ESC opinion of the Fifth Framework Programme
At its plenary session meeting of 26 February 1997, the Economic and Social Committee (ESC) of the European Communities adopted its opinion on the Commission's communication "Inventing tomorrow - Europe's research at the service of its people", which sets out the Commission's preliminary guidelines for the Fifth Framework Programme. Although globally in favour of the Commission's proposals, the ESC nevertheless makes a number of recommendations. In particular, it calls on the Commission not to limit itself to purely cosmetic changes, but to proceed with a thorough overhaul of European research with improved management, clear strategic objectives for both the short and long term, and simplified procedures. The ESC recommends the adoption of a new approach based on an integrated system which prevents the scattering of limited resources by creating synergies between European research, Community research and major RTD projects where Member states consider joint action important. It also calls for the development of a financial/tax environment conducive to intangible investment in research and training. More specifically, the ESC calls for: - The immediate implementation of a European technology and industrial assessment mechanism; - The adoption of a bottom-up approach and the definition of priority areas; - The promotion of large-scale strategic projects; - The integration, at all levels of research, of stimulation and demonstration mechanisms as an integral part of the research-innovation-market dynamic; - To ensure a better coordination of European research.