French position paper on the Fifth RTD Framework Programme
The French government has published its initial position paper on the Community's forthcoming Fifth RTD Framework Programme. The French paper makes a number of observations on the experiences of the previous Framework Programmes, picking out a number of strengths and weaknesses, and stresses that planning of the Fifth Framework Programme should take account of these. It notes that, in the current economic situation which is less favourable than that prevailing at the time of the Fourth Framework Programme's preparation, the Community will have to concentrate its resources on a more limited number of objectives. France calls for Community research programmes to be refocused on the objectives of the Treaty, and to respect the principles of subsidiarity and additionality. Community programmes should complement national programmes, not replace them, and the Community should only support research where this provides added-value over national research. The paper suggests that the Fifth Framework Programme be based on support for research programmes which, due to their importance and high level of costs, require the pooling of European resources. It also calls for Community support for projects targeted at increasing European competitiveness relative to international competitors, support for Community policies which respond to the needs of society, support for European scientific excellence, improving the mobility of researchers, and the creation of a network of laboratories. The French paper suggests that the Fifth Framework Programme be based on the following principles: - A structure based on objectives defined by the needs of enterprises and on strategic socio-economic sectors, principally those in high-technology sectors, where international competition is strong and technological innovation by SMEs should be encouraged; - Formation of partnerships and networks combining industrial and public research, favouring multi-disciplinarity, the transfer of results and their industrial exploitation; - Projects should be selected on the basis of excellence and innovation; - A flexible programme, adaptable to changes in scientific and technical knowledge, and based on transparent and rigorous evaluation; - Association between research and training; - Simplification and reform of procedures. In respect of the four main activities of the Fourth Framework Programme, France proposes that the Fifth Framework Programme be centred more on the first activity (research programmes), combining a small number of specific programmes oriented towards key technologies with the needs of research in strategic socio-economic sectors. The second activity (international cooperation) should be restricted to developing countries, while the third activity (dissemination and exploitation of results) should become an integral part of the first activity. As for the fourth activity (training and mobility of researchers), France is satisfied with the current activities in this area. Other proposals made by France include: - A specific programme for large-scale research projects involving high risks; - Inclusion of long-term research in the specific programmes for key generic technologies; - Strengthening of cooperation on nuclear energy research; - Reorientation of the Joint Research Centre; - Decentralized management for actions in favour of SMEs; - A major reduction in the costs of accessing the specific programmes; - More transparency regarding selection and evaluation procedures; - Better coordination with national and international research programmes; - Revision of the standard contract and intellectual property rights.
Paesi
France