Networks of excellence start to take shape
The proposed networks of excellence, which form a central plank in the European Commission's proposals for the next RTD Framework programme running from 2002 to 2006, took on a clearer outline at a meeting of the fourth Norwegian R&D/IT forum in Brussels on 30 March. 'The objective of networks of excellence is to boost European excellence by putting together, in a way that will last, research capacities present in the various European regions in a series of areas of key importance by helping research entities come together to carry out 'common programmes of activities',' states the European Commission's proposal for the research and technological development (RTD) framework programme for 2002 until 2006. Setting up and operating these networks should result in the creation of veritable 'virtual centres of excellence' of very significant dimensions, it continues. Speaking at the event, Hervé Pero, Head of unit from the European Commission's Research DG, explained why thematic networks were introduced in the Fifth Framework programme and why the networks of excellence will signal a more efficient structure. The Commission had wanted to encourage the exchange of information, consistency of approach and benchmarking through thematic networks, he said, although he admitted that they are still working on the last of those ambitions. 'We need to change the way we have been working, which has been working every day, but not creating sufficient breakthroughs,' said Mr Pero. 'We need to create breakthroughs.' The networks of excellence are expected to have a integrating and simplifying effect. This will occur through encouraging researchers to address the research environment, promoting capacity building and linking the networks with national and other European activities. A key element of the networks is the promotion of continuity. Currently networks tend to disband after project completion, preventing open-ended research and long term benefits. Effectiveness will be achieved by awarding more management autonomy to the participants, for example in the area of activity planning and decentralising activities. Such networks should also be beneficial for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). Thematic networks have proved a success in the present Fifth Framework programme. They are predominantly present in areas of generic research and involve many universities and research organisations, who 'share information because they see the benefits,' said Mr Pero. The average number of network partners has now risen to thirty Under the Fifth Framework Programme's Growth Programme, the last three calls for proposals have seen funding go to many thematic networks. From the Growth Programme's last three 'key action one' calls, 23 networks have been retained, and from the programme's last three measurements and testing calls, nine networks have been retained. Negotiations with some of the networks selected under the last call are however still awaiting finalisation. An example of one of the key action one networks is E-CORE, a network involving 66 partners from 20 countries, fourteen of them EU Member States, set up to support the construction industry's competitiveness. The network will represent a 'single entry point' for stakeholders seeking the latest technological advances in construction research. It will function as a reference group for developing future RTD strategies in this sector as well as a forum to exchange information and set up research cooperation beyond national borders. The network will receive EC funding of 2.7 million euro. Other examples range from CEPPI, a network of SMEs in the pulp and paper manufacturing industry, which acts as a forum for the exchange of knowledge and is an interface between science end-user and supplier to increase European competitiveness, to OSNET, which will bring together all organisations active in the ornamental stones sector, to Bak-Tec, a network that will coordinate research to meet the needs of the bakery industry and improve processing efficiency. The materials and testing thematic network PECCTA will concentrate on improving the commercial position of the European industrial and trade decorative coating sectors, focusing on minimising health, safety and environmental impacts. The project seeks to identify the best European coating process practice and transfer technology in order to secure its uptake. The website and workshops established by the network will provide information and practical independent advice to a large number of SMEs in the sector. Other materials and testing networks recently approved include MEDEVMATNET, which will work together on innovation in the development and testing of materials for biomedical use, POLECER, which will identify key areas for development within polar electroceramics, coordinate R&D activities, pursue efficient dissemination of their results to industrial users and support the implementation of emerging technologies leading to new products, and DIENET, which will focus on environmentally friendly metal forming technology. The Commission will play 'an important part' in the new networks, said Mr Pero. This will involve funding the integration of members' resources around common strategic issues and promoting visibility of the European research, including setting up websites for the networks.
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