The conference continues the process of reflection in the area of research infrastructure, commenced in May 2007, on the basis of (1) the CREST Committee  report "How to achieve better coordinated use of Framework Programme and Structural Funds to support R&D" and (2) the recent Commission communication "Competitive European regions through research and innovation".

The conference’s main objectives are: to clarify challenges and opportunities at regional, national or inter-regional level related to the development of pan-European research infrastructures (including e-Infrastructure), to highlight their contribution to the Lisbon objectives (e.g. impact on industry, sustainable development, employment) and to review recommendations for improving the financial engineering of research infrastructures in support of their construction and sustainable operation.