First call for proposals for the specific programme for targeted socio-economic research (Areas I, II, III)

1. Following the Decision by Parliament and Council adopting the Fourth Framework Programme of European Community activities in the field of research and technological development and demonstration (1994-1998) and the Council Decision on the specific programme for research and...

1. Following the Decision by Parliament and Council adopting the Fourth Framework Programme of European Community activities in the field of research and technological development and demonstration (1994-1998) and the Council Decision on the specific programme for research and technological development in the field of targeted socio-economic research, the Commission is inviting proposals for research and technological development (RTD) activities.

2. The targeted socio-economic research activities aim at producing new knowledge and elucidating decision-making required in future at decentralized, national or Community level to lay the foundation for sustainable economic and social development of Europe's economies, enabling them to withstand international competition and create jobs. It is now recognized that the future development of Europe will rest upon the interplay between these three factors - advances in science and technology, human skills and knowledge, and an appropriate socio-economic framework which harnesses the human and technological resources available. Market mechanisms, social attitudes and values shape the development of science and technology as much as the latter influence socio-economic change. The future competitiveness and quality of life in Europe will depend in large measure on ensuring a functional harmony between these three elements.

The objective of the targeted socio-economic research programme is thus to develop, through a reinforcement of research networks, a shared knowledge base on the challenges facing Europe, based on research and other work in three interrelated areas:

- Evaluation of science and technology policy options;
- Research on education and training;
- Research into social integration and social exclusion in Europe.

In conformity with Article 5.1 of the Decision on the specific programme, a work programme has been drawn up setting out the detailed objectives and types of projects to be undertaken, and the financial arrangements to be made for them.

3. The implementation of the programme will proceed through calls for proposals and appropriate measures, together with the launch of a series of preparatory, accompanying and support measures as they are described in Annex III of the Council Decision adopting the programme on targeted socio-economic research (OJ No L 361).

4. This first call for proposals covers all three areas of the programme (including all the sub-areas, with the exception of horizontal activities described in sub-areas I.4 and III.5 which will be implemented according to different modalities in conformity with the rules set out in Annex III of the aforementioned Decision; however, these horizontal activities are to be implemented in parallel with the R&D shared-cost actions).

In particular, regarding the setting-up of the European Technology Assessment Network (ETAN) described in sub-area I.4 the Commission is launching, in parallel with this call for proposals, a call for expressions of interest in order to identify suitable membership.

5. The outline work programme is as follows:

Area I. Evaluation of science and technology policy options in Europe:
I.1 Analysis of the RTD situation in Europe in the world context.
I.2. Evaluation of the interrelations between short- and medium-term needs and socio-economic changes and new scientific and technological developments.
I.3. Methods, tools and approaches relevant to the preparation, monitoring and evaluation of science and technology policies.
I.4. Horizontal and support activities.

Area II. Research on education and training:
II.1. Effectiveness of policies and actions, European dimension and diversity.
II.2. Methods, tools and technologies: quality and innovation in education
and training.
II.3. Education, training and economic development.

Area III. Research into social integration and social exclusion in Europe:
III.1. Forms and processes of social exclusion and integration.
III.2. Causes of social exclusion, particularly unemployment.
III.3. Migration.
III.4. Evaluation of the impact of social integration policies.
III.5. Horizontal activities and research infrastructures.

6. Consortia of organizations eligible to participate in the programme (universities, research centres and undertakings) are invited to submit proposals for the areas and topics covered by the work programme.

The research areas and topics will be addressed, in general, in shared-cost RTD projects, in conformity with the rules for implementation set out in Annex III of the Decision on the specific programme.

The Community's contribution to shared-cost RTD projects will normally not exceed 50% of the total costs, with progressively lower participation the nearer the project is to the market place. Those universities and other institutions which do not have analytical budget accountancy will be reimbursed on the basis of 100% of the additional costs. As a general rule, projects should involve at least two non-affiliated partners from two different EEA States, one being from a Community Member State.

RTD project proposals for the targeted socio-economic research programme must arrive at the Commission by 8 June 1995 (12.00).

7. Information given to the Community relating to proposal application or the contract will be treated in confidence.

8. Detailed information about procedures for the submission of proposals (information package) and the contract that will be established with successful proposers are available on request from the Commission's
services. Descriptions of work undertaken in earlier and related programmes are also available on request.
All correspondence concerning this call should be sent to:

European Commission
Targeted Socio-economic Research Central Office
DG XII/A
200 rue de la Loi (SDME 1/48)
B-1049 Brussels
Tel. [phone]; Fax [phone]