Research data are vital components of any scientific enterprise and the introduction of more inclusive world data exchange practices is a decisive factor, locally and globally, in strengthening capacity for research and innovation and tackling societal challenges. Yet we now comparatively little about what international negotiations have paved the way to the current global system of research data circulation and exchange. NEWORLD@A aims to provide the first comprehensive survey about the sets of science diplomacy exercises that have contributed to shape the current world data exchange system. This study will pioneer transnational research collaborations in order to successfully reconstruct these key historical transitions, also enmeshing non-Western narratives in the study of research data negotiations. Through an original combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, the study will first map existing networking patterns of data circulation and reveal existing imbalances in the world distribution of research data centres. It will then chart the international legal infrastructure that supports this distribution. It will also identify the historical determinants for the shape of world data exchange networks through an investigation of relevant archival documents across the world discussing the relevant negotiations and decision-making processes. They study will focus in particular on interactions between: non-governmental and governmental transnational organizations such as those under the aegis of ICSU and UNESCO; Western and Eastern blocs in the context of the Cold War science race; and Global North and South nations in the uses of research data for development purposes. Shedding new light on how these interactions have shaped the current research data circulation system will finally provide the analysis needed to inform current policy provisions on how to make these systems more inclusive and responsive to global challenges.

Listen2Future will boost the potential of piezoelectric acoustic transducers to provide new solutions in the key application areas of Health & Wellbeing and Digital Industry & Energy. Acoustic transducer solutions and the key underlying technologies are addressing many of the challenges in emerging applications towards a more digitalized society. Indeed, growing demand for MEMS-based acoustic transducers (microphones, ultrasonic transducers) in medical and industrial devices are creating a new high demand for miniaturized low power sensors. In combination with an intelligent signal processing system, algorithms and customized packaging, these technologies will be the key to achieve performant, low power consuming, miniaturized and cost-saving systems. The demonstrators will address 14 use-cases in LISTEN2FUTURE with their benchmark in low power consumption, small size and low cost to open the door for disruptive acoustic applications. Major impact on quality of live for humans as well as on industrial and medical appliances can be expected. The European Position in Acoustic Sensors will be therefore strengthened by new piezoelectric materials and technologies with the capability to outperform the existing ones that are based on capacitive MEMS technologies. This will contribute to reinforcing the Union's strategic autonomy in electronic components and systems to support future needs of vertical industries and the economy at large. The growth of the microphone market (8 -> 14bio. units in 5 years) and the growth of the Ultrasound sensing modules market (500mio -> 800mio in 3 years) should be predominantly covered with acoustic sensors made in Europe. The double transition of European Union toward digital and greener society there poses a high demand for reliable and secure data. Our integral acoustic sensor solutions are listening to these needs and mapping the acoustic senses and perceptions into Society 5.0.

Central Bohemian Region (Czech Republic) and Lithuania represent European regions, where researchers in the photonics, resp. laser technologies sectors are internationally recognised, and the business has a high added value. The interaction between science and business is intense and promotes development, so there is great potential to create new companies. There are opportunities to create a new generation of industry based on laser technologies, and there is an increasing potential to create more integrated solutions. The inclusion of laser technologies in the priorities of smart specialization of both regions shows that this sector has a huge potential for further development and improvement. On the other hand, the main challenge in this area is the creation of the photonics and laser technology sector, where operating companies would produce products with higher added value and exceptional functionality. Thus, the Excellence Hubs initiative represents a unique opportunity for a teaming up of two laser-based innovation ecosystems creating a real-place-based innovation culture in the Czech Republic and Lithuania. Through activities such as the creation of a joint R&I strategy, the realization of joint research projects, setting up action and investment plans as well as mutual learning and skills development, the linkages between academia, business, government, and society will be strengthened, and sustainable R&I ecosystem in the cutting-edge domain of lasers and their applications will be created. Excellence Hub LASER-PRO is centered around key academic institutions HiLASE Laser Centre in the Central Bohemian Region and the Centre for Physical Sciences and Technology in Lithuania. Complementary stakeholders include innovation centers, research clusters, and industry associations. Ukrainian partners are also involved through a mentoring scheme to enhance collaboration and innovation opportunities.

Today’s society is being transformed by new materials and processes. Analytical techniques underpin their development and neutrons, with their unique properties, play a pivotal role in a multi-disciplinary, knowledge-based approach. Industry and the neutron research community must however work together more closely to enhance their innovation potential. Neutrons are only available at large scale facilities (LSF’s), presenting specific challenges for outreach. National and European initiatives have combined to create a user community of almost 10000, mainly academia-based users, which is supported by an ecosystem of about 10, often world-class national facilities and the European facility, the Institute Laue Langevin. Europe leads neutron science and is investing almost 2B€ in the European Spallation Source (ESS), its construction, like Horizon 2020, spanning the period 2014-2020. SINE2020, world-class Science and Innovation with Neutrons in Europe in 2020, is therefore a project with two objectives; preparing Europe for the unique opportunities at ESS in 2020 and developing the innovation potential of neutron LSF’s. Common services underpin the European research area for neutrons. New and improved services will be developed in SINE2020, by the LSF’s and partners in 13 countries, in a holistic approach including outreach, samples, instrumentation and software. These services are the key to integrating ESS in the European neutron ecosystem, ensuring scientific success from day one. They are also the basis for facilitating direct use of neutron LSF’s by industry. Particular emphasis is placed on the industry consultancy, which will reach out to industry and develop a business model for direct, industry use of LSF’s in 2020, and data treatment, exploiting a game-changing opportunity at LSF’s to adopt a common software approach in the production of scientific results.