CORDIS Archive

Belgian point of view on the 5th Framework programme for Research and Development (1998- 2002)

I. INTRODUCTION | II.OBJECTIVES | III. CONTENT AND STRUCTURE | IV. IMPLEMENTATION

I. INTRODUCTION

The analysis of the global context and of the particular situation of Europe, presented in the Commission document, looks very pertinent. In this regard the following quotation from the Commission document appears to be particularly relevant:

"The Framework programme accounts for only a fraction of the research carried out in Europe"

• the diagnosis of problems encountered in Europe does not automatically imply that subsequent remedies should exclusively, or mainly, affect the Framework programme;
• it is very important to coordinate the activities undertaken in the Framework programme with those of the Member States.

A second statement which raised a lot of interest (especially in the Green Book on Innovation) is that a major European shortcoming consists in the poor ability of our continent in translating technological developments into new products, processes or services.

According to the first statement, the second one should not automatically lead to a radical transformation of the objectives of the Framework programme, for the remedies have to be administered over the whole "fabric" of research, development and innovation activities in the European Community countries. The Framework programme can play a role in improving the use of results, f.i. by requiring in project proposals that a plan for the use, dissemination or implementation of the results be given. This information should also be a criterion for project selection, wherever appropriate. Closer association of future users of the results in the project preparation should become a must.

However, the main purpose of the Framework programme should continue to be the support for basic research of economical or societal relevance. This principle is also supported by IRDAC and UNICE, whose opinions reflect the consensus of European industry at large. Criteria used to ensure the industrial relevance of projects should not result in de facto excluding high quality basic research projects for longer term industrial applications.

II. OBJECTIVES

The 4 main objectives, mentioned in the Commission document, seem to cover a well balanced set of targets that have to guide our future activities. However, during the implementation of the 5th Framework programme and its specific programmes, the objectives should be correctly reflected in the workprogrammes. The management teams within the Commission and the management committees (involving the national delegations) should assure, on a permanent basis, the correct integration of those targets when implementing the specific programmes.

The objective of the Community RTD policy, mentioned in article 130F of the Treaty remains still valid and should be respected.

The Commission document seems to suggest that Community support should move from basic research to "research aimed at satisfying consumers by providing high quality goods and services ....", and thus results at relatively short term. Such a consideration may be valid for the European research policy as a whole, including national programmes and other European cooperation frameworks, such as EUREKA. It should not lead to neglect the need of basic research of industrial relevance, which is the basis for industrial competitivity at a somewhat longer term, and for which Community programmes remain very suitable. Nor should it lead to a decrease of the support for basic research underpinning other Community policies (environment, health, agriculture etc.).

Reinforcing the role of SMEs in the Framework activities should also be considered to be an important goal, taking into account their significant contribution to employment.

III. CONTENT AND STRUCTURE

IV. IMPLEMENTATION