The
European Research Area (
ERA) is a system of scientific research programmes integrating the scientific resources of the
European Union (EU). Since its inception in 2000, the structure has been concentrated on multinational cooperation in the fields of medical, environmental, industrial, and socioeconomic research. The ERA can be likened to a research and innovation equivalent of the European "
common market" for goods and services. Its purpose is to increase the competitiveness of European research institutions by bringing them together and encouraging a more inclusive way of work, similar to what already exists among institutions in North America and
Japan. Increased mobility of
knowledge workers and deepened multilateral cooperation among research institutions among the
member states of the European Union are central goals of the ERA.