Spain took over the European Union Presidency from Sweden on January 1, 2010. The main priority in the field of research and development is to move forward the European Research Area (ERA), conceived as a common shared space for knowledge. To achieve this objective, the Presidency has identified three “axes”: integration, integrate R&D policies into other policies; involvement, ensure that R&D instruments at any level address the major challenges faced by society; and inclusion, science and innovation working together promote social cohesion and tackling poverty and exclusion.