The important geopolitical changes since the mid-1980s in the broad area of Eastern Europe have led to changes in the policy and strategy in many fields; social, economic, commercial and scientific among them. This text draws together scientists from the area in a discussion centred on the exchange of information, broadening co-operation, and the possible development of common policy in areas of mutual interest. Important differences between the participants' countries emerged: differences in the development of general research activities as between free market and centrally planned systems. The situation at the moment is transitional and is evolving rapidly. The reader should thus obtain a snapshot of the various ways of confronting research activities, the ranking of research priorities, and the dissemination and evaluation of results throughout the Balkan region.
