IRDAC opinion on the European Commission's Joint Research Centre
The European Commission's Industrial Research and Development Advisory Committee (IRDAC) has published an opinion on the Joint Research Centre (JRC). This follows the 1994 IRDAC opinion on the JRC, on the basis of which it was agreed that a further review should be made, one year later, to assess progress towards reaching the target of obtaining 25% of income from external funding. In July 1995, a round table of senior industrialists was convened to discuss how far this objective had been met. The round table welcomed the progress made by the JRC in developing links and obtaining commercial contracts. In particular the round table greeted the Centre's involvement in 300 projects, submitted in response to the calls for proposals under the Fourth Framework Programme, as an indication of its ability to integrate itself as a major partner in the European research community. In conclusion, it was felt that the JRC has shown that its laboratories can be motivated to perform in a competitive environment. The round table, however, called on the Commission to increase the delegation of responsibilities to the JRC and relax unnecessary constraints. In particular, it was felt that improvements in management responsibility and reduced bureaucratic procedures would eliminate the need for a new semi-independent status for the Centre.