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Content archived on 2023-03-27

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Community programme (EEC) in the field of strategic analysis, forecasting and evaluation in matters of research and technology (MONITOR), 1989-1993

 
Part of the second Framework programme for research and technological development (1987-1991) under subactivity 8.3: "Forecasting and assessment and other back-up measures, including statistics", the programme integrates forecasting (FAST), strategic analysis (SAST) and evaluation (SPEAR) in matters of research and technology. The forecasting activities undertaken under FAST are a reoriented follow-up to previous FAST programmes, while the SPEAR activities are in conformity with the Community plan of action relating to the evaluation of Community R&D activities for the years 1987 to 1991 (EVAL 2C).

The three components are intended to form as far as possible an integrated whole aimed at achieving the general objective of the programme, which is to steer the course of Community research, and as such they constitute an integral part of a group of instruments for forecasting and analysis set up within the Commission. However, they are clearly distinct in terms of the nature of the "products" that are expected and require therefore specific approaches and modes of organization.

The programme involves the setting up of two "12+1" networks, one linked to FAST and the other to SPEAR, to ensure the exchange and dissemination of information and the promotion within the Community of more effective means of forecasting and evaluating R&D and exploiting its results,
To undertake strategic analyses of scientific and technological development, to investigate the prospects for change and to improve the methodologies for evaluating R&D programmes with a view to identifying new directions and priorities for Community policy and showing more clearly the relationships between R&D and the other common policies.
Three main activities:

- Strategic and impact analysis (SAST):
The undertaking of "targeted" analyses in a scientific field, technology sector, or a challenging theme, within or outside the Community, with a view to identifying the options available to the Commission's science and technology policy and interactions with other policies;

- FAST forecasting:
Examination of the prospects for scientific and technological change and the interaction with social and economic developments with a view to producing global analyses and long-term projections;

- Evaluation of R&D programmes (SPEAR):
Improving the theoretical and methodological bases for evaluating Community R&D programmes with a view to enhancing the methods of organizing and managing such programmes in the light of national and international experience in order to increase their effectiveness.
The Commission, assisted by an Advisory Committee composed of the representatives of the Member States and chaired by the representative of the Commission, is responsible for implementing the programme.

MONITOR is implemented, inter alia, through the involvement of research centres or research teams from Community countries specializing in strategic and impact analyses, forecasting and the evaluation of R&D programmes, and especially by setting up networks, organizing workshops, seminars, etc. In addition, provision is made for the secondment of visiting scientists from national institutions and governments to take part in various activities and for the dissemination of knowledge and results obtained from SAST, FAST and SPEAR activities through research publications, policy notes, the organization of national "MONITOR days" and other publicity activities.

The above activities are implemented chiefly by means of contracts for studies and services to be carried out on behalf of the Commission. As a general rule, where appropriate, contracts are awarded on the basis of calls for proposals or for tenders (restricted or public) published in the Official Journal of the European Communities. The Community's financial contribution may cover up to 100% of the expenditure involved. The contracts entered into by the Commission regulate the rights and obligations of each party, including the methods of disseminating, protecting and exploiting the research results.

The Commission is authorized to negotiate agreements with non-Member States and international organizations, with a view to associating them wholly or partly with the programme. This applies in particular to those countries participating in European cooperation in the field of scientific and technical research (COST) and to those which have concluded framework agreements for scientific and technical cooperation with the Community. Where such framework agreements exist, organizations and enterprises established in those countries may, on the basis of mutual advantage, become partners in a project undertaken within the programme.

During the third year of implementation, the Commission is required to review the programme and to submit a report to the European Parliament and the Council. It must also submit to these same bodies a final evaluation of the results achieved when the programme is completed.