Spanish Presidency to boost innovation and the international dimension of FP6 and ERA
The upcoming Spanish Presidency of the EU, due to take the reins on 1 January 2002, has said it aims to boost innovation and the international dimension of the Sixth Framework programme for research (FP6) and the European research area (ERA) while it is in office. In an outline of its science and technology priorities for the six months, during which time it will head the EU Council, Spain says its first priority will be to ensure the adoption of FP6 through the co-decision procedure, with a view to its formal adoption at the Research Council scheduled for 11 March 2002. It also aims to clarify and develop a number of areas within the Framework programme, such as the underpinning of the role of SMEs and the adaptation of research and development (R&D) instruments to their needs. In addition, the Presidency calls for clarification of the programme's evaluation methodologies, management mechanisms and financial arrangements. The second priority set out by Spain's Ministry of science and technology is the creation of a strategy to strengthen the role of innovation in FP6 and ERA, and to reinforce links between scientific and industrial policies to boost technological innovation in Europe. In order to achieve the Lisbon goal of improving innovation in the next Framework programme, Spain says it will be necessary to create a favourable environment for new enterprise development, invest in human capital and underpin science-industry links. 'All of this,' it adds, 'in a global framework which fosters social cohesion and sustainable growth.' The Spanish Presidency will also take steps to develop the international dimension of the European research area. Along these lines, it will focus on exploring ways of enhancing synergies between the national and international dimensions of scientific research and technological innovation. The final priority set out by Spain's Ministry of science and technology is the promotion of R&D as the engine of sustainable and competitive growth. The Spanish Presidency will build on the strategy for sustainable development agreed at the Gothenburg European Council in June 2001, by prioritising measures to underpin the role of sustainable development in boosting technological innovation and investment and generating growth and employment.
Kraje
Spain