METHODS The FETRIC project is targeted to some identified shortcomings and gaps; for example: lack of links and understanding between the research community and the enterprises; lack of skills for ensuring interfaces between the two worlds (reseach and innovation) and difficulties in identifying, compiling and following up the existing EU-Tunisian collaborations in order to stress out priorities to address. In order to fill this gaps, a national ‘Liaison Office for the promotion of EU-Tunisian S&T cooperation’ is going to be organized. The Liaison Office will focus its work on the following priorities: a) supporting the S&T policy dialogue carried out by the EU-Tunisian S&T Joint Steering Committee, b) encouraging research and innovation communities from EU and Tunisia to communicate and get closer for tackling societal challenges of mutual interest; c) improving knowledge and skills transfer on scientific and technological matters, spreading and sharing best practices; d) providing a wider access to information on scientific and technological programmes. FETRIC THE GATEWAY TO EUROPEAN-TUNISIAN COOPERATION AN EXAMPLE OF COORDINATED STRATEGY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE RDI CAPACITY OF TUNISIA CONTACT Moez Jebara Ministry of Research and High Education Tunisia Phone: Website: ABSTRACT The European commission is supporting with several actions the policy dialogue in the fields STI. The ENPI regions of the Mediterranean countries are one of the targets of the 7FP actions. Those actions aim to improve and to develop the relationship between EU and ENPI by reinforcing the STI agreements. In this framework FETRIC aims to strengthen the bilateral cooperation between the EU and Tunisia, by enhancing synergies between S&T EU and Tunisian actors, projects, and programmes [1]. The FETRIC objectives are: a) Paving the ground for the future STI Cooperation Agreement between Tunisia and the EU and building synergies among existing S&T projects and programmes between EU and MPC b) Creating a national ‘Liaison Office for the promotion and coordination of EU-Tunisian S&T cooperation’ c) Supporting Tunisian participations in Horizon 2020 by reinforcing the existing networks of multipliers (national, thematic, institutional and focal contact points) and innovation actors d) Showcasing Tunisian resources, main laboratories, applied technologies, RDI performers and innovation chain success stories e) Reaching relevant public authorities, funding bodies, researchers, research managers, innovation-oriented SMEs and industry, other relevant EU organizations and the public at large. The poster point out the methodology that the FETRIC consortium is applying in order to reach the fixed goal and in order to integrate the several initiatives that are currently on going in the country. INTRODUCTION The previous bilateral project ETC (European Tunisian Cooperation), supported someway the EU- Tunisia S&T cooperation agreement and the Tunisian participation at the EU grants. Since the entry into force of the Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and Tunisia in the 2004 important efforts have been performed to structure the EU-Tunisian S&T cooperation and policy dialogue and promote the Tunisian participation in the EU Framework Programme. Today, 100 institutes and firms are engaged in 88 grant agreements, the successful participation relates more to outstanding engagement and commitment of individuals, rather than to successfully develop institutional cooperation structures and systematic prioritization of research at a political level. Tunisia is at third place for availability of skills (scientists and engineers), after Japan and Switzerland and at sixth place for capacity of Innovation, before of the Egypt, Morocco and Jordan [2]. Since 1997 to 2007, the scientific articles increased from 427 to 3413 [3]. In future, these outstanding performers need to be further developed, rewarded for their success and institutionally supported to share their experience. AIM FETRIC is trying to develop a system for the enhancement of Tunisian R&DI capacity. FETRIC acts as a transmission wheal, supporting and putting in cooperation the several international initiatives actives in the country. THE ACTIONS Some actions to be implemented for FETRIC PROJECT: -Monitoring and improving of the activities undertaken under the S&T Agreement’s objectives and their quality -Creating opportunities for dialogue and joint work for the identification of joint priorities and potential future collaborative -Strengthening the visibility and quality of the services provided by the Liaison Office to the EU and Tunisian S&T communities to improve their capacities to manage RTD and integrate innovation chain processes -Strengthening the dialogue, communication skills and the awareness of the stakeholders -Planning and quality control mechanisms CONCLUSIONS FETRIC aim is to focus on all the Horizon 2020 societal challenges, in addition to the three most important challenges for the Tunisian society: scarcity of resources, energy-specifically the sustainable utilization of renewable energy - and high quality of affordable food. The effectiveness of the strategy designed is based on the cooperation and promptness of all involved project partners, which will have to strongly cooperate and work at local level in order to multiply the dissemination impacts. TUNISIA YOUR PARTNER FOR RESEARCH AND INNOVATION. [1]EU 7FP Capacity action work program. [2] World Bank. [3] Thomson Reuters. REFERENCES