CORDIS Archive

Accompanying measures

Actions contributing to the implementation of a specific programme or the preparation of future activities.

Cluster

Clustering is a programme implementation concept, which aims at realising and maximising European Added Value within a given field. A cluster is defined as a group of synergistic and complementary projects..

Concerted actions

Actions co-ordinating RTD projects already funded by the Member States.

CORDIS

Community Research and Development Information Service. The service (/) consists of an internet site providing information on Community RTD, together with paper-based and electronic information services.

COST

European Co-operation in the Field of Scientific and Technical Research, founded in 1971. It now comprises two types of projects; a) concerted action projects forming an integral part of a community R&D programme, which are open on a multilateral basis to COST third state participation. b) concerted action projects, not forming part of a Community programme, proposed either by COST states or by the Commission.

CRAFT

Co-operative Research Action For Technology. A special measure designed to encourage the participation of SMEs in European research projects. It enables at least three mutually independent SMEs from at least two Member states to jointly commission research carried out by a third party.

Direct RTD actions

Actions carried out for the Commission by the JRC.

ECSC Treaty

"European Coal and Steel Community" Treaty signed in 1951 which comes to an end in 2002.

EEA: European Economic Area.

A Treaty signed on 2 May 1992, creating between the EU Member States and the member countries of EFTA (except Switzerland) a single economic area for the free movement of goods and services and co-operation in particular on research. Members participate in the Framework Programme as Associated States.

Eureka

A framework set up in 1985 through which industry and research institutes from 25 European countries and the European Commission develop and exploit technologies crucial to global competitiveness and a better quality of life.

External Advisory Group (EAG)

The role of the External Advisory Groups is to provide the Commission with independent advice concerning the content and direction of research work to be carried out under the key actions of the Fifth Framework Programme.

Framework Programme (FP)

A multi-annual (normally five-year) programme defining EU RTD policy, priorities and the overall budget to be allocated. It is implemented through specific programmes making up the four activities mandated by the Treaty.

FP5 Activity

The framework programme is divided into four activities: (1) implementation of RTD programmes; (2) promotion of co-operation in the field of Community RTD with third [countries and international organisations;(3) dissemination and optimisation of the results of Community RTD; (4) stimulation of training and mobility of researchers in the Community.

Horizontal Programme

A specific programme of a framework programme covering an aspect of research applicable to all research domains, such as international co-operation, innovation, and training.

IMS – Intelligent Manufacturing Systems

IMS is an industry-led, international RTD initiative established in 1995 to develop next generation of manufacturing and processing technologies. It is open to EU Member states and Norway as well as Australia, Canada, Japan, Switzerland, United States.

Indirect RTD actions

Actions carried out by external contractors (all actions called for in the FP except the direct actions of the JRC).

Industrial enterprises/industries

Undertakings, public or private, which are subject to market forces and create wealth by exploiting processes, producing materials and products or furnishing industrial services. Research centres and consultancies are normally not considered as industrial enterprises.

JRC

Joint Research Centre of the European Commission.

Key action (KA)

The Fifth Framework Programme consists of specific programmes which are divided into 19 key actions (plus activities allowing RTD on generic technologies and support to research infrastructure). Each key action has its defined set of objectives, addresses critical problems and ensures an integrated, problem-solving approach. It targets many and varied aspects of economic and social issues, and normally supports the entire spectrum of disciplines and activities, ranging from basic research, through applied and generic research, to development & demonstration.

Long term

For most domains, greater than eight years.

M&T

Generic activity on Measurement and Testing

MAT

Generic activity on Materials and their technologies for production and transformation and New and improved materials and production technologies in the steel field.

Medium term

For most domains, between five and eight years

Outputs

Direct and indirect impacts emerging from RTD project execution. Outputs are also understood as practical outcomes of RTD activities, in particular the Key Actions.

Roadmap

An indicative timetable per specific programme indicating also organisation and budget for the calls for proposals.

Short term

For most domains less than five years

SME

Small and Medium-sized Enterprises. A common definition at the Commission level is: a maximum of 250 employees, a turnover of less than 40 mio EURO or a balance sheet of less than 27 mio EURO, and less than 25% owned by one, or more, non-SMEs - except an investment or venture capital company not exercising control. For the purpose of the SME specific measures, an eligible SME is not a research organisation nor a consulting company.

SME Exploratory awards

Support, lasting no longer than 12 months, for an exploratory phase of a potential RTD project.

Specific programmes

Detailed RTD programmes that implement the framework programme. They set out the RTD areas to be supported and the budgets available for such support. See also Thematic Programmes and Horizontal Programmes

Targeted Research Action (TRA)

A programme implementation concept, which aims at focussing research activities around strategic priority areas of a key action.

Take-up measure

Activity stimulating diffusion and utilisation of technologies implemented by RTD projects or accompanying measures.

Thematic network

Contractual modality allowing for the co-ordination of a) organisations; b) RTD projects.

Technology Platform (TP)

A programme implementation concept, defined in the Work Programme, which aims at integrating technologies to attain the strategic objectives of the Key Actions. It should bring together manufacturers, suppliers and other relevant stakeholders with the task of developing and benchmarking engineering concepts for future vehicles, systems or components, whose functionalities should be validated.

Thematic Programme

A specific programme of the 5th FP covering a particular, though broad, research area such as the life sciences or information society. The framework programme’s first activity comprises four thematic programmes. They are again divided into a number of key actions, RTD on generic technologies and Support to research infrastructures.

Virtual institute

Main objective is to link research organisations or departments using advanced information and communication technologies for a service oriented content, i.e. providing comprehensive RTD answers to industrial needs, notably SMEs. A virtual institute should be capable of becoming a self-financing legal entity.

Work programme

A description of the research objectives and priorities required to achieve the strategic objectives of a Specific Programme.