Inventing Tomorrow - Europe's research at the service of its people
The European Commission, DG XII, has prepared a public version of the Commission's initial consultation document on the Fifth RTD Framework Programme. The document, entitled "Inventing Tomorrow - Europe's research at the service of its people", contains the Commission's preliminary guidelines for the Fifth Framework Programme. The consultation document was adopted by the Commission on 10 July 1996 (see RTD-News RCN 6525; CORDIS Focus No 67), and submitted to the Council and European Parliament in September 1996. The aim of the document is to serve as the basis for discussions on the Fifth Framework Programme. The Commission is due to publish a more detailed discussion document in November 1996, before it produces its formal proposal for the Fifth Framework Programme in early 1997. "Inventing Tomorrow" contains a number of reflections on European research policy, its aims, its achievements and its comparative position in the world. In its preliminary suggestions for the Fifth Framework Programme, it outlines three priority themes for action: - Unlocking the resources of the living world and the ecosystem; - Creating a user-friendly Information Society; - Promoting competitive and sustainable growth. In addition to these three themes, "Inventing Tomorrow" also suggests three horizontal actions: - Improving human potential; - Innovation and participation of SMEs; - Confirming the international role of European research.