprus rank has Centre - www.bococ.org.cy
risen steadily over the last two decades State General Laboratory
since it was first included in the study in (Ministry of Health) -
1980.A worldwide advisory network of www.moh.gov.cy
leaders in academia, government, and Geological Survey
civil society contributed data, ideas, Department -
and best practices to support the www.moa.gov.cy/moa/agri
culture.nsf
analysis and proposals included in this
year's report.
 Department of Fisheries and
Research Capacities
Marine Research -
www.moa.gov.cy/moa/agricultur The Organisations involved in R & D
e.nsf . policy development in Cyprus are the
Cyprus Forestry Department -
following:
www.moa.gov.cy/moa/agricultur Planning Bureau -
e.nsf
www.planning.gov.cy
Cyprus Institute of Energy - Ministry of Commerce,
www.cie.org.cy
Industry and Tourism -
Cyprus Institute of Technology - www.mcitgov.cy
www.technology.org.cy
Research Promotion
c. NCPs – Mobility network Foundation -
Cyprus Mobility Centre www.research.org.cy
Business Incubators". The Programme
info@eracareers.org.cy Mr Antonis The Planning Bureau is the
Ioulianos aims to promote the development of
Government agency engaged in the
aioulian@research.org.cy a product in one of the sectors of the
Tel:+35722205000 formulation of strategy, the manufacturing industry, information
identification of objectives and the technology or software development
introduction of policy measures aiming
provided that this product / idea
at the promotion of research activities satisfies the criteria of: Innovation,
The Researchers’ Mobility in Cyprus. The Planning Bureau, in Technological viability and
Portal for Cyprus collaboration with the Ministry of Marketability.
Finance, provides direct financing for
research initiatives undertaken by the The Research Promotion Foundation
www.eracareers.org.cy (RPF) was established by the Republic
state research institutions /
departments, through the annual of Cyprus in 1996, to serve as the
Development Budget of the Republic. national organisation for the
The Minister responsible for research promotion of scientific and
Prompt Project Contact activities in Cyprus is the Minister of technological research in Cyprus. In
2004, it accounted for 12% of the total
Data in Cy prus Finance.
R&D funding in Cyprus. The
In addition, the Planning Bureau is the Foundation is not a governmental
national representative of Cyprus in
Address institution but is governed by a 12-
the EU's Framework Programmes on member board, currently chaired by
Research and Technological the Permanent Secretary of the
Development (FP) and concludes Planning Bureau.
international (bilateral and multilateral)
agreements aiming at the
strengthening of the research capacity
e-mail of Cyprus.
The Government of the Republic of
Cyprus has introduced, under the
supervision and responsibility of the
Phone number
Ministry of Commerce, Industry and
Tourism, a Programme for the creation
of new enterprises of high technology
Fax numbe r and innovation, namely the
"programme for the Creation of New
Enterprises of High Technology and
Innovation Through the Institution of