The EU is a very open body. It allows partner countries such as Switzerland or Norway in a large number of its programmes (actually Switzerland is currently not

The EU is a very open body. It allows partner countries such as Switzerland or Norway in a large number of its programmes (actually Switzerland is currently not participating in most due to the Swiss not allowing free travel for Croatians, but as soon as they fix that they'll be back in). In return those countries participate in the pot and the organisations involved (universities, SMEs, ..) can benefit from wider expertise. Links and exchange are strengthened. All benefit. Why those countries are in the EU programmes is the same why Brexit is idiotic: the collaboration benefits everyone, reduces overall costs and builds trust and strengthens all partners.