Commission outlines guidelines for next Framework Programme
A major step in the direction of the next Framework Programme was made on 4 October, when the Commission adopted a Communication detailing guidelines for the next Research Framework Programme and plans for the implementation of the 'European Research Area' initiative, following a proposal from Philippe Busquin, European Research Commissioner. 'This Communication is a further step on the path to creating a genuine European Research Area', said Commissioner Busquin, who made the proposal in January 2000. 'The next Research Framework Programme will need to be thoroughly revamped in order to make a major contribution towards achieving it.' The Commission is proposing a change of approach for the next Framework Programme, based on three principles: focusing, partnership and greater efficiency. The programme will focus on areas where community action can provide the greatest possible 'European added value', in comparison to national action, closer partnership with the Member States, research institutes and companies in Europe will be forged, and greater efficiency will be obtained through the channelling of resources into bigger projects of longer duration. These changes will all require a change in management methods. More specifically, the Commission now wishes to see the following arrangements introduced: - networking of national research programmes, facilitated by the an EU-wide opening-up of programmes, and EU participation in programmes carried out in a co-ordinated fashion; - the creation of European networks of excellence by networking existing Member State capacities around 'joint programmes of activities'; - the execution of large targeted research programmes conducted by consortia of companies, universities and research centres on the basis of overall financing plans; - increased backing for regional and national efforts in support of innovation and research conducted by SMEs; - more diversified actin in support of research infrastructures of European interest; - an increase in and expansion of mobility grants, not only for EU researchers, but also for researchers from third countries. Measures in respect of human resources in research are proposed, including the 'Women and Science' action plan; - action to strengthen the social dimension of science, in particular, matters concerning ethics, public awareness of science, and encouraging an interest in science among young people. Mooted EU research priorities are 'post-genome' research and research into major illnesses, nanotechnologies, information society related research and co-operation in aeronautical and space sector research. Research in support of European policymaking in areas where there are great uncertainties and risks, and research in support of community policies needed to implement a sustainable development model in the broadest sense are also likely to take precedence.