The Fifth Framework Programme - Moving the debate forward
As a final stage in its preparation of the formal proposal for the Fifth Framework Programme, the European Commission invited representatives of the European scientific, industrial and user communities to participate in a conference, held in Brussels, on 28 February and 1 March 1997. Representatives of the main European institutional and advisory bodies were also present. Mrs. Edith Cresson, Commissioner responsible for research, opened the discussions by outlining the various factors influencing the preparation of the Fifth Framework Programme and the fundamental changes being proposed in relation to previous Framework Programmes. Mrs. Cresson noted the importance attached by the Commission to the consultation process and stressed the essential role of the conference participants in contributing to the preparation of the Commission's formal proposal due to be presented by April 1997. The Commissioner pointed out that the present political and economic context is making it necessary to rethink the Community's research policy. Pressure on public budgets in Europe is leading to a reduction, in many cases, of the funds available for research. This situation contrasts strongly with that of the United States and Japan who are, on the contrary, increasing their research efforts. In addition, economic competition is intensifying worldwide and Europe's traditional competitors are reorganizing themselves to better impose themselves on the world market. Moreover, new industrial and technological powers are emerging (China and the Asian Tigers). Another major factor influencing the debate on the Community's future research policy is the question of employment. Mrs. Cresson stressed that all debate on economic and technological development in Europe must take this essential factor into account. A vital element in this respect is the translation of research into innovation in the form of new products and services. The Commissioner pointed out that the general climate for innovation in Europe is not as healthy as it should be. In particular, she drew attention to the financing of innovation in Europe, pointing out that, contrary to common belief, risk capital funds are as abundant in Europe as in the United States but that they are managed differently. Whilst 70% of American risk capital goes to high technology sectors (46% to information technologies and 24% to biotechnologies), in Europe the corresponding figure is only 18% (16% to IT and 2% for biotechnology). The Commission is also taking into account, in its formulation of the Community's research priorities, changing attitudes on the part of European citizens with regard to science and technology. Mrs. Cresson pointed out that although science continues to nourish hopes, it also gives rise to concern and doubts, particularly from an ethical point of view. This ambivalent attitude has been highlighted by recent events and must be addressed. In light of these reflections, Commissioner Cresson drew attention to three major principles which must be applied in the definition of a Community research policy: the scientific and technological excellence of the Union, which needs to be reinforced; the relevance of this action to the economic and social objectives of European construction; and European "added value". The Commissioner recognized that the present Framework Programme only partially satisfies these principles. The fundamental reason for this, in her view, is the very restrictive decisional process to which the Commission is tied and she called for the IGC to change the procedure for adopting the Framework Programme in the Council of Ministers from unanimity to qualified majority. With regard to the proposed changes to the Fifth Framework Programme introduced in the Commission's proposal, Mrs. Cresson outlined the main principles of the new approach: - Firstly, clear objectives have been set at all levels of action (for the Framework Programme, the specific programmes and activities within the specific programmes). In parallel, a number of objective criteria have been defined. These relate to social requirements (principally employment), economic development and European added value. These criteria will be applied throughout the preparation and implementation of the Framework Programme; - Secondly, the new approach introduces a greater degree of concentration of resources, and selectivity. This is reflected in the smaller number of programmes and the proposal to implement complementary "key actions" in specific sectors. These key actions represent a new element and are aimed at mobilizing a wide range of disciplines and technologies around a specific common objective. With the new Framework Programme, the European Union will dispose of a fundamentally transformed research policy, motivated not solely by scientific and technological progress but also, and more especially, by the need to respond to the problems and needs, industrial and social, of European citizens.