JOULE II - Key findings from assessment of completed projects
The European Commission, DG XII, has published a report presenting the key findings and recommendations from the assessment of completed projects under the Community's specific RTD programme in the field of Non-Nuclear Energy (JOULE II, 1990-1994). The evaluation was undertaken during 1996 by a group of nine independent evaluators. The overall aim of the evaluation exercise was to provide an assessment of the programme's achievements based on the performance of a sample of 100 projects, mostly completed in 1995-1996. The exercise was predominantly a scientific and technical evaluation, but was aimed at setting the completed projects in a wider economic, social and environmental context. The report finds that overall performance has been encouraging. In particular it notes that the added value provided by EU support has been instrumental in getting the projects off the ground. In addition, the trans-European consortia were useful in terms of exchanging experience and building contacts and networks for the future. Projects were also shown to have been positive in terms of commercialization. The dissemination of research results has been wide-spread, while commercialization/exploitation, where it has occurred, has shown some impacts on the market. The wider potential for socio-economic and environmental benefits is clear. Overall, the projects have shown a positive potential for energy, economic and other benefits. Commenting on the results of the evaluation, Mrs. Edith Cresson, Commissioner responsible for research, innovation, education, training and youth, noted that "The development of a European energy policy has played, and will continue to play, a major role in the construction of Europe. As this document shows, consortia, networks and numerous exchanges stimulated by the European Union's support have brought, and will continue to bring about, interesting results".