Busquin charts steady course for FP5
The structure of the Fifth Framework Programme can fairly be said to reflect well the expectations and needs of Europe's citizens, according to Research Commissioner-designate, Philippe Busquin, given the wide-ranging debate leading up to its adoption. In his response to the European Parliament's questionnaire, part of the procedure for the approval of the new Commission, Busquin indicates that the research community itself will determine if the Programme meets its needs. Should any changes in the structure of FP5 prove necessary, he says, then the appropriate time for these would be at the mid-term review. Researchers will be glad to hear that Busquin does not plan any imminent upheavals for FP5. However, Busquin does intend to examine the staff resources put in place to manage the Programme once he is confirmed in office. He may feel that changes could be made to improve the overall management of FP5 and, he says, he will of course draw much from experiences with FP5 in the preparation of the Sixth Framework Programme. Asked if demand-led research is more effective than research led by science, Busquin insists that the two are complementary and cannot be set in competition with each other. The structure of the Fifth Framework Programme, which covers both demand-led Key Actions and generic research activities, reflects this complementary approach, he says. Its wider success however, suggests Busquin, depends on greater development of interest in science and research in society, particularly among young people. Busquin is clear on the need for closer coordination between the research programmes and other EU funding instruments. For example, the Regional Development Fund can support the development of the research infrastructure, technology transfer and training, with the Framework Programme then funding research work proper. The Commission's own Joint Research Centre can also play a part, with Busquin citing examples of regional projects where the JRC has contributed scientific expertise. With new regional development plans in preparation for the years 2000-06, Busquin calls for integrated technological development strategies to be incorporated in each. Improving the availability of information on the Programme is a key concern of the Parliament, and Busquin offers to regularly appear before the EP's Industry Committee (which now covers research issues) to update MEPs on FP5 and wider questions of research policy. Under FP4, the EP's Research Committee received regular information on specific programmes from their Directors, and Busquin offers to continue this process under FP5. He also intends to extend the process to keep the Committee regularly informed of the programme committees' work. He also wants to explore new channels of communication between the Joint Research Centre and the Parliament, which he feels are lacking currently. Finally, in response to a question on what criteria his success as Commissioner should be judged, Busquin offers four aims: - To interest the citizen in the concrete achievements of European research; - To give younger generations a taste for research; - To contribute to solving the major problems of European society; - To stimulate improved productivity and the creation of jobs through networking and the exploitation of knowledge. With a background in nuclear physics in his native Belgium before taking up ministerial office at regional and national level, Busquin brings professional experience and interest to his portfolio. MEPs are now digesting his answers in advance of Busquin's scheduled appearance before the Industry Committee to answer further questions in person on 1 September 1999. The Parliament is then due to vote on the approval of the Commission as a whole on 15 September. If all goes to plan, the new Commission will take office on 17 September.