21. 8. 89 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 214/1 
II 
(Preparatory Acts) 
COMMISSION 
Re-examined proposal for a Council decision adopting a specific programme for the dissemination 
and utilization of scientific and technological research results (VALUE) (1989 to 1992) 
COM(89) 283 final — SYN 136 
(Presented by the Commission pursuant to Article 149.2(d) of the EEC Treaty 
on 6 June 1989) 
(89/C 214/01) 
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, 
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European 
Economic Community and in particular Article 130 Q(2) 
thereof, 
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, 
In co-operation with the European Parliament (*), 
Having regard to the Opinion of the Economic and Social 
Committee (2), 
Whereas Article 130 G(c) of the Treaty assigns to the 
Community the task of, inter alia, disseminating and 
optimising the results of activities in Community research, 
technological development and demonstration; 
Whereas Article 130 K of the Treaty states that the 
Framework Programme shall be implemented through 
specific programmes developed within each activity; 
Whereas, by Decision 87/516/Euratom, EEC (3), as 
amended by Decision 88/193/EEC, Euratom (4), the 
Council adopted a Framework Programme for Community 
activities in the field of research and technological 
development (1987 to 1991), providing for activities in the 
field of dissemination and utilisation of scientific and 
technological research results in order to increase the 
efficiency of the research and technological development 
work itself and to stimulate the process of innovation and 
industrial exploitation in Europe; 
(*) Opinion delivered on 16 November 1988 (not yet published in 
the Official Journal of the European Communities). 
(2) OJ No C 337, 31. 12. 1988, p. 12. 
(3) OJ No L 302, 24. 10. 1987, p. 1. 
(4) OJ No L 89, 6. 4. 1988, p. 35. Whereas the Council decided on the same occasion to give 
more attention to these horizontal activities, which 
constitute an essential part of the Community's scientific 
and technological strategy; 
Whereas Decision 87/516/Euratom, EEC stipulates that a 
specific objective of Community research must be to 
strengthen the scientific and technological basis of 
European industry, particularly in strategic sectors of 
advanced technology, and to encourage industry by 
making it more competitive at the international level, and 
whereas the same Decision also lays down that Community 
action is justified if it contributes, among other things, to 
enhancing the Community's economic and social cohesion 
and to encouraging its overall harmonious development, 
while at the same time being consistent with the pursuit of 
scientific and technical excellence; whereas the VALUE 
programme is planned to contribute to the pursuit of these 
objectives; 
Whereas a specific programme for the dissemination and 
utilisation of the results of scientific and technological 
research should complement the activities carried out in 
this area in the context of other specific Community 
research and development programmes and should also be 
closely co-ordinated with Community programmes in 
related fields, such as the SPRINT programme and the 
action plan for small and medium-sized enterprises; 
Whereas it is desirable to promote co-operation between 
European Community research and development program­
mes and EUREKA projects; whereas, in the context of the 
present programme decision, it is desirable for appropriate 
links with the EUREKA COSINE project to be established; 
No C 214/2 Official Journal of the European Communities 21. 8. 89 
Whereas this programme must make use of the latest 
telecommunications and information technology to 
achieve its objectives, for example by the creation of 
computer networks; 
Whereas the dissemination of results should be carried out 
taking into consideration the technologically strategic 
interests of participants in the Member States and of the 
Community and in conformity with any requirements of 
confidentiality; 
Whereas it is appropriate for the special needs of small and 
medium-sized enterprises to be taken into account as 
regards technological information and assistance for 
exploitation; 
Whereas the Commission, in implementation of the Treaty 
establishing the European Coal and Steel Community, 
carries out activities in the coal and steel sectors which do 
not come under the RTD Framework Programme and the 
results of which must be disseminated and used through 
appropriate autonomous activities; 
Whereas the actions for the dissemination and utilisation of 
results of specific Community technological research and 
development programmes laid down in the Framework 
Programme (1987 to 1991) are downstream from these 
specific programmes; 
Whereas the Scientific and Technical Research Committee 
(CREST) has given its opinion; 
HAD ADOPTED THIS DECISION: 
Article 1 
A specific programme for the dissemination and utilization 
of results from research in science and technology, 
hereinafter called 'dissemination and utilization program­
me', is hereby adopted for an initial period of three years 
from 1 January 1989. 
Article 2 
The programme shall comprise two sub-programmes. 
The objectives and scientific and technical content of these 
sub-programmes are set out in detail in Annex I. 
Article 3 
1. The funds estimated as necessary for the Community's 
financial contribution to the execution of the programme 
amount to 38 million ecus, including expenditure arising 
from a temporary staff of 20. 
2. An indicative breakdown of appropriations, for the 
estimated total amount, between the various activities 
listed in Annex I is given in Annex II. Article 4 
Detailed rules for the implementation of the programme 
and the rate of the Community's financial participation are 
set out in Annex III. 
Article 5 
1. The Commission shall be responsible for the im­
plementation of the programme. 
The Commission shall be assisted by a committee of an 
advisory nature composed of the representatives of the 
Member States and chaired by the representative of the 
Commission. 
Article 6 
1. The Representative of the Commission shall submit to 
the Committee a draft of the measures to be taken. The 
Committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft, within a 
time limit which the Chairman may lay down according to 
the urgency of the matter, if necessary by taking a vote. 
2. The opinion shall be recorded in the minutes; in 
addition, each Member State shall have the right to ask to 
have its position recorded in the minutes. 
3. The Commission shall take the utmost account of the 
opinion delivered by the Committee. It shall inform the 
Committee of the manner in which its opinion has been 
taken into account. 
Article 7 
The procedure laid down in Article 6 shall apply in 
particular to: 
— the content of calls for tenders, 
— the assessment of the proposed projects and the 
estimated amount of the Community's contribution to 
them, 
— confidentiality criteria for the dissemination of results, 
— departures from the general rules governing Com­
munity financial participation set out in Annex III, 
— any adaptation of the indicative breakdown of ap­
propriations set out in Annex II, 
— the precise implementing procedures resulting from 
agreements with third countries, 
— the measures to be undertaken to evaluate the 
programme. 
Article 8 
1. In the first half of the third year of the programme 
implementation, the Commission shall undertake a review 
of the programme and the extent to which the objectives set 
out in Annex I have been achieved. The Commission shall 
address a report to the European Parliament and the 
21. 8. 89 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 214/3 
Council on the results of this review, together, if necessary, 
with any proposals for modification or prolongation in the 
light of the interim results achieved. 
2. At the end of the programme, the Commission shall 
report to the European Parliament and the Council on the 
evaluation of the results achieved. 
3. The reports provided for in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall be 
drawn up having regard to the objectives set out in Annex I 
to this Decision and in conformity with Article 2(2) of 
Decision No 87/516/Euratom, EEC. 
ANNEX 1 
Objectives and scientific and technical content 
The general objective of the VALUE programme is to promote the effective utilization of the results of 
Community RTD activities with a view to attaining the declared goal of the Framework Programme to 
strengthen the scientific and technological basis of European industry and with a view both to encouraging 
industry by making it more competitive at the international level and to contributing to the completion of the 
single internal market and the strengthening of economic and social cohesion. 
SUB-PROGRAMME I: DISSEMINATION AND UTILIZATION OF THE RESULTS OF COMMUNITY 
RTD ACTIVITIES 
1. Objectives 
Whilst respecting the contractual arrangements governing Community RTD activities, to disseminate, 
by appropriate channels, the results of those activities so as to ensure an improvement in the level of 
exploitation and the resulting creation of economic activities. In order to improve the competitiveness of 
European industry, the interests of SMEs will be taken into account and special consideration will be 
given to their needs as regards technological information and assistance for exploitation. 
Lines of action: 
1.1. Collection and dissemination of information concerning existing or planned Community RTD 
programmes, using appropriate methods and means, such as: 
— computerized data bases, 
— electronic information services, 
— information and dissemination centres in the Member States, 
— the editing and distributing of printed matter (newsletters, brochures, reviews, articles). 
This activity should facilitate participation in general in RTD activities and the search for partners. As 
far as possible, use will be made of existing data bases and associated information services including, 
where appropriate, services offered by private organizations. 
1.2. Identification, characterization and screening to establish their suitability for dissemination or 
exploitation of relevant results of Community RTD activities by: 
— examining contracts and reports, 
— assessing their scientific/technical and utilisation potential, 
— examining the need for protection by means of patent applications, etc. Article 9 
1. The Commission is hereby authorised to negotiate, in 
accordance with Article 130 N of the Treaty, agreements 
with third countries taking part in European Co-operation 
in the field of Scientific and Technical Research (COST) 
with a view to associating them wholly or partially with the 
programme. These agreements shall be founded on the 
criteria of mutual advantage. 
Article 10 
This Decision is addressed to the Member States. 
No C 214/4 Official Journal of the European Communities 21. 8. 89 
1.3. Action on legal protection of the results by: 
— having recourse to selected patent agents advisers, 
— examining reports to ensure confidentiality and protection before publication, 
— assisting contractors and inventors, 
— information and awareness activities. 
1.4. Dissemination of results which need not be protected by: 
— publications (books, reports, summaries, newsletters, etc.), 
— organization of, and participation in, seminars, conferences, exhibitions, etc., 
— organisation of targeted dissemination activities, 
— transfer of knowledge by (short-term) secondment of research workers participating in Community 
RTD projects, 
— collaboration with, and assistance to, organisations in the Member States in the setting up of 
mechanisms for dissemination, 
— electronic means such as data bases and associated services. 
1.5. Promotion of the exploitation of relevant results by: 
— assessing, with the help of experts, the potential for exploitation of the results, 
— providing expert advice in the setting up and planning of exploitation projects, 
— assisting in matters of legal and technical protection, 
— exhibitions, assisting in finding partners for joint ventures or work under licence, 
— providing financial and technical support for developing laboratory prototypes for collaborative 
precompetitive use, 
— advising participants in finding financial support from third parties; 
SUB-PROGRAMME II: COMPUTER COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS 
2. Objectives 
To promote, with a view to improving the efficiency of distributed research and development activities 
throughout Europe, while paying due regard to the requirements for confidentiality and integrity of 
Community RTD information (see 2.2), a common integrated computer communications infrastructure 
and associated services, accessible to the various public and private research centres in Europe. 
Lines of action: 
2.1. General support to the development of computer communications networks in the field of RTD. 
— Technical assistance and support to the RARE (Reseaux associes pour la recherche europeenne) 
Association, particularly its pan-European projects (e.g. in the message handling and files transfer 
areas), to the implementation phase of the EUREKA COSINE project, and to Member States 
wishing to develop or adapt networks for the purposes of this programme. 
2.2. Work on requirements for confidentiality and integrity of Community RTD information. 
21. 8. 89 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 214/5 
ANNEX U 
Indicative breakdown of appropriations 
(million ecu) 
SUB-PROGRAMME I: 
Dissemination and utilization of the results of Community RTD 
activities 
1.1. Collection and dissemination of information concerning existing or 
planned Community RTD programmes 
1.2. Identification, characterization and screening of results of 
Community RTD activities 
1.3. Actions on legal protection of results (patents, etc.) 
1.4. Dissemination of results 
1.5 Promotion of the exploitation of results 
Sub-total 
SUB-PROGRAMME II: 
Computer communications networks 
2.1. General support to the development of computer communications 
networks in the field of RTD 
— Technical assistance and support to the RARE Association 
(Reseaux Associes pour la Recherche Europeenne) particularly 
its pan-European projects (e.g. in the message handling and files 
transfer areas), to the implementation phase of the EUREKA 
COSINE project, and to Member States wishing to develop or 
adapt networks for the purposes of this programme 
2.2. Work on requirements for confidentiality and integrity of 
Community RTD information 
Sub-total 
To be allocated after mid-term programme review 
Total 6,0 
2,0 
2,0 
8,0 
10,0 
6,0 
2,0 28,0 
8,0 
2,0 
38,0 
^oC^Bt^ C^thci^l]ourn^lotr^cLuron^nCornrnnn^nc^ ^1 ^ ^ 
i.CE^EI^l 
In the implementation ofthe programme, the Commission shall study,select and apply methods forthe efficient 
dissemination and takeupoftechnologicalinnovations.lt will apply the accumulated experience and best 
practice ofboth European and international experts in this field.In its exploitation work, the Commission will 
take into consideration the legitimate interests of the contractors. 
II.S^ECIEICI^^LE^E^T^TIO^^OO^EITIES 
t. The activities set out in ^nnexlare to be implemented by means, ^^^^^, of contracts for studies and 
services to be carried out on behalf of the Commission. 
^. ^ithregardto the actions to be implemented on the basis of shared-cost contracts,the Community^ 
participation will in principle be up to ^0^ of the total expenditure. 
^lternatively,m respect of universities and research institutes carrying out projects, the Community may 
bear up totO^O^of additional expenditure involved. 
^. Call for proposals or for tenders ^restricted or publics are to be published where appropriate in the (0^^ 
4. Support for European cooperation networks is a further means of achieving the objectives of the 
programme. The Commission may also nominate bodies to be its correspondents forthe local promotion of 
the objectives of the programme in member States or regions where the infrastructure for these activities 
needs to be developed. 
21. 8. 89 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 214/7 
COMMENTS OF THE COMMISSION ON THE AMENDMENTS PROPOSED BY THE 
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN ACCEPTED BY THE 
COMMISSION 
The European Parliament has proposed in its second reading, 24th May 1989, three amendments, 
which have not been accepted by the Commission, to the common position relative to a decision 
(CEE) adopting a specific programme for the dissemination and utilization of the results from 
scientific and technological research (VALUE). 
The Commission considers that the introduction of a budgetary amendment is not desirable for the 
proposal for decision which is currently under consideration, since it would delay the adoption of 
the programmes in question; 
The Commission considers it inopportune to mention its duty, 'The coordination of the activities 
of various programme managers and competent D.Gs' in a proposal relating to a specific 
programme. 
Amendment n° 4 relates, particularly, to the adoption of a proposal to reduce linguistic obstacles 
and regional differences. Its content was introduced in the modified proposal of the Commission. 
However it was not retained in the common position adopted by the Council. The Commission 
therefore requested that a declaration be included in the minutes to mark its intention of respecting 
the spirit of this amendment. It did not therefore seem necessary to reintroduce this amendment in 
the present proposed reconsidered proposal. 
AMENDMENT No 2 
Commission for Energy, Research and Technology 
Recommendation for the second reading (doc. A2-131/89) 
Rapporteur: M. Kolokotronis 
Common position of the Council (doc. C2-20/89. — SYN 136) 
VALUE programme 
COMMON POSITION OF THE COUNCIL AMENDMENTS ADOPTED BY PARLIAMENT 
(Amendment 2) 
Article 3 
paragraph la (new) 
la. The Commission shall each year, in the context of the 
annual budget approval procedure, propose to the 
budgetary authority that it determine the amount of the 
appropriations to be entered in respect of the programme 
with due regard for actual requirements in the financial 
year concerned and the financial forecasts as set out in the 
Inter-Institutional Agreement. 
No C 214/8 Official Journal of the European Communities 21. 8. 89 
AMENDMENT No 3 
Commission for Energy, Research and Technology 
Recommendation for the second reading (doc. A2-131/89) 
Rapporteur: M. Kolokotronis 
Common position of the Council (doc. C2-20/89. — SYN 136) 
VALUE programme 
COMMON POSITION OF THE COUNCIL AMENDMENTS ADOPTED BY PARLIAMENT 
(Amendment 3) 
Article 4, second paragraph (new) 
AMENDMENT No 4 
Commission for Energy, Research and Technology 
Recommendation for the second reading (doc. A2-131/89) 
Rapporteur: M. Kolokotronis 
Common position of the Council (doc. C2-20/89. — SYN 136) 
VALUE programme 
COMMON POSITION OF THE COUNCIL AMENDMENTS ADOPTED BY PARLIAMENT 
Article 8(1) 
1. In the first half of the third year of the programme 
implementation, the Commission shall undertake a review 
of the programme and the extent to which the objectives set 
out in Annex I have been achieved. The Commission shall 
address a report to the European Parliament and the 
Council on the results of this review, together, if necessary, 
with any proposals for modification or prolongation in the 
light of the interim results achieved. The Commission shall be responsible for ensuring the 
coordination of the activities of the various programme 
managers and the competent Directorates-General. 
(Amendment 4) 
Article 8(1) 
1. In the first half of the third year of the programme 
implementation, the Commission shall undertake a review 
and it shall report to the Council and the European 
Parliament on the results of this review (giving statistics on 
the achievement of the various objectives listed in Annex 1), 
together, if necessary, with any proposals for modification 
or prolongations in the light of the interim results achieved. 
In the course of the same period, proposals for measures 
designed to reduce the negative effects of linguistic barriers 
in the field of dissemination and utilization of results from 
research in science and technology, as well as the negative 
effects arising from regional variations in the adequacy of 
the infrastructure for activities of this nature, shall be 
adopted in accordance with the procedure set out in Article 
130 Q(2) of the EEC Treaty.