Official presentation of SRIA 1.0

The Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) of the Joint Programming Initiative “Water challenges for a changing world” (Water JPI) and its 2014-2016 Implementation Plan was launched last 21st October 2014 at the European Commission COVE Building in Brussels.
The Water JPI SRIA identifies new water Research Development & Innovation needs and objectives, and the Implementation Plan outlines the activities to be performed to reach the SRIA objectives. They represent two important milestones for the Water JPI.

Mrs Carmela Vela, Secretary for State for Research and Innovation in Spain (MINECO), opened the launch by addressing a warm welcome to the public and underlying the commitment of the Spanish Government in supporting such initiative, which is relevant for growth and development.
Marina Villegas, Director General for Scientific and Technological Research of MINECO and President of the Governing Board of the Water JPI, chaired the launch, which included interventions of high representatives of the European Commission (EC) and EU water–related networks (Water supply & sanitation Technology Platform and European Innovation Partnership on Water), invited to highlight synergies and opportunities for interactions with the Water JPI.
A strong appreciation for the activities so far implemented by the Water JPI team and the new goals presented on this occasion was expressed by Robert-Jan Smith, EC Director-General of DG Research and Innovation. Kurt Vandenberghe, the EC Director for Climate Action and Resource Efficiency, DG Research and Innovation, stressed the importance of water for life and economic growth and emphasised the EC interest for this ambitious initiative, which contributes to meet the objectives of the European water policies.
The Water JPI is an intergovernmental initiative, which aims at achieving sustainable water systems in Europe, strengthening European leadership and competitiveness in the water sector and at contributing to the alignment of the national and regional programmes on water research, innovation and development.