Finnish priorities for the Fifth Framework Programme
The Finnish government has submitted its opinion on the European Union's strategy for research in light of the preparation of the Fifth Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development. In submitting its views, the Finnish government emphasized the importance of the consultation process and expressed the wish to see adequate and timely consultation of industry, universities and research institutions, in addition to the consultation of Member State governments presently being carried out. The Finnish authorities consider that "reinforcing the scientific and technological basis of the Union and thus improving Member States' industrial competitiveness and employment should continue to be the primary aim of the EU's RTD activities". They also consider that "promoting the economic, social and cultural development essential to the welfare of the Union's citizens should be one of the general aims". The Finns stress the suitability of research and development for European cooperation due to its "experimental, creative and future-oriented" nature. This is also an area which produces "the added value the EU is expected to contribute to its Member States' national endeavours". They, however, feel that insufficient funding has been made available and that many high-quality projects have been left without funding. They, therefore, call for an increase in funding for the Fifth Framework Programme in comparison with that provided for the Fourth Framework Programme. In addition, the Finns call for the emphasis in long-term EU activities and budgeting to be shifted towards projects which seek to improve skills, to renew production structures and to remove factors impeding markets. The extension and further development of cooperation with non-EU countries (particularly other industrialized countries) and with other joint European research organizations is also seen as a priority. With regard to the management structure of the Framework Programmes, the Finnish government draws attention to a certain rigidity which has prevented adequate response to changing research needs and rapid technological advances. A number of suggestions for change are made including: decreasing the number of specific programmes, applying new operating models, increasing flexibility in decision making. Particular support is expressed for the Commission Task Forces which "truly and comprehensively promote innovation and development of research". It is suggested, however, that the Task Force model be tried out in practice before a decision is made on its wider application to the Fifth Framework Programme. Concern is expressed that the Task Force model be integrated into the programme structure so that is does not further complicate administration and increase the fragmentation of research. The Finnish paper recognizes the substantial importance of speical measures concerning SMEs and calls for these to be further developed. Specific suggestions include: allowing SMEs to participate in ongoing projects; allowing them to submit proposals at any time; and guaranteeing a final decision within two months of submission. Research fields and themes given priority by Finland are: - Information technologies and telecommunications; - Production, process and materials technology; - Biotechnology and health care technologies; - Business processes, methods and practices; - Environmental research and technology; - Development of networks and modes of Transport; - Social and cultural phenomena with a European dimension. Other areas are suggested as "new" research subjects. These include: - Research concerning cold conditions and northern areas; - Forest industry processes and products; - Development of construction processes with a European dimension; - A common European communications infrastructure; - Clean energy production technologies - Research into the effects of the Information Society; - The Baltic Sea Research.
Countries
Finland