Eureka could play role in creating European research area
Greater partnership between Eureka and the next EU Framework programme (FP6) would help the proposed European research area (ERA), according to EU Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin. But he emphasised that both Eureka and FP6 must conserve their individual characteristics. Speaking at an event on 'Eureka in the ERA' hosted by the Greek chairmanship of Eureka, Commissioner Busquin said 'we must try to develop more Eureka projects in Europe' as Eureka's 'bottom up' approach to research projects opens up the possibility of collaboration in integrated projects under FP6. He added that Eureka is 'nearer to the market and to enterprises by its very nature' and that EU research and development can benefit from this. 'Eureka's networks must be put at the disposal of European enterprises' he said. He emphasised, however, that 'it isn't a question of fusion' between Eureka and FP6, as both will retain their own methods of working. He said that although Eureka and the EU should work together in integrated projects, they should be linked through cooperation between the different players rather than on an institutional level. Mr Busquin also called for improvements to the procedure for supporting Eureka projects, which he said is 'not always decisive enough.' Jean-Michel Etarian of the Eureka secretariat was enthusiastic about the potential for real benefits from the next EU framework programme and the ERA. 'The way opened up by Commissioner Busquin is concrete, not theoretical,' he said. French MEP Gérard Caudron said that better coordination between FP6 and Eureka will be necessary, citing past difficulties with the mobilisation of funding. He also said that the ERA will be much more than the sum of its participants, as networking between different research partners will have create greater critical mass than 'simple addition.' Eureka, which currently has 31 member countries both within and outside the EU, was created in June 1985 on the initiative of French President François Mitterrand. It aims to strengthen European competitiveness by promoting market-driven research and development involving industry and research institutes throughout Europe. An inter-parliamentary conference of Eureka members will take place on 23 and 24 May 2002.
Kraje
Greece