International cooperation in research and development
The Institute for Prospective Technological Studies of the European Commission's Joint Research Centre has published the proceedings of a symposium on "International cooperation in R&D", held in Brussels, Belgium, in November 1996. The symposium was held as a follow-up to the European Parliament's report on the Commission's communication on "Perspectives for international cooperation in R&D". The symposium brought together officials from the Commission, MEPs and representatives of the European scientific community with the aim of discussing European collaboration in R&D with third countries in the context of the preparation of the Fifth RTD Framework Programme. European policies for RTD cooperation with third countries must take account of the EU's objectives in foreign policy, industry, environment and development. The symposium drew a number of conclusions attracting widespread support. It was not, however, possible to find consensus in all areas. The participants agreed on the importance of international cooperation for European R&D, and that this was needed on a greater scale than at the time the Fourth Framework Programme was drawn up. However, such cooperation would only be mutually beneficial in carefully selected fields, with carefully selected partners. Furthermore, in a large number of fields international cooperation would be better undertaken at national level. The types of cooperation which best serve Europe's interests varies between different groupings of countries, and indeed varies within those groupings. A number of suggestions were agreed for action at European level: - Opportunities should be created for European participation in major infrastructure projects, especially in emerging economies (collaboration at the R&D stage may improve prospects for European companies gaining contracts for such projects); - The EU could mobilize scientists for concerted attacks on regional and global problems, especially environmental problems; - The EU can make a valuable contribution by helping to create conditions for effective technological and business cooperation in partner countries, especially in the areas of standards and intellectual property regimes; - There may be opportunities to build mutually beneficial relationships between the EU and other regional free trade zones through RTD collaboration; - Europe's role may involve participation in differing combinations of research, design, development and production. Whilst it will normally be at the research end, this should not lead to neglecting opportunities, particularly in the emerging economies, where Europe can undertake development and design work to complement research strengths in the partner country.