ETB-PRO will reduce the fragmentation of ERA and support high quality R&D&I project cooperation of European biotech SMEs by building on success factors of the predecessor project and establish a sustainable joint program with high funding impact. This will be done in two steps thereby using four calls with a funding volume of € 35 Mio each as an implementation tool. First step: Integration ETB-PRO will broaden the network through including at least 5 new partners into the current network of European biotech key players, thereby arranging for variable geometry. A particular focus will be on remaining key players and on CEE countries. ETB-PRO will actively avoid duplication of efforts through targeted cooperation with other EU programs and position the program through unique combination of features to provide complementarities to other EU funding instruments. ETB-PRO will start joint programming, seek for compatibility among participating national programs, and implement the most suitable solutions when operating two joint calls. Immediate Impact: ETB-PRO bottom-up biotech program will enrich the ERA funding landscape for the benefit of European high-tech SMEs seeking a gateway to ERA or focusing on specific bilateral cooperation. ETB-PRO pilot program will become a sound basis to venture a global approach for international cooperation. Second step: Sustainability ETB-PRO will strengthen the operational efficiency of the program through streamlining procedures and optimizing processes, and test and improve operational performance in two more calls by implementing well defined and cost-efficient tools and processes. These applications and know-how will be transferred into the agencies daily routine before the launch of ETB-PRO sustainable joint program. Long-term impact: ETB-PRO will complement the ERA funding landscape through making optimal use of national/regional resources, and durably strengthen competitiveness of the European biotechnology.