Norway looks forward to contributing to FP6
Norway is positively looking forward to the next European Union RTD Framework programme, and, while its contribution to the shaping of the programme includes some suggestions for extra focus, it is optimistic about the programme's potential effects. The contribution by the Norwegian ministry of trade and industry, which was written prior to the Commission's recent presentation of the FP6 (Sixth Framework programme) proposals (and which will probably be followed up with a response to these proposals), came after Norway's response to the Commission's proposal for a European research area (ERA) last year. The paper clearly sets out the challenges which it feels FP6 will need to address. They include the impact of the digital economy and the need for innovation; the further promotion of sustainable development; the growing number of elderly; the need for improved quality of life of Europe's citizens and; central factors and processes pertaining to energy, transport and technology. It emphasises that Europe needs an overall improvement of its science and technology performance. Comparing the focus of FP5 (Fifth framework programme) and FP6, the Norwegian paper advocates keeping the best elements of FP5 but adding a new focus to enhance the next Framework programme. Maintaining the relevance of research for society should be further developed, it states, but new policy challenges should be included, with 'more place for long term, generic research, mobility and networking of excellence.' It does warn however that due consideration should be given to the potential negative effects of this structure on potential partners such as SMEs (small and medium sized enterprises) and partners with limited resources. Norway claims that the traditional dichotomy of applied and long term basic research no longer applies, as very often the two are inextricably linked. The paper also supports the structure which FP5 had, of a few thematic programmes and a limited number of horizontal programmes, with the further development of a reduced number of key actions. It also warns against larger projects becoming large because the size has become an end in itself 'as smaller projects may be more cost-efficient'. The proposed centres of excellence and the enhancing of European research infrastructures will lead to closer targeted cooperation and contribute to higher quality research and pooling of resources in more efficient ways, it claims, saying that 'enhanced cooperation between centres of excellence will be important elements for the realisation of FP6 and the ERA.' Addressing the thematic contents of FP6, Norway highlights the need for marine science to play a key part. It justifies this by pointing to food safety and shortage issues and that marine science relates to many other issues in research such as ICT (information and communication technologies), biotechnology, material and production technologies. It also notes that marine and arctic research related to global climate change did not receive sufficient attention in FP5. Biotechnology is another area which Norway feels needs special attention. 'New knowledge should be applied in compliance with ethical values and serve to increase the safety of consumers while avoiding harmful effects on the environment.' Health and medicine will have a key role to play, especially due to the ageing of the population process taking place in Europe. Research could lead to more, improved medicines reaching patients quicker and with more knowledge on environmental factors with casual links. Infectious diseases would be a research area addressing global challenges and making use of cellular biological and immunology resources. Regarding ICT, the eEurope concept should be supported by FP6 activities. Generally, the relationship between science society and the citizen need to be given more attention in FP6. Finally, sustainable energy research efforts are bearing fruits, but still need to be concentrated on, as do more traditional sources of energy. As well as oil, Norway recommends that gas get particular attention, as it is cleaner, cheaper and more efficient than other fossil fuels. In relation to this, more energy efficient and environmentally friendly transport systems deserve increased attention. The key horizontal issues should be mobility of researchers, international cooperation, promotion of women in science and contributions from the social sciences and humanities. The mobility of researchers is seen as a particularly important element and Norway suggests more flexible mobility and grant schemes should be introduced to help achieve this. The Norwegian paper concludes that, in the administration of the next Framework programme, variable geometry will 'necessarily have to be addressed in a careful and thoughtful manner.' It adds that closer attention should be given to the sharing of responsibilities between programme committees and expert advisory groups in FP6. The paper finishes however with a clear endorsement of Norway's willingness to participate both before and during FP6. 'I wish to reiterate that Norway is positively prepared to contribute actively and constructively to the further implementation of ERA and the shaping of FP6,' says the Norwegian minister, Grete Knudsen.