Call for proposals for the specific programme for the dissemination and optimization of the results of RTD activities Following the Decision of the European Parliament and the Council adopting the Fourth Framework Programme of European Community activities in the field of research, technological development and demonstration and the Council Decision on the specific programme for the dissemina... Following the Decision of the European Parliament and the Council adopting the Fourth Framework Programme of European Community activities in the field of research, technological development and demonstration and the Council Decision on the specific programme for the dissemination and optimization of the results of activities in the field of research and technological development, including demonstration, the Commission is inviting proposals for validation and technology transfer projects. In conformity with Article 5, paragraph 1, of the Decision on the specific programme, a work programme has been drawn up setting out the objectives and types of activities to be undertaken, and the financial arrangements to be made for them. Organizations eligible to participate in the programme are invited to submit proposals for technology validation and technology transfer projects whose implementation is foreseen by the work programme. - Object of the call: The purpose of the call is to invite the submission of proposals for technology validation and technology transfer projects responding to user needs and stemming from different stages of the innovation process. Technology validation projects (TVPs) are aimed at taking RTD results, including know-how, through a process of adaptation and validation to a stage of concrete application where they can contribute to improving the competitiveness of European industry. To this end, they validate the application of RTD results, whatever their origin as a rule, in fields of activity other than those in which they were initially obtained and, as such, they promote efficient mechanisms entailing cross-border exchange of knowledge or technologies (sector to sector, region to region). Technology transfer projects (TTPs) are aimed at transferring and diffusing existing technologies across sectorial and national boundaries towards the adoption of those technologies by new users. To this end, they promote efficient cross-border diffusion and transfer mechanisms (sector to sector, region to region) and help overcome obstacles to the circulation and utilization of technologies. - Implementation of the call: A two-step procedure is generally foreseen: Project proposals submitted to this call will have to foresee two phases, a short definition phase and a main demonstration phase. Successful project proposals will be selected on the basis of the overall proposal encompassing both phases and particular importance will be given to the ultimate target of the project. The main aims of the definition phase may include the refinement of the future workplan, data gathering, examination of the IPR situation market potential, social/environmental impact, the identification and incorporation of the necessary new partners, and securing the technical/economic and managerial goals. The main demonstration phase in technology validation projects will have to include the adaptation/validation and concrete application of the chosen RTD results. Similarly, the main demonstration phase in technology transfer projects concerns the implementation of the diffusion/transfer and the adaptation of technologies by new users. - Funding: Definition phase: an award will be granted which may cover up to 75% of the costs of the definition phase, without exceeding ECU 75 000. Demonstration phase: the Community contribution will normally not exceed 50% of the cost of the project with progressively lower participation the nearer the project is to the market. Those universities and other institutions which do not have analytical budget accountancy will be reimbursed on the basis of 100% of the additional costs. Budgeting allocation: the indicative budgetary allocations for technology validation and technology transfer projects is ECU 33,000,000 for 1995 and 1996. - Information: Detailed information about procedures and eligibility for the submission of proposals, the selection criteria, the principles governing the Community's contribution and the contract that will be established with successful proposers, etc. is given in the information package. Potential proposers interested in the call for proposals should request an information package from the address given below. - Processing of applications: Project proposals for technology validation and technology transfer projects must arrive at the Commission at the address given below by 15 June 1995 (17.00). In certain cases the Commission may direct proposals to other more appropriate support schemes, such as other Community programmes or initiatives. All correspondence concerning this call should be sent to: European Commission Directorate-General XIII Telecommunications, Information Market and Exploitation of Research DG XIII/D-1 Batiment Jean Monnet (C4/011) L-2920 Luxembourg Fax +352-430134129
