Danish position paper on Fifth Framework Programme
The Danish government has published its position paper on the Fifth RTD Framework Programme. This paper is one of the many submissions to the Commission during the preparatory phase of the Fifth Framework Programme, and outlines the Danish government's views on both the structure and research objectives of the proposed Programme. The Danish paper emphasizes that the goals of EU research policy should lead to the strengthening of competitiveness and sustainable development, as well as improving the quality of life in the broadest sense. European research should be regarded as a substantial supplement to national research, and should be open to companies of all sizes, on the basis of open competition. As regards the structure of the programme, the Danish government calls for a balance between solving current problems and building up long-term competence. The themes and programmes must be formulated with clear and precise goals, but there must be sufficient flexibility to respond to changing circumstances. The Danish paper suggests that the existing structure, in terms of flexibility, seems to be working. The paper calls for increased coordination between the programmes, and for more transparency in the relations between programmes, and between research and other EU policies. The Danish government calls for more effective administration of the programmes. In particular, it suggests that the time taken for processing of applications and contract negotiations needs to be reduced. Furthermore, it calls for increased transparency in this area. Areas for research under the Fifth Framework Programme are outlined by the Danish government in its paper, with an overall theme of continuity and renewal over the Fourth Framework Programme. Three main areas will be decisive for the development of European industry. These are information and communications technologies, industrial and materials technologies and biological sciences. In addition, research must continue to support the development of Community policies in the fields of environment, energy and transport. The Danish paper calls for increased attention to be focused on the human factor, with the aim of extending the socio-economic research field to include research relating to the conditions of life, welfare and cultural aspects. With this in mind, the paper proposes research on "the city of the future" and on the working environment, which would be cross-programme, horizontal research objectives. The paper also emphasizes the importance of continuing efforts in the existing horizontal activities, training and mobility of researchers, innovation and involvement of partners from outside the EU.
Países
Denmark