International cooperation experiences: results achieved, lessons learned, and way ahead

In this paper we discuss the experience we had with international cooperation initiatives with respect to three projects, funded by the European Commission within the context of FP6 and FP7. We provide a summary of the main technical achievements which were directly related to international cooperation, and present the workplan for future research, specifically related to international cooperation. Besides the technical aspects, we discuss the pros and cons of the specific funding tools on which international cooperation was based at the time of these projects, and compile a wish list for upcoming funding initiatives for International Cooperation.