Developing transport for the year 2000 - Commission approves 155 new projects under BRITE/EURAM

The European Commission has approved funding for 155 new projects in the field of research on industrial technologies and materials, with particular emphasis on the transport sector. The projects, adopted following the third call for proposals under the Community's BRITE/EURAM...

The European Commission has approved funding for 155 new projects in the field of research on industrial technologies and materials, with particular emphasis on the transport sector. The projects, adopted following the third call for proposals under the Community's BRITE/EURAM programme for RTD in the field of Industrial and Materials Technologies (OJ No S 244 of 17.12.1996 p. 35), will benefit from a budget of some ECU 233 million.

Of the 155 projects selected, 64 focus on means of transport. These are aimed at helping to develop the next generation of vehicles, improving their effectiveness and safety, and reducing their environmental impact. The remaining 91 projects deal with basic research, helping to strengthen the scientific and technical bases of traditional industry.

Industrial participation in this call was high, with companies representing on average 51% of participants (66% for the transport sector projects). Examples of projects selected include: the development of new integrated electronics for the next generation of aeroplanes; the development of cleaner diesel engines; and investigation into new foaming agents to replace CFCs.