Preliminary guidelines: Commission launches debate on 5th RTD Framework Programme |
|
The European Commission has launched its initial discussion paper on the shape of the 5th RTD Framework Programme, due to start in 1999. The paper, entitled "Preliminary Guidelines for the 5th Framework Programme of RTD Activities", was adopted by the Commission on 10 July 1996, on the initiative of Mrs Edith Cresson, Commissioner responsible for research, education, training and youth. |
|
The purpose of the document is to open a debate with the European Parliament, the Council of Ministers and all those concerned by or interested in European research. On the basis of the results of this debate, the Commission will launch a formal proposal for the 5th Framework Programme in spring 1997. At this preliminary stage, the Commission has not yet made any suggestions regarding the budget for the programme. |
Consolidating research efforts … |
|
While recognizing the achievements of the 4th Framework Programme to date, the Commission considers that the 5th Framework Programme should not be a mere continuation of its predecessor. Although many elements and the basic principles will remain the same, the 5th Framework Programme must attempt to consolidate research efforts, incorporate new topics, and change the way in which research is organized. |
|
The new programme must strive to put research at the service of people by improving the basis of European competitiveness within a perspective of sustainable development. This can be achieved by providing better support for the production of new ideas, taking better account of the realities of demand and reinforcing links with organizations which can help to exploit European research results. |
The priorities |
|
Without prejudice to the final structure and content of the 5th Framework Programme, the Commission has identified three priorities for future research:
- Unlocking the resources of the living world and the ecosystem: this will cover the acquisition and use of knowledge about fundamental mechanisms affecting human life, especially in the fields of health and food. In addition it will cover the development of advanced technologies to safeguard the environment;
- Creating a user-friendly Information Society: research should aim at developing technology, infrastructure, services and applications that are interoperable at world level, in order to give people easier access to information and education throughout their lives, help share cultural heritage and preserve linguistic diversity;
- Promoting competitive and sustainable growth: this will cover manufacturing and design of new products and materials. Sectors to be targeted include energy, transport of people and goods, agriculture and fisheries.
|
|
A number of horizontal activities have also been identified which are designed, firstly, to meet common needs and provide general coordination, and, secondly, to support the three priorities mentioned above. These horizontal activities concern:
- Improving human potential: the emphasis is on training and mobility of scientists, including those in industry;
- Innovation and participation of SMEs: easier access for SMEs to all research activities and their results, by introducing a single, simplified framework and developing technology transfer mechanisms;
- Confirming the international role of European research: this is to be achieved by improving the involvement of certain outside participants in research programmes, in particular the Central and Eastern European countries, as part of their preparation for accession to the EU; by introducing schemes to improve cooperation at European level; and by defining specific international scientific cooperation projects.
|
A more flexible and efficient instrument … |
|
As regards implementation of the 5th Framework Programme, the preliminary guidelines suggest that the new programme must be more selective about the research topics selected to ensure a greater concentration of resources. This approach must be accompanied by greater effectiveness of project implementation and comply strictly with the principle of transparency. In particular, the need to simplify internal Commission procedures in order to shorten deadlines for selecting projects, concluding contracts and paying grants has been underlined. In addition, selection procedures should be explained more clearly. |
|
The 5th Framework Programme must be more flexible, both in its research activities and in the decision-making process. The Commission proposes that a simplified decision-making procedure should apply to research policy, including the use of qualified majority voting rather than unanimity in the Council of Ministers. (This will be decided by the Member States at the Intergovernmental Conference, as part of a wider review of the EU's institutions and procedures.) |
|
The Commission also proposes reducing the number of specific programmes and the number of committees involved in their management. Moreover, research work programmes should be capable of rapid adjustment to deal with emergency needs, for example as with the "mad cow crisis". |
|
The guidelines also draw attention to the importance of extending the range of instruments available for research and the means of coordination. This should include:
- A small number of horizontal programmes with a focus on generic technologies applicable to many areas;
- Task forces to promote targeted research on particular topics;
- Instruments for encouraging cooperation between groups of Member States.
|
Improving coordination … |
|
Greater coordination and information exchanges between Community and national research policies is needed, as well as stronger coordination with other Community policies and instruments, particularly international and regional policies. In addition, the Commission also believes that the Joint Research Centre should concentrate on providing impartial expertise to meet the needs of Community policies and ensure closer links with national laboratories. |
|
Browse full text version in English, French and German
|
