Commission wants to examine air traffic control
The European Commission, Directorate General VII - Transport, has published a call for research on the impact of pilot projects, including intellectual property rights, on the air-traffic management (ATM) market place. The aim of the study is to develop a policy which would enable the necessary support for new developments in ATM to continue while preventing the creation of monopolies or dominant positions in the ATM market. The EC is planning to conclude a contract for a study aimed at analysing the impact on the market of present practices related to developing new tools and components for the ATM industry through pilot projects conducted through Eurocontrol and partially funded by public resources. Because of heavy involvement of the ATM industry in projects which concern the development of new products, the study also has to look at whether the present use of intellectual property rights is the correct way to ensure fair access to the market for all possible suppliers. If not, the consultant is expected to make alternative proposals. Tenderers must indicate the names and qualifications of the staff to be responsible for carrying out the study. The contract is for nine months. For further information, please contact: European Commission Directorate General for Transport, DG VII-C3 Mr. Castelletti Office BU 33 5/82 rue de la Loi 200 B-1049 Brussels Tel. +32-2-2991915; Fax +32-2-2967082