A re-launched, updated Technology Platforms service on CORDIS
The CORDIS European Technology Platforms service is a central information tool summarising the emerging initiatives in areas such as hydrogen and fuel cells, nanoelectronics, water supply and sanitation, plant genomics and biotechnology, mobile and wireless communications, innovative medicines, aeronautics, embedded systems and steel. CORDIS, as the EU's official information service on research and innovation, has substantially revised its information service about the Technology Platforms initiative. Technology Platforms aim to encourage public-private partnerships in key areas of strategic European interest. They bring together actors from the industry, academia and the public sector to define a strategic research agenda in areas that are considered vital for Europe's competitiveness. Suitable goals include the development of new technologies that would lead to radical change in these sectors, the reconciliation of different initiatives with regard to sustainable development, or the renewal of traditional industrial sectors. Initiatives within the framework of the Technology Platforms have already played a role in the definition of the major research themes of the proposed Seventh Framework Programme for research (FP7). A limited number may also be selected for funding under the Cooperation programme of FP7 as Joint Technology Initiatives. The updated information service contains a 'Further Information' section giving direct access to the most relevant policy background documents and to a list of frequently asked questions. Furthermore, a 'Meetings and Events' section, which will be regularly updated, highlights conferences, organised by or involving the European Commission, which relate to the European Technology Platforms. With an increasing number of Technology Platforms being created, the number of conferences organised in this context is expected to rise. The events section of the CORDIS Technology Platform Service is therefore expected to become a central information tool on European events and meetings relating to Technology Platforms. The updated CORDIS Technology Platform service has an increased focus on new developments and policy information, balanced by important information on the individual platforms, which continues to be provided in a coherent and easily accessible manner. Furthermore, the service will have a stronger focus on new developments within the platforms as the 'What's New' section will increasingly contain 'vision' documents from the individual initiatives as they are published. Technology platforms aim to keep Europe at the leading edge in high-technology sectors which are of a significant strategic and economic importance, as well as technology-based public goods or services with high entry barriers and uncertain profitability, but high economic and social potential. The updated CORDIS Technology Platforms service will continue to evolve to reflect the emerging trends and provide ever more comprehensive information as it becomes available.