What research for Europe? Conference on the Fifth Framework Programme organised by the ANRT,
Paris 21-22 avril 1997
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Competitive and sustainable growth
Research targeting industrial competitiveness
Arturo GARCIA-ARROYO
Director of DG Research (industrial technologies and equipment)
1. The economic and social stakes According to the former Norwegian prime minister, a sustainable development is one "that guarantees human beings the best possible living conditions without mortgaging those of future generations, namely working towards a joint development". This is a challenge that brings together millions of players of all sizes from around thirty industrial sectors including transport, energy and industry. In fact, these sectors will undergo significant changes in the future both in the number of users and in the use of raw materials and their affect on the living conditions of Europeans. 2. Evaluation of European competitiveness The figures for European competitiveness are now globally positive even if massive job losses were recorded (3.3 million in ten years). We now have to benefit from the level of development attained. This is the objective of the 5th RTD Framework Programme. 3. Scientific and technological priorities The priorities are difficult to establish. The Commission has concentrated on three programmes and has given priority to the convergence of citizens' needs and economic requirements.
The energy and transport industries are a mill-stone to the Union's economic development, particularly in terms of jobs. Their activities interact with many other sectors. This is an additional difficulty compared with the past.
Consequently, the Commission has defined six key actions, a group of generic actions and (in a new departure) actions to support research infrastructures. I will now hand over to Mr Péro who is going to explain these to you.
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