Scientific and technological cooperation between the EU and South Africa

SUMMARY OF:

Agreement on scientific and technological cooperation between the European Community and the Republic of South Africa

Decision 97/763/EC concluding the Agreement on scientific and technological cooperation between the European Community and the Republic of South Africa

WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE AGREEMENT AND OF THE DECISION?

The agreement establishes a formal framework for cooperation in science and technology aiming at encouraging, developing and facilitating science and technology activities in fields of common interest.

The decision adopts the agreement on behalf of the European Community (now the EU).

KEY POINTS

Activities conducted under the agreement are based on:

• mutual benefit;
• timely exchange of information;
• effective protection of intellectual property and fair sharing of intellectual property rights.

Fields of cooperation

The agreement covers all research, technological development and demonstration (RTD) activities related to the EU’s Framework Programme for Research and Innovation and all similar RTD activities in South Africa.

Activities

Cooperative activities may include:

• reciprocal participation of research entities (i.e. research centres, companies, universities) in projects;
• shared use of research facilities;
• visits and exchanges of researchers, engineers and technicians;
• participation by experts in seminars, symposia and workshops;
• scientific networks and the training of researchers;
• exchange of information on practices, laws, regulations and programmes relevant to cooperation under this agreement;
• other activities as may be recommended by the Joint Science and Technology Cooperation Committee set up under this agreement.

DATE OF ENTRY INTO FORCE

The agreement entered into force on 11 November 1997. It was concluded for the duration of the 4th Framework Programme for Research and Innovation and is renewed for every new framework programme.

BACKGROUND

This agreement complements the Trade, Development and Cooperation Agreement.

For more information, see:

• South Africa and the EU (European External Action Service).

For more information about Research and Innovation (R&I) cooperation with South Africa, see:

• International R&I cooperation with South Africa (European Commission)
• Roadmap for EU–South Africa S&T cooperation (European Commission).

MAIN DOCUMENTS

Agreement on scientific and technological cooperation between the European Community and the Republic of South Africa (OJ L 313, 15.11.1997, pp. 26-37)

Council Decision 97/763/EC of 10 November 1997 concluding the Agreement on scientific and technological cooperation between the European Community and the Republic of South Africa (OJ L 313, 15.11.1997, p. 25)

Information on the data of entry into force of the Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation between the European Community and the Republic of South Africa (OJ L 313, 15.11.1997, p. 38)

last update 06.11.2018