"The present ALCUE NET proposal (Latin America, Caribbean and European Union Network on Research and Innovation) outlines a Research and Innovation policy support project aimed at supporting the international Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) dimension of the Europe 2020 Strategy and Innovation Union Flagship Initiative. It will do so by promoting bi-regional and bilateral partnerships for jointly societal challenges, working to develop the attractiveness of Europe in the world, and by promoting the establishment of a level-playing field in Research and Innovation. Additionally it will also work to reinforce the external dimension of the European Research Area (ERA), enhance the cooperation of EU Member States and Associated Countries with third countries in the Framework Programme, contribute to the implementation of the Strategic European Framework for International STI Cooperation and of the initiatives of the Strategic Forum for International Cooperation (SFIC).This proposal is a concrete operational instrument for the implementation and scaling-up of the long standing European Union (EU) – Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) dialogue on Science and Technology (S&T), which goes back to the decision made at the Rio Summit in June 1999, and has continued to develop and consolidate – both at the political and operational levels - to finally converge in the adoption of the 'Madrid Action Plan 2010-2012 - Towards a new stage in the bi-regional partnership: innovation and technology for sustainable development and social inclusion adopted by the European Union – Latin America and Caribbean Summit’ at its meeting of 18 May 2010."