CORDIS launches new website for the European Steel Technology Platform
CORDIS, the Community Research and Development Information Service, has launched a new service on the European Steel Technology Platform (ESTEP). Generating an annual turnover of over 100 billion euro and employing over 350,000 EU citizens, the steel industry is a key sector for economic growth and competitiveness in Europe. In addition, many other sectors of economic activity depend directly or indirectly on the steel sector, ranging from construction and car manufacturing to household appliances and the chemical industry. The European Steel Technology Platform pages form a new service focusing on technology and research in the steel sector. The European Steel Technology Platform is a central element in the implementation of the Strategic Research Agenda for steel. It unites the European steel industry with research centres, universities, the European Commission and other EU institutions, Member States and trade unions. The main aim is to assist in consolidating Europe's global leadership in the steel sector and in ensuring a sustainable development of the steel sector. ESTEP aims to give a new impetus to European research into all materials and processes that are relevant to the steel sector. In addition, it addresses important matters such as matching demand and supply for steel, managing the impact of globalisation, environmental concerns, EU regulation of the steel sector and strengthening partnerships within the EU-25. The CORDIS European Steel Technology Platforms service is a comprehensive gateway to research policy in the steel sector and to ESTEP. Following a brief introduction of the purpose of the Platform, the service helps users to familiarise themselves with the Strategic Research Agenda (SRA) for steel. The SRA identifies the main long, medium and short-term research and development themes and areas in the steel sector. Furthermore, it contains a development strategy, mechanisms to mobilise public and private funding and a communication strategy. Using the CORDIS European Steel Technology Platform service, users can keep informed about the implementation of the SRA and keep track of the main objectives, elements and latest developments concerning the Platform. An easy central point of access to all key documents is also provided. The information service provided by CORDIS is complemented by a calendar of events that are related to the European Steel Technology Platform and a list of relevant contacts and links. Technology platforms aim to keep Europe at the leading edge in high-technology sectors that are of a significant strategic and economic importance.