EUREKA third Medium Term Plan - 1996-2000
The EUREKA initiative, which promotes collaboration amongst European companies and research institutes in advanced technology research projects, has recently adopted its third Medium Term Plan, which will guide EUREKA actions from 1996 until 2000. EUREKA has been running since 1985. The first ten years have seen over 1,200 projects launched, with a total budget of over ECU 18 billion. In addition, EUREKA has expanded to take in five Central and Eastern European countries (CEECs) as members, and established a cooperation network with eight other CEECs. The third Medium Term Plan aims to build on the success of the first ten years whilst adapting to the new challenges which have arisen during that time, as well as to the new members and partners. The key issues identified for the development of EUREKA up to 2000 are: - Improving the attractiveness of EUREKA for business and industry and the quality of EUREKA projects; - Initiation of major projects of strategic significance for European competitiveness; - Improvement of funding possibilities for EUREKA projects, both public and private; - Enhancing synergies between EUREKA, EU RTD programmes and other European RTD programmes and initiatives; - Increasing involvement of Central and Eastern Europe in EUREKA cooperation; - Openness of EUREKA to worldwide cooperation; - Improved dialogue between EUREKA members, industry and science with a view to increasing awareness and promotion of EUREKA activities. The plan provides a general framework for the direction of EUREKA during the years 1996-2000. It may, however, be modified to take account of changing circumstances. The fourth Medium Term Plan will be prepared to come into effect from 2000.