SANDERA would bring about three major advances:

1. Focus on the relationship between security policy and science and technology policy

SANDERA’S exploration of the relationship between security policy and science and technology policy would represent a significant advance in policy-relevant knowledge that has consequences for European science and technology policy, policy towards the ERA and agenda setting for the 8th Framework Programme.

We have already observed that, despite the obvious importance of these issues, there are very few academics or practitioners in the science and technology policy community in Europe who are considering either how perceptions of the international security environment are shaping European science and technology policy or how that science and technology policy is itself influencing European security.

SANDERA would promote understanding of the relationship between science and technology policy and security policy and promote its consideration in academic and policy agendas.

2. A multidisciplinary approach

SANDERA would take a multidisciplinary approach drawing upon perspectives from political science, international relations, economics, innovation studies and science and technology policy studies.
The SANDERA Consortium comprises leading research organisations in the fields of international security (SWP, IAI and EGMONT), innovation studies (ULUND and CSIC) and science and technology policy (UNIMAN, ARMINES, CBS and IE-HAS).

A multidisciplinary study that crosses the divide between security policy and science and technology policy represents an important advance on existing approaches. We have noted how there has been little dialogue between those who are concerned with security policy and those who focus on science and technology policy. There is little overlap in terms of policy networks or academic research relationships. Thus, SANDERA’s multidisciplinary approach will have the effect of promoting inter change both between academics from these different communities but equally importantly it will promote dialogue and exchange between policy makers and other stakeholders.

3. A European perspective

The third major contribution represented by SANDERA is that it will take a European perspective as its starting point and take the European Union as an important emerging actor in the field of international security.

Until now analyses in this field have been mainly carried out in the context of national systems. The vast majority of studies of security policy and its interface with science and technology policy have been undertaken in the United States. Inevitably, such studies focus on US strategic security concerns and the US national innovation system.

By taking this European perspective, and by focusing on the European Research Area, SANDERA will be able to examine policy challenges that are specific to Europe. SANDERA will consider the implications of Europe’s emerging security policy for the European Research Area and the new challenges posed to the European science and technology base by Europe’s emerging position as a security actor.