The ERA Green Paper consultation generated a substantial response from those with a stake in European research, including individuals, universities, research performing and funding organisations, public authorities at national, regional and European level, NGOs, industries and businesses, associations representing commercial and non-commercial interests, chambers of commerce, European technology platforms and others, such as trade
unions.

This report synthesises the response to the consultation based on the 685 replies received by the 31 August 2007 deadline for the on-line questionnaire and the 145 free-format contributions received by the final closing date of 31 December 2007. One of the chapters summarises the contributions to the consultation received from EU Member States and Associated Countries and European bodies (European Parliament, European Economic and Social Committee, Committee of the Regions). Altogether, the response to the ERA Green Paper constitutes an essential part of the basis on which to take the next steps towards realising the European Research Area.