Proposed rules for participation and dissemination of results for Fifth RTD Framework Programme
The European Commission has adopted a proposal concerning the rules for participation in the forthcoming Fifth RTD Framework Programme and the rules governing the dissemination of results of research supported by the Programme. In drawing up the proposal at this early stage in the adoption of the Fifth Framework Programme, the Commission aims to ensure that the rules are discussed widely and openly. The objective is to have a single set of rules governing participation in all the specific programmes. "This initiative will help make citizens more aware of Community research, thanks to the grouping of applicable rules and their harmonized implementation by the various specific programmes," said Edith Cresson, Commissioner responsible for research, innovation, education, training and youth, following the adoption of the Commission's proposal. The proposal for a Council Decision (COM(97) 587) was adopted on 15 December 1997, on the initiative of Mrs. Edith Cresson. At the same time a separate proposal concerning the rules for participation in the Euratom Framework Programme was also adopted by the Commission. The proposals are likely to be adopted following the final adoption of the Fifth Framework Programme itself. The current rules and experience gained with the Fourth Framework Programme will be maintained while new elements derived from the Davignon evaluation and the structure proposed for the Fifth Framework Programme will be incorporated. Existing rules maintained in the proposal include: - The main means of selecting RTD projects will continue to be calls for proposals, providing equal opportunities for all those involved in research; - The research consortia carrying out RTD projects will still have a transnational character; - Research contracts will be established on the basis of the principle of reimbursing eligible, real costs; - Research consortia will have an obligation for either exploitation or dissemination of the research results. New measures proposed for the Fifth Framework Programme include: - The establishment of participation rules for entities from non-EU countries which are valid for all the specific programmes; - Adjustment of the dissemination and exploitation rules according to the distance of the project from the market, normally reflected by the rate of the Community's financial contribution; - Encouragement for the exploitation of results through the possibility of making exclusive agreements, under certain conditions, especially when projects are close to the market; - A requirement for the dissemination of results when the commitment to exploit them is not successfully met; - Strengthening the role of the "technological implementation plan" as a detailed and structured policy instrument for monitoring research results.