Integrated Infrastructure Initiatives (I3) should combine, in a closely co-ordinated manner: (i) Networking activities, (ii) Trans-national access and/or service activities and (ii) Joint research activities. All three categories of activities are mandatory as synergistic effects are expected from these different components.

Main benefits of Integrated Infrastructure Initiatives (I3):

• Provision of integrated services to the research communities

• Better exploitation of complementarities between infrastructures and setting up of common standards of operation

• Coherent development of the infrastructures through joint research

• Favor strategic visions for future developments

• Efficient management through harmonised procedures and exchange of good practices