ERAWATCH is a public web based platform that presents information and analysis on European, national and regional research policies, actors, organisations and support measures. The service currently covers the 27 Member States of the European Union, countries associated to the European Community's Research Framework Programme and, for comparative purposes, several non EU countries. ERAWATCH also produces analytical reports to investigate further research policy issues across Europe. ERAWATCH is primarily intended for a policy audience, in particular policy-makers and analysts in the area of R&D, at EU, national and regional level. It seeks to contribute to sound policy-making at all levels of governance by offering evidence and insights into the European R&D landscape.The work proposed represents an important evolution in the development of ERAWATCH, building on the experience of work to date, and the conclusions of a recent external expert evaluation. Moreover, the new impetus given to the realisation of the ERA through the ERA Green Paper, and its contribution to the renewed Lisbon Strategy, place greater importance and on the required role and impact of ERAWATCH. Following a trajectory of ongoing enhancement of the services it provides, ERAWATCH will continue to provide support for evidence based policy making for research policies at national and European level. It will continue to collect data and produce analytical products of recognised quality and relevance, in an appropriate and consistent format, and according to a timetable for suitable policy use. ERAWATCH will continue to strengthen its focus on ERA, mainly along the axes of the ERA Green Paper. However, this is balanced against the need to develop and maintain the broader capabilities to anticipate and address emerging policy questions on the dynamics of the European Research System.