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Programme
Content archived on 2023-03-27

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Specific research and technological development programme (EEC) in the fields of industrial manufacturing technologies and advanced materials applications (BRITE/EURAM), 1989-1992

 
Part of the Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (1987-1991) under activity 3: "Modernization of industrial sectors". The programme covers industrial technologies (BRITE), advanced materials (EURAM) and aeronautics.

The main instrument for meeting its objectives is collaborative transfrontier R&D able to provide the technological tools needed for better products and processes. This includes the development and application of new materials and engineering technologies and the wider application of industrial technologies developed elsewhere.
To enhance the international competitiveness of the Community's industries by providing them with the materials and manufacturing technologies needed for innovative product and process development through the promotion of transfrontier collaboration between companies and research organizations and technology transfer between sectors, particularly those with a high predominance of SMEs.
Five areas:

- Advanced materials technologies:
Developing, processing and applying improved or new materials and composites based on metals, polymers and non-metallic materials;

- Design methodology and assurance for products and processes:
Techniques to improve product quality and the reliability and maintainability of structures and systems as well as the development of sensor materials;

- Application of manufacturing technologies:
Focused on less advanced manufacturing industry , particularly SMEs, this will involve physical process modelling, flexible materials, product and process development and technology transfer;

- Technologies for manufacturing processes:
Improving techniques for shaping, joining and assembling, treatment of surfaces, chemical processes and particle technology;

- Specific activities relating to aeronautics:
Precompetitive technological research covering aerodynamics, acoustics, airborne systems and equipment, and propulsion systems.
The Commission, assisted by a Committee composed of the representatives of the Member States and chaired by the Commission representative, is responsible for implementing the programme. It distributes information packs in all the Community languages to accompany the invitation to participate in order to guarantee equal opportunities for undertakings, universities and research centres in the Member States.

The programme is carried out principally by means of shared-cost research contracts to be awarded following a selection procedure based on calls for proposals. Each contractor is expected to make a significant contribution to projects and to bear a substantial proportion of the costs, 50% of which are normally borne by the Community.

Types of projects (for BRITE and EURAM):
- Industrial applied research;
- Focused fundamental research;
- Feasibility awards for SMEs;
- Coordinated activities.

In the case of aeronautical research, a work programme has been established to define precise objectives and determine priority themes.

The Commission ensures cooperation with COST actions through the regular exchange of information between the Committee and the relevant COST Management Committee.

Where framework agreements for scientific and technical cooperation between non-Community European countries and the European Communities have been concluded, organizations and enterprises established in those countries may, on the basis of mutual advantage, become partners in a project.

In the course of implementation, the Commission will review the programme and submit a report to the European Parliament and to the Council. This report will be accompanied, where necessary, by proposals for amending or extending the programme. A final report evaluating the results will also be submitted.