Strategy AV21 is rooted in and implemented through a set of coordinated Research Programmes of the institutes of the Czech Academy of Sciences. An important part of the strategy is the operation of the Application Laboratories of the Czech Academy of Sciences, whose aim is to expand direct contacts and collaboration of the Czech Academy of Sciences with the application sector. Research carried out within long-term interdisciplinary Research Programmes focused on contemporary problems and challenges as well as emphasis on practical application of the research results in economically and socially important areas constitute an important part of the mission of the Czech Academy of Sciences. At the same time, Strategy AV21 respects the key role of basic research which is at the core of development of all scientific disciplines.