High-level research is increasingly complex, interdisciplinary and costly, and requires a constantly growing critical mass, as well as intensive international cooperation.

The building of strong international relations is also seen as crucial to achieving and maintaining enduring and equitable benefits from S&T for all South Africans. The relationship with the European Union is undoubtedly one of South Africa’s most strategic partnerships in international S&T relations. South Africa and the European Union enjoy a privileged partnership marked by longstanding political, economic and development cooperation ties. The first intergovernmental agreement ever concluded between South Africa and the European Union, the Agreement on Science and Technology Cooperation signed in 1996, afforded South African researchers the opportunity to participate fully in the EU’s Framework Programmes for Research and Technology Development.

Further information is available on: http://www.esastap.org.za