CORDIS Archive

Activities would aim at (i) the optimum utilisation of geographically dispersed medium / large scale research facilities, (ii) the rapid transfer and implementation of RTD results into industrial applications, and (iii) the improvement of interoperability and common protocols. Community support will be directed towards creating a synergistic use of European infrastructure. Emphasis will be also put on increasing cohesion between Member states on strategic R&D needs and exploitation of results.

Objective 7.1: Support activities to medium and large scale facilities

These activities will aim at identifying and implementing solutions for improved transnational access and networking for optimum use of medium and large scale facilities having a strong and innovative scientific, technical or socio-economic relevance to the Programme. The initial phase will be to identify and prioritise areas justifying substantial effort at European level. The next phase would be to provide up-to-date, www-based inventories including performance characteristics and access availability for potential users.

Objective 7.2: Setting up of virtual institutes

The objective of the activity is to facilitate the rapid exploitation of RTD-results into industrial applications. Geographically dispersed complementary research and industrial capabilities will be linked creating entities with a potential to become independent and self-supporting. These virtual institutes, created from departments of industries, service companies, research centres, universities and laboratories, etc., will use advanced Information and communication and knowledge management tools to provide the industry, notably SMEs, with high standard services for research, technology transfer and exploitation of RTD results in relevant and advanced technology fields.

Objective 7.3: Reference data bases

Reference databases have been identified as a means to support the development of the European research fabric. Efforts will include the cataloguing of databases of priority interest to European industry and services and the setting-up of networks of relevant data bases and their stakeholders. Focus will be on activities ensuring both content and structure of databases regarding their accessibility, comparability and quality. The overall objective is to bring together selected databases using adequate platforms, which allow effective support to researchers and users at EU level.

Objective 7.4: Measurement and Quality Management Infrastructures

The aim is to develop and strengthen the European metrology infrastructure, to reinforce traceability and to improve cohesion of metrology systems. One important means will be to support the production of Certified Reference Materials (1) . Activities will also aim at promoting a harmonised approach to quality management in organisations and enterprises, in particular SMEs.

STRATEGY AND PRIORITIES FOR THE 1999 CALL FOR PROPOSALS

This part of the programme will be implemented through dedicated calls, using mainly the modality of thematic networks. Calls for tender will be launched for the production of CRMs. In 1999, priority will be given to Objectives 7.2 and 7.4.

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