CORDIS EXPRESS

When finance ministers have to cut spending in order to balance their budgets, public investment in research can be one of the first areas to suffer. However, although the political fallout is not as dangerous as it is when cuts are made to health or education spending, the long term consequences can be just as negative. Our top story in this week's CORDIS Express concerns recent Member State budget announcements that are worrying members of the research community and the European Parliament.

Parliament and Commission call on Member States to meet research spending targets

The European Parliament swung behind the Commission this week to send a clear message to Member States: increase your spending on research so that the investment target of 3 per cent of GDP can be met by 2010. EU governments currently spend around 1.9 per cent of GDP on research and although they have committed themselves to a dramatic increase by 2010, recent budget announcements have not matched the commitments made. In a week when the German government announced a freeze on funding for large research institutes, MEPs also drew attention to the French government's apparent reduction of its research spending by 13 per cent.

New plan for European innovation is discussed at technology transfer meeting

The Innovation Relay Centre (IRC) network is partially funded by the European Community for their facilitation of technology transfer across Europe. At the seventh annual meeting of the network on 20-22 November, IRC representatives and Commission officials reviewed their performance over the last year and discussed a possible reduction in the amount of a Community funds going to the IRCs. Senior Commission officials also revealed that they were working with Member States on the formulation of an 'integrated approach to innovation policy in Europe'.

Research ministers agree on biotechnology 'roadmap'

The EU Competitiveness Council has asked the Commission to implement a 'roadmap' for increased cooperation between sectors and between Member States in the field of biotechnology. The Commission will monitor the competitiveness of EU biotechnology and take measures to stimulate cross-sectoral coordination. Research ministers also agreed on a more general commitment to consult with one another when implementing national research policies.

EU productivity growth - not so bad after all?

The view that productivity growth in the EU is lagging behind that of the US may have been overstated because of the calculation method used. The European Commission is now arguing that measuring GDP per employed worker is misleading because of the large increase in part time work in the EU. Commission officials believe that the most accurate figures come from GDP per hour worked - this method of calculation leaves the EU with a more healthy productivity growth. Apart from their relevance for general economic data, these statistical revisions have implications for our understanding of the performance of high-tech enterprises in Europe.

FP6 to fund unconventional research and new scientific activity

A high-tech Olympics in the games' ancient home

Greece is employing elaborate technology systems in its logistical and security preparations for the 'Athens 2004' Olympic Games. In their 'Integration Laboratory', tests are being run on the technology systems that will be used for 37 sports and a range of additional operations. The Greek security system will check the entrance of individuals with an electronic camera that recognises peoples' identity from the unique composition of the irises of their eyes.

Italian launch of FP6 to take place in Rome

A national conference to launch the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6) in Italy will be held in Rome on 6, 9 and 10 December. The event will include presentations on each of the seven thematic priorities of FP6, as well as discussions on mobility and research infrastructures. Speakers will range from academics and researchers to politicians, such as MEP and member of the European Parliament's industry committee, Giuseppe Nisticò.

FP6 launch in Netherlands to focus on three themes

The Dutch launch of the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6) in Rotterdam on 10 December will be structured around three themes. These are: the thematic priorities of FP6, workshops on practical topics such as project management and intellectual property rights, and finally, special interest sessions, which will address issues such as the European research area (ERA), topics relating to small and medium sized enterprises and local government issues.

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Environmental management and SMEs - call for tenders

The European Commission has published a call for tenders for studies on factors and policies conducive to the implementation of environmental management systems in small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). The contracter will study the issue in relation to EU Member States, a number of candidate countries and Norway.

Encouraging more freight traffic on the Danube

Via Donau is an Austrian governmental organisation responsible for the development of the Danube waterway. They are looking for FP6 partners around the extended Danube corridor to work with them on the development of transport and logistics services that will encourage freight traffic to shift from roadways to the Danube waterway. Their activities range from logistical and technology projects to public relations work and lobbying in favour of the Danube waterway.

Improving blind people's ability to learn maths

An Italian-led consortium has been awarded 1.6 million euro under the Fifth Framework Programme for a 2million euro research project on improving blind people's access to mathematical texts in secondary schools and universities. Focussing on Braille print and digital formats, the researchers want to develop an editor that will teach maths to the blind through an easily convertible code. Blind people face serious difficulties in the mathematical arena because no products or prototypes that adequately meet their needs are currently available on the market.

New system for analysing the internal state of objects

Electromagnetic tomography (EMT) constructs images of the inner parts of an object by detecting its magnetic/inductive properties. A group of British and Portugese researchers has been looking at how the method is used for the inspection of products and processes in the industrial and academic sectors. They have produced an EMT modular system which they believe has the potential to become an excellent inspection tool for people working in mineral extraction or the chemical and metal products industry.