The European Union is a world leader in research and innovation, responsible for 24% of world expenditure on research and 32% of high impact publications. However, over the past decade, the emerging economies continue to strengthen their research and innovation systems, while global challenges are important drivers for research and innovation. The EU has long acknowledged the need for supporting international cooperation, and INCONTACT 2020 is exactly aiming to further reinforce this dimension of the EU framework programs.INCONTACT 2020, building upon the acknowledged work performed during the previous INCONTACT projects and upon the proven expertise of the INCONTACT consortium, plans several activities adapted to the transitional period between FP7 and Horizon 2020 and the new requirements of Horizon 2020.The project will keep promoting the International Dimension of the European Research Policy towards Horizon 2020 and will support the work of the national experts and of the newly established NCPs in third countries. The project will continue organising the “INCO conference” series, will support H2020 awareness activities around the world, by providing trainings and tools for capacity building and directly supporting the work of the national experts (e.g. INCO NCPs). Nonetheless, the positive effect of these efforts will not be limited to the third countries alone. EU experts and policy makers will be invited to follow and participate in the activities of the project in order to understand and support the International Activities of Horizon 2020.