The objective is to stimulate the full research potential of the enlarged European Union by developing research capability in the convergence regions of the EU. Indirect measures will be used to increase the participation of researchers from these regions in European research activities.

In particular, activities will include trans-national exchange of researchers between convergence and other regions, the development of research infrastructures, workshops and conferences for knowledge transfer as well as research evaluation activities. All activities are complementary to the European Regional Policy and Structural and EU cohesion funds.

EU regions with weaker economies, which are entitled to receive funding from the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund and Cohesion Fund.