Equity, efficiency and transparency in the management of EU research programmes
In June 1996, the European Commission organized a seminar on the management of EU research programmes aimed at identifying points at which the management of the EU research programmes could be further improved in terms of quality, effectiveness and transparency. The seminar, which was organized at the request of Mrs. Edith Cresson, Commissioner responsible for research, education and training, was attended by members of the European Parliament and by about 25 representatives of industry (including SMEs), academia and other research organizations. A background paper entitled "Equity, efficiency and transparency in the management of EU research programmes" was prepared for this seminar. The paper provides some basic information on programme management as well as some of the Commission ideas for improving its management performance. The three main areas of concern identified in this document are: - Reducing the level of oversubscription; - Improving the efficiency and transparency of proposal evaluation and project selection; - Contract negotiation and project financial aspects. As part of its efforts to maintain an open dialogue with its "customers", the Commission would welcome receiving additional comments on the paper, or further suggestions for improving the management of research programmes, before it sets about revising its "management manual" later this year. The background paper has, therefore, been made available for consultation on the World Wide Web and comments are invited from all interested parties.