Automotive industry calls for establishment of road transport advisory group
Members of EUCAR (European council for automotive R&D) called for the establishment of a road transport advisory group to coordinate road transport research in the Sixth Framework programme (FP6) and the European research area (ERA) at the EUCAR annual conference in Brussels on 21 November. Dr Ulf Palmquist, programme manager for carbon dioxide R&D (research and development) from EUCAR said that such a group is necessary to coordinate research efforts across the Commission's thematic priorities, and also to coordinate cross border issues such as road networks, energy consumption and emissions. It could also offer opportunities for a closer partnership between the Member States and industry. Speaking to CORDIS News, Horst Soboll, Director of technology policy at Daimler Chrysler and vice president of EURAB (the EU's research advisory board) explained that under the Fifth Framework programme (FP5), there are several key actions which relate to road transport and with different advisory groups. 'Land transport issues are scattered among various key actions in these groups and discussions run parallel on the same subject. It's not efficient,' he said. Mr Soboll gave examples of scattering under FP5, citing telematics, engine technology and intermodality as issues which are covered by different research programmes, if not different DGs. Mr Soboll said that ideally, land transport would be dealt with under one programme, but if this is not possible, the second solution is that activities are coordinated. 'It makes sense that those discussing the same thing sit together,' he said. Head of unit for the European Commission's city of tomorrow and cultural heritage unit, David Miles, conceded that whilst transport research was very coordinated in the first half of FP5, it tended to fragment in the second half of the programme. EUCAR members were concerned that the same thing would happen in FP6. However, following a vote by the European Parliament, 'sustainable surface transport' has now been added as an envisaged action under the 'sustainable development' thematic priority of the proposals for the next Framework programme. . Dr Palmquist suggested a that a road transport advisory group take in representations from academia, industry, the Commission and the Member States are represented. Mr Soboll says he is 'more realistic', and would be happy if academia, industry and representatives from the Commission's relevant DGs would come together in such a group. He added that the next step would be for national representatives to join, but conceded that they may be reluctant to do so. Opinion at the conference on who should take the initiative and form such a group was divided. Whilst Mr Soboll, argued that the Commission should request such a group is set up, Mr Miles responded by saying that the Commission cannot be on both sides. He contended that 'the key actors, the ones who want the results should be the driving force.' Mr Soboll told CORDIS News that 'EUCAR would take the initiative and set up the group if the Commission gives a sign that it should.' EUCAR is now waiting for such an indication from the Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin or Research DG Director Achilleas Mitsos. Asked about using his position as vice president of EURAB to influence the Commission on the creation of such a group, Mr Soboll said that he has already proposed that the advisory group structure for FP6 be discussed at EURAB's first meeting on 13 December, but that he didn't convince the majority, so he doubts that it will be on the official agenda. Moreover EURAB tends to deal with non-sectoral issues, he added. 'I'm just one voice and we have to make sure we get a majority, so for the time being, I guess because it's sector related, we have to start at EUCAR,' he told CORDIS News. Speaking for the Commission at the conference, Mr Miles was keen to reassure those present that the automotive industry's R&D needs will be catered for in FP6. He welcomed EUCAR's support for the proposed new tool, integrated projects, and suggested that the relevant parties start thinking now how such a tool could be used. 'My personal concern is that, if we wait until the first call for proposals it will be several months before an integrated project is started. Early work is very useful,' he said. He recommended that those involved in road transport R&D 'focus on research needs, specific issues, rather than the structure of the Framework programme. Take it for granted that they will be covered in one part or another of the Framework programme. Start by choosing what you consider to be the most important issues.'