Information day on the Fifth RTD Framework Programme and the single currency

An information day devoted to the upcoming Fifth RTD Framework Programme and the single currency will be held in Lille, France, on 16 November 1998. This will take place on the day preceding the APPLICA'98 business forum (see RTD-News RCN 11230). The event will be jointly organised by the Business Link and the Chamber of Commerce of Milton Keynes and North Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Lille, France.

The morning of the event will be devoted to the implications of the single currency for business. Issues related to a single currency implementation programme and its perceived advantages, as well as the impact of the euro on the development of cross-border commercial exchanges will be discussed with business representatives from France, England and Belgium. The role of information technology and the liberalisation of telecommunications markets will also be on the agenda.

The afternoon session will discuss "The role and challenges for SMEs in the Fifth RTD Framework Programme". The session will cover the organisation of the Programme, the thematic programmes and key actions, as well as technical support issues. Four parallel workshops will discuss issues related to setting up a project, making attractive proposals and obtaining funding. The workshops will cover the thematic programmes:

- Improving the quality of life and the management of living resources;
- Creating a user-friendly Information Society;
- Promoting competitive and sustainable growth;
- Preserving the ecosystem.
For further information, please contact:

Chambre de Commerce et d'Industrie de Lille Métropole
Ellen Heggelund
Place du Théâtre
BP 359
F-59020 Lille
Tel. +33-3-20637798; Fax +33-3-20708258
E-mail: e.heggelund@applica.tm.fr