CORDIS Archive

Technology policy in the context of internationalisation: how to strengthen Europe’s competitive advantage in technology

Abstract:
Since the 1980s global corporations and smaller high-technology companies have been internationalising their R&D and innovation strategies, thereby increasing their role in the global generation and diffusion of technological knowledge. The pace and directions of internationalisation of R&D and innovation may be affected by public policies in areas such as public research infrastructures, standards, intellectual property protection and other legal frameworks. At the same time, internationalisation may have important implications for public technology policies seeking to promote competitiveness, growth and employment.

Status:
Finalised activity, working paper available and summary of seminar available.

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Ageing population and technology: challenges and opportunities

Abstract: Population ageing is seen as one of the main challenges modern socio-economic and policy systems face. However, there are areas of opportunities where innovation may simultaneously mitigate the social and economic problems, enhance the quality of life of older people and create economic and business opportunities. Science, technology and innovation policies have an important contribution to make to addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by population ageing.

Status:
Finalised activity, working paper and summary of seminar available.

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Abstract:
Climate change is an important science and technology policy concern. Science and technology have important contributions to make to: detecting and predicting climate change and its effects on the environment mitigating anthropogenic contributions to climate change; and adapting to climate change and its impacts.

The ETAN action addresses the implications of mitigation and adaptation strategies for RTD policy from a European perspective. Taking into account international commitments (Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol) and based on a consolidation of expertise on climate change, climate change policy, and their impacts on the economy and society, this ETAN action will aim at identifying key options, orientations and priorities for European RTD policy.

Status:
Finalised activity, working paper available.

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Adressing the gender balance in research policy

Abstract:
It is now widely recognized that women are underrepresented in science. This needs to be changed, for the sake of science and research itself as well as for the sake of equal opportunity. This awareness has risen sharply in recent years, notably in most member states, as well as in the scientific community. The underlying factors behind the underrepresentation of women in science and the issues at stake are complex and needs further consideration, in order to elaborate adequate policy responses, in the field of science and technology.

Status:
Finalised activity, working paper "Science policies in the European Union: Promoting excellence through mainstreaming gender equality" available.

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Options and limits for assessing the socio-economic impact of European RTD programmes

Abstract:
The proposal for the 5th Framework Programme on Research, Technological Development and Demonstration represents a new approach that has important potential consequences for evaluation methodology. It is more oriented towards problem solving and challenges of the new economic environment, while providing a greater policy flexibility and responsiveness. These enhancements need to be supported by effective and efficient evaluation tools capable of clearly demonstrating research impact. Therefore, the EU RTD evaluation process must adopt and evolve and, to this end it is necessary to develop an operational road map.

Status:
Finalised activity, working paper available.

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Strategic dimensions of intellectual property rights in the context of technology policy

Abstract:
The rapid evolution towards a knowledge-based and globalised economy makes IPR an increasingly important incentive for innovation and pre-condition for investment and commercialisation. There are more extensive and rapid interactions between areas of knowledge (basic versus applied and interdisciplinary research), research bodies (universities, PROs, SMEs, industry) and countries (intra-european and international). IPR is often a key element in these interactions. There are many EU and national initiatives and changes in progress, including the biotechnology directive, hearings on the community patent and the grace period, the approach to IPR in the Framework Programme and programmes to encourage the use of IPR. The purpose of this ETAN activity is to develop a broad strategic view of various IPR issues from a S&T policy perspective: what are the issues, their importance, and the best approach in addressing them in the short/medium and long term?

Status:
Finalised activity, working paper available.

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Promotion of employment in research and innovation through "Indirect Measures": best practise and potential trans-border dimension

Abstract:
Europe lags the rest of the industrialised world in corporate investment in R&D, and as the knowledge based economy becomes ever more dominant it is critical to ensure that an adequate and appropriate stock of humna capital is available and utilised. Personnel costs are already the most significant part of R&D costs, and this is set to rise in a services based economy. There are a host of measures at various levels that directly support research projects. In direct measures, such as tax-write offs for R&D capital items, are fewer in number but more diverse, and often accounting driven. These “indirect measures” are generally national in scope and act on different parts of the R&D cycle. They appear to have a positive leverage on the overall R&D undertaken and improve use of human resources, while leaving the market to dynamically allocate scarce resources; and minimise administrative costs. Some EU countries are already pursuing cross-border schemes multi-laterally.

The objectives of this ETAN action are: to compare the schemes and to elicit best practice in a framework of regional/national innovation systems and cross border potentials in order to target scarce resources in those aspects of R&D that bring optimal long term benefits to the enterprise and society at large.

Status:
Finalised activity, working paper "available".

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Transforming European science through information and communication technologies: challenges and opportunities of the digital age

Abstract:
In recent years, developments in information and communication technologies (ITC) have been transforming the way people work and communicate. Science is no exception to this. Quantum leap developments have put computing power of an unprecedented efficiency at the fingertips of scientists around the world. Complex modelling and simulation, data-mining, and advanced communication technologies are rapidly transforming knowledge generation, accumulation and exploitation. This raises a series of issues of the nature of science and research activities which entail challenges and opportunities for science and technology policy at national and European level, which are addressed in this action.

Status:
Finalised activity, working paper "available".

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Improving communication between experts and policy-makers on science and technology policy issues: the case of ETAN

Abstract:
Communication between experts and policy-makers in the field of science and technology policy is becoming increasingly important. Researchers are under increasing pressure to demonstrate the policy relevance of their work, and often express concern that their research is not taken sufficiently into account by policy-makers. Science and technology policy-makers are under increasing pressure to design and implement appropriate, efficient and effective policies and increasingly need germane expert views. They often express the view that expert communities are fragmented and knowledge is not available in a timely and readily useful form. Thus, improving communication between experts and policy-makers will improve both research relevance and performance and policy design and implementation. This has been the basis for the ETAN pilot phase (1997-1998). In the light of the experience "this activity draws" lessons for improving the design and implementation of communication between experts and policy-makers on science and technology policy issues from a European perspective, which in turn will improve both research relevance and performance and policy design and implementation.

Status:
Finalised activity, working paper available.

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