Dutch position paper on the Fifth RTD Framework Programme

The government of The Netherlands has published its initial position paper on the Fifth RTD Framework Programme. This paper is one of many submitted to the Commission as the debate on the structure of the next Framework Programme gets under way. The Netherlands' paper calls f...

The government of The Netherlands has published its initial position paper on the Fifth RTD Framework Programme. This paper is one of many submitted to the Commission as the debate on the structure of the next Framework Programme gets under way.

The Netherlands' paper calls for the concentration of Community research efforts on areas which Member States cannot address unilaterally. Although broadly satisfied with the current Framework Programme, the Dutch government suggests that the Fifth Framework Programme should be consolidated in four areas:

- More effectively meet the needs of European industry and concentrate on themes which will be crucial to Europe in the next century;
- Have greater internal cohesion;
- Establish more effective cooperation with other programmes;
- Increase the efficiency of the European research infrastructure.

The paper picks out the following themes as relevant to both European enterprise and citizens:

- Information technologies;
- Production and materials technology;
- The life sciences (biotechnology, health, food and agricultural research);
- Energy;
- Environment;
- Transport;
- Solutions to European socio-economic and socio-cultural challenges, including the use of geographical space in Europe, demography, migration and culture.

The Netherlands' paper suggests that these themes should form the backbone of the Fifth Framework programme. These seven themes would be backed up by general programmes for cooperation with third countries, encouraging innovation in SMEs, for research infrastructure and training of researchers and for the Joint Research Centre.

Calling for greater cohesion within the Framework Programme, the Dutch suggest that the specific programmes should be "integrated programmes", containing elements other than research, such as training of researchers and the practical application of results. In addition, there should be stronger cohesion between the various elements of the Framework Programme, with temporary coordinating task forces to concentrate on specific themes, although without their own individual budgets.

The Dutch paper argues that over-fragmentation within the programmes means that they are unsuitable for strategic projects which are vital for the competitiveness of European industry, and that these types of projects need to be accommodated in the Fifth Framework Programme. On the other hand, the next Framework Programme should focus special attention on SMEs, many of which have no RTD capacity of their own. This could be in the form of an integrated programme bringing together all the existing facilities for SMEs, allowing them to undertake feasibility studies, contract out R&D or apply existing knowledge.

The new Programme must increase the speed of its procedures, and be open to a wide variety of technologies. The paper suggests that to speed up the selection process, monitoring should take place after selection rather than during.

The Dutch call for the Fifth Framework Programme to cooperate more effectively with other programmes, including Member States' programmes and other Community programmes. The paper also calls for closer ties with EUREKA, and suggests that links with regional or national level would be particularly appropriate for a programme for SMEs.

As regards participation by third countries' researchers, the paper argues that this should be possible in all programmes, where there is sufficient European interest in the project proposed. The separate INCO programme, for cooperation with third countries, should be aimed exclusively at Central and Eastern European countries and developing countries, who are not able to participate in Community RTD programmes without additional help.

The Dutch paper suggests that European research infrastructure should become more specialized, competitive and coordinated, although all 15 Member States need not be involved in each facility or network. The Joint Research Centre should also become more competitive and flexible.

In respect of the budget, the Dutch call for half of the funding to go to strengthening the international competitiveness of European industry. All programmes in the Fifth Framework Programme should be open to both public and private sectors, since cooperation between industry and research institutes is a great asset.

Kraje

Netherlands