"This project is designed as a preparatory phase to explore and inform interested parties such as the European Commission and the Member States about opportunities to develop a central information platform for ERA NETs under ERAWATCH. The set up of a central information platform was one of the key recommendations of an expert group who evaluated the ERA NET scheme under FP6. The concept of the project includes a three step approach: 1) build a series of scenarios on how to present ERA NETs within ERAWATCH, 2) provide an analytical framework about the role of the ERA NETs and joint initiatives stemming from ERA NETs for further implementation of the ERA, using ERA NETs as indicators of its development, and 3) develop a participatory method by which a core group (advisory board) including ERA NETs coordinators, ERAWATCH Network Members, the EC and other relevant actors is closely attached to the project from its onset until its end, hereby ensuring that the needs of users are integrated and facilitating the implementation of the project from its preparatory to its potential operational phase. The overall strategy of this project has been set up as a preparatory phase over 12 months. It will provide evidence on the necessary information to identify the most appropriate set-up and management scheme for a central information platform on ERA-Nets under ERAWATCH. The strategy of this project is to develop in a transparent and participatory manner potential scenarios for the set-up and management of a central information platform on ERA-Nets within ERAWATCH. The information platform will improve mutual learning among ERA-Net participants and provide R&D policy makers on EU and Member State level with relevant information about efficiency, effectiveness and impact of ERA-Nets and subsequent joint programming activities for the implementation of the ERA."