BRITE/EURAM II: Preliminary results of second call for proposals
Some 1225 proposals were received in response to an October 1992 call made under BRITE/EURAM II, the specific programme (EEC) of research and technological development in the field of industrial and materials technologies, 1990-1994. The proposals involved over 6,700 participants with a total requested Community funding of ECU 1,690 million. In comparison with the first call, the participation of universities has increased by one percent (from 28%). SME participation is also stronger, and represents a higher proportion of the response (30%) compared to large industries (24%). Proposals were well spread across topics within the two Areas of the programme (Area I, materials and raw materials; Area II, design and manufacturing). Evaluation took place in March and April 1993 in three steps involving: Eligibility and pre-screening checks with other EEC programmes, such as ESPRIT; scientific and technical evaluation (in which over 200 external experts took part); complementary evaluation to verify the impact of the proposal in terms of environment, security, competitiveness. In general, results are equilibrated and in line with the first call, with an average success ratio of about 15%. Approximately 1 in 3 projects are suitable for coordination around common objectives. Industrial proposers show a better success rate than universities and research centres. An important concertation of efforts is noted in the transport sector, in particular automotive and aeronautics (25% of all proposals submitted). Increased participation is also noted from the civil engineering and construction sector (7%), textile sector (6%) and machine tools (5%). Following evaluation, a total of 177 projects are to receive Community support, with a further 38 held on a reserve list for possible support depending on budgetary resources. Contracts are scheduled for signature during November 1993, with projects commencing on 1 December 1993 or 1 January 1994.