Potocnik urges rail industry to focus on delivery of its research vision
European Commissioner for Science and Research, Janez Potocnik, has welcomed the rail industry's definition of a research agenda for the 21st century, and urged the sector to consider in detail how it will implement this vision. The Commissioner was addressing the annual reception of UNIFE, the association of railway supply industries. He said he was encouraged by the 500 million euro invested annually in research and innovation by the association's members, and stressed that research is key to improving the competitiveness of the rail industry. 'The 'Rail 21' vision which is launched today represents an impressive statement of your intentions,' Mr Potocnik told his audience. 'The Rail 21 approach clearly sets out 'what' needs to be done in terms of research for your sector. But more needs to be done to define 'how' to do it.' The vision document is based on a strategic rail research agenda (SRRA) outlined by the European rail research advisory council (ERRAC), which Mr Potocnik described as a 'mature Technology Platform'. 'I would like to congratulate ERRAC on the energy and enterprise that has gone into defining research clusters that correspond to the priorities of both the SRRA and FP7 [the Seventh Framework Programme],' he added. Looking ahead to FP7, the Commissioner encouraged ERRAC to link up with other transport-related Technology Platforms in order to adopt an integrated approach to EU research based on a complete European transport system. 'FP7 presents an opportunity for change. Transport has been recognised as an activity in its own right, strengthening rail's position as one of the main pillars of European competitiveness,' he added. Mr Potocnik finished by highlighting some major milestones for the rail industry over the next two years, including the completion of the high speed line to Amsterdam, the inauguration of the 'TGV Est' services, the completion of the Channel Tunnel rail link to central London, and the opening of the line from Liège to Aachen. 'These events show that the rail sector has a bright and confident future based on European technology. I am sure that research and technology can serve as a driver to deliver a 21st century European railway system of which we can all be justifiably proud,' he concluded.