COUNCIL RESOLUTION of 14 January 1974 on a programme of research as an instrument of forecasting, assessment and methodology in the European Communities

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaties establishing the European Communities;

Having regard to the draft from the Commission;

Having regard to the Opinion of the European Parliament;

Whereas the Heads of State or of Government meeting in Paris on 19 and 20 October 1972 expressed their resolve to define objectives and ensure the development of a common policy in the field of science and technology;

Whereas the programme which is the subject of this Resolution is a necessary element for defining the long-term action of the Communities and ensures technical backing for future decisions of Community Institutions in the scientific and technological field,

HAS ADOPTED THIS RESOLUTION:

The Council hereby approves the programme, which will have a duration of one year, as set out in the Annex hereto, which Annex forms an integral part of this Resolution.

The Council takes note of the fact that the Commission proposal is no more than a preliminary experimental programme and that the Commission intends to submit specific proposals in the near future on the basis of the results of this preliminary programme, and with the assistance of the Scientific and Technical Research Committee.

ANNEX ACTION PROGRAMME

AS REGARDS FORECASTING, ASSESSMENT AND METHODOLOGY

In order to ensure the development of a Community policy in the scientific and technological field the European Communities must try to determine how existing scientific and technological capacity can best be used for the purpose of keeping the objectives and instruments of a common policy under constant review. The guidelines given by the Paris Summit Conference make long-term forecasting, an attempt to "check research by research" and a study of the effects of scientific and technological development on society and the economy, particularly necessary.

In order to achieve the aims set out hereunder it is proposed to initiate a preparatory phase (preliminary experimental programme) during which an attempt will be made to determine to what extent, by what means and according to what timetable the European Communities will be able to contribute to solving these problems. The preparatory phase will be limited to one year ; it will not prejudice any future decisions.

The object of the preparatory phase is to provide answers to two specific questions: 1. In the context of the common scientific and technological policy, should the European Communities undertake a majority study entitled "Europe plus 30" (1) concerning the foreseeable or possible developments over the next thirty years, which are likely to affect the progress of Europe ; and, if so, will this study make it possible in particular to create a forecasting instrument which can be constantly updated?

If the answer were "yes", it would be necessary to define, with the help of an analytical table of the studies and forecasts already carried out: - the method or methods to be used;

- the characteristics which define the content, i.e.: - the limiting conditions;

- the areas to be included;

- the structure of the study;

- the implementing procedures.

If the answer were "no", it would be necessary to define the possible alternatives to aid in effective decision-making, in the field of research and technological planning.

2. Should the European Communities create their own Technology Assessment Office in an attempt to evaluate in advance the effects of scientific and technological development on the society and economy of the Community?

If the answer were "yes", it would be necessary to define, with the help of an analytical table of organizations and institutes and of work which has been carried out: - the institutional structure of the European Technology Assessment Office and its relationship with the Community Institutions;

- the way in which this office could be integrated into the Communities' planning and decision-making processes ; and

- the way in which the creation of a new centralized organization could be avoided by making use of existing organizations where possible.

If the answer were "no", it would be necessary to determine what other possibilities were available to the Community for carrying out the task of technological assessment.

ACHIEVEMENT

The Commission will assume responsibility for carrying out the project as efficiently as possible. In order to have access to outside expertise, the Commission may employ experts on a contractual basis. (1)The study of the relevant questions will be carried out in cooperation with the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions which it is proposed to set up.

The duration of the project shall not exceed one year from the date on which the first contracts are signed.

MEANS

The maximum cost of this preparatory phase is estimated at 500 000 u.a. (including expert assistance, possible mission expenses and any complementary studies carried out outside).