Brussels, 19/07/2012 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission signed a memorandum of understanding with five institutes, on 17 July, which are committed to collaborating on building a solid research area by 2014. This agreement was signed the same day that the Commission presented an action plan for setting up a real research area on a European scale (see EUROPE 10657). The signatory institutes are the EUA (European University Association), EARTO (European Association of Research and Technology Organisations), LERU (League of European Research Universities), Nordforsk and Science Europe. These institutions have pledged to provide the Commission with a report by the end of 2013, stating the initiatives they have taken or will adopt on the European Research Area. “Our experience with the development of the European Higher Education Area has shown that voluntary processes involving both public authorities and key stakeholders can indeed be very successful”, said EUA secretary general Lesley Wilson. She emphasised the need for the EU and its member states to increase investment in training, skills development and research and innovation, which will be “essential to lead Europe out of the economic crisis and to underpin a competitive European Research Area”. (IL/transl.fl)