COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 
Brussels, 09.09.1996 
COM(96) 437 final 
RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGICAL 
DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITffiS OF THE 
EUROPEAN UNION 
ANNUAL REPORT 1996 
(Presented by the Commission) 

<L 
SUMMARY 
This is the second Annual Report by the Commission on research activities. The requirement 
for an annual report was introduced by Article 130p of the EC Treaty, which stipulates that 
each year the Commission should send a report to the European Parliament and the Council. 
This report includes information on research and technological development activities and the 
dissemination of results during the previous year, and the work programme for the current 
year. 
With this annual report an overview is provided of the whole spectrum of Community 
research activities. Part One of the report offers the reader a "snapshot" of the situation at the 
end of 1995 as well as an account of the work programme and milestones for 1996. Part Two 
covers more detailed information on the research activities undertaken in 1995, mainly under 
the Fourth Framework Programme (1994-1998) (but also including the projects which were 
still continuing under the Third Framework Programme (1990-1994)) grouped in "Activities 
in 1995" and "work programme for 1996" respectively. 
* * * 
For Community research policy, 1995 was again an active year. It was the first full year of 
implementation of the Fourth Framework Programme (1994-1998). The presentation and 
processing of calls for proposals and the establishment of project contracts continued 
throughout the year. 
As a result of the enlargement of the European Union at the beginning of 1995 through the 
accession of Austria, Finland and Sweden, the Commission proposed an adjustment to the 
budget of the Fourth Framework Programme (both European Community and Euratom). The 
final adoption of the proposals by the Parliament and the Council was completed in March 
1996. 
In 1995, the Commission presented its concept of research-industry Task Forces, a joint 
initiative of three Commissioners, to improve consultation and the coordination of research 
activities. The Task Forces focus on the following areas: New-generation aircraft, 
Educational Software and Multimedia, The car of the Tomorrow, Transport Intermodality, 
Environment - Water, Vaccines and Viral Diseases, The train and Railway Systems of the 
Future, Maritime Systems of the Future . 
In 1995, a new programme monitoring and evaluation scheme was introduced. The monitoring 
of the 18 specific programmes of the Fourth Framework Programme and Framework 
Programme monitoring was carried out by independent external experts. 
In May, the Commission presented its communication on scientific and technological 
cooperation with the New Independent States of the former Soviet Union. In October, the 
Commission presented its communication on perspectives for international cooperation in 
research and technological development, on which a Council resolution was adopted in March 
1996. Furthermore, the European Union continued discussions on scientific and technological 
cooperation with Mediterranean countries as well as with the associated countries from Central 
and Eastern Europe. The negotiations on bilateral scientific and technical cooperation 
agreements with Canada and Israel were concluded. 
In December, the Commission published a Green Paper on Innovation, the aim of which was 
to initiate widescale consultation on the problem of innovation in Europe. The Green Paper 
considers the different factors involved in innovation, analyses the existing situation and 
makes proposals for future action. 
In addition, the Commission has further strengthened its activities both to promote economic 
and social cohesion in Europe through research and training, and to improve coordination of 
national RTD policies through cooperation. In June 1995, the Research Council adopted 
conclusions on the coordination of Member States' science and technology policies 
emphasizing the importance of regular exchange of information on national RTD activities. 
The scope of research activities in 1995 - and the importance of the Community's research 
efforts in general - can be illustrated in a few figures relating to the Fourth Framework 
Programme activities, covering Member States plus the countries of the European Economic 
Area and ofEFTA: 2 660 new projects involving 12 185 participants were launched in 1995; 
a total of 10 695 projects were running at the end of 1995\ corresponding to ECU 2 037 
million in total payments. 74 874 transnational collaborative links in multi-partner shared-cost 
action between research teams spread throughout the Communityhave been counted. The 
number of collaborative research links between Member States and third countries was 3 237. 
* * * 
In 1996, the Commission will continue its work to ensure efficient implementation of the 
specific programmes of the Fourth Framework Programme. 
In January 1996 the Commission presented its proposal for a financial supplement to the 
Fourth Framework Programme (EC and Euratom) amounting to ECU 700 million, based on 
the provisions in the decisions adopting the Fourth Framework Programme in April 1994. 
In 1996, the Task Forces will continue their work and discussions on the concept will continue 
so as to capitalize on the experience of this new approach. 
^ 
During 1996, the Commission will launch discussions on preparation for the Fifth Framework 
Programme by publishing a strategic policy document by summer 1996. The need is to 
concentrate research efforts so as to ensure the continued efficiency and effectiveness of the 
research and technological development activities of the European Union, as well as to help 
to stimulate the competitiveness and growth of European industry and to promote employment 
and the quality of life of Europe's citizens. 
Other major topics which the Commission plans to address this year include further discussion 
on the innovation process; international scientific and technological cooperation; coordination 
of national RTD policies; evaluation and management of programmes, including also an 
assessment of Community research activities during the five preceding years; and further 
simplification of management procedures. 
* * * 
// is the Commission's hope that readers will find this annual report convenient and 
informative, both for those already involved in Community research and fdr those who 
discover it through this report. It is the aim that it should be seen as a useful reference 
document, a common knowledge base for researchers, enterprises, research organizations, 
research policy planners, politicians and indeed all those who have the competitiveness of the 
European Union and the welfare of its citizens close to their hearts. 
de 
SUMMARY 
CONTENTS 
PART ONE: The Community's research and technological 
development policy in 1995-96 Page 
I. Framework and lines of action for the Community's RTD policy 
in 1995-96 
1.1 General objectives and achievements 
1.2 Implementation of the Fourth Framework Programme 
II. International cooperation 
III. Innovation and dissemination of R&D results 
IV. Training through research 
V. Coordination between European and national policies 
VI. Prospects for 1996 2 
3 
7 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
PART TWO: RTD activities in 1995 and 
work programme for 1996 
First activity of the Fourth Framework Programme of European 
Community and Framework Programme for Euratom 21 
Information and communications technologies 
1. Telematics applications of common interest 
2. Communications technologies 
3. Information technologies 
Industrial technologies 
4. Industrial and materials technologies 
5. Standards, measurements and testing 21 
23 
27 
30 
33 
Environment 
6. Environment and climate 
7. Marine sciences and technologies 
Life sciences and technologies 
8. Biotechnology 
9. Biomedicine and health 
10. Agriculture and fisheries 35 
38 
41 
42 
44 
idL 
Energy 
11. Non-nuclear energy 48 
12. Safety of nuclear fission 52 
13. Controlled thermonuclear fusion 53 
Transport 55 
Targeted socio-economic research programme 58 
Second activity of the Fourth Framework Programme 
International RTD cooperation 60 
Third activity of the Fourth Framework Programme 
Dissemination and optimization of results 64 
Fourth activity of the Fourth Framework Programme 
Training and mobility of researchers 66 
Joint Research Centre 69 
Competitive scientific and technical support activities 73 
PART THREE: Projects, contracts signed and payments in 1995: 
Annual basis and Framework Programme 75 
Table 1 New projects and projects in progress 76 
Table 2 Specific programmes (FP4) - New projects 77 
Table 3 A & 3B Specific programmes (FP3 and FP4) - Overview of projects 78 
Table 4 Calls for proposals 1995 80 
Table 5A & 5B Specific programmes (FP4). SCA by type of participant 84 
Table 6 Specific programmes (FP4). SCA by objective 1 regions 86 
Table 7 FP4. SCA - Collaboration links 87 
Table 8 Calls for proposals 1996 88 
Table 9 FP4. SCA by average value of the projects 93 
Table 10 Funding of the Fourth Framework Programme and the Euratom 
Framework Programme 94 
Table 11 Commitments 1984-1998 (current prices) 95 
Table 12 Commitments 1984-1998 (1992 prices) 96 
Main abbreviations and acronyms used 97 
PART ONE 
THE COMMUNITY'S RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGICAL 
DEVELOPMENT POLICY IN 1995-96 
L FRAMEWORK AND LINES OF ACTION FOR THE COMMUNITY'S RTD 
POLICY IN 1995-96 
Introduction 
The European Union's research and technological development (EU RTD) policy aims to 
strengthen Europe's scientific and technological bases and thus to contribute to the development 
of the competitiveness of European industry and to promote the quality of life of Europe's 
citizens. EU RTD policy complements Member States' national research efforts and supports 
other Union policies such as on agriculture, cohesion, transport, environment, health, education, 
energy, etc. 
The European Union's RTD policy is implemented by means of research programmes which 
associate companies - including SMEs - universities and research centres from various European 
countries in joint research projects. The research themes covered by EU RTD are defined in 
multiannual Framework Programmes (FP). The current Fourth Framework Programme 
(1994-1998) has a total budget of ECU 13 100 million, respectively ECU 11 764 million for the 
EC Framework Programme and ECU 1 336 million for the Euratom Framework Programme. In 
January 1996 the Commission proposed that this figure would be increased by ECU 700 million 
of which ECU 595 million is allocated for the EC FP and ECU 105 million for the Euratom FP. 
The Joint Research Centre (JRC) with its seven institutes is the Community's research centre, 
which carries out research directly, contributes to the implementation of the Framework 
Programmes and provides scientific support for other Union policies. A summary of its own 
1995 annual report (COM(96)158 final) and major initiatives for 1996 figures in Part Two. 
The Commission is assisted and advised in the development of RTD policy in particular by 
IRDAC, a committee composed of representatives from the highest levels of European industry 
and the European Science and Technology Assembly (ESTA), which comprises eminent 
representatives of the scientific and industrial research community. 
In 1996 EU RTD activities are focused on the implementation of the specific programmes of the 
Fourth Framework Programme (1994-1998) and on experimentation with the new concept of Task 
Forces, which focus on important topics and encourage better coordination of research and use 
of its results. Also during 1996, discussions on the supplementary funding of the Framework 
Programme will be continued and the Commission will launch the preparation of the Fifth 
Framework Programme. 
1.1 GENERAL OBJECTIVES AND ACHIEVEMENTS 
Major political events 
Adjustment of the budget for the Framework Programmes to enlargement of the EI I 
As a result of the enlargement of the European Union at the beginning of 1995 with Austria, 
Finland and Sweden as new Member States, the Commission proposed an adjustment to the 
budget of the Fourth Framework Programme by 7% (COM(95)145). This was in line with the 
financial perspectives of the Union adopted in November 1994, when EU institutions agreed on 
a 7% increase of the budget devoted to internal policies. It also incorporated within the FP the 
financial contributions which the three new Member States had previously made as associated 
States. The Commission proposal was to distribute this increase linearly between the specific 
programmes. 
This proposal required co-decision by the Council and Parliament as regards the EC Framework 
Programme and the opinion of Parliament as regards the Euratom Framework Programme. The 
first reading by Parliament took place in July 1995 and the Council adopted a common position 
in November 1995. The common position stated that the operating funds for research activities 
will be raised linearly by 6.87% in line with the contributions already made by the three new 
Member States in 1994. Funds allocated for staff and administrative purposes will be increased 
by 4% maximum on average. Overall, the total budget for the Programmes will be increased by 
ECU 800 million (6.5%). The European Parliament approved the Council common position in 
January 1996. The final adoption of the proposals led to Decision No 616/96/EC of the 
European Parliament and the Council of 25 March 1996 and Council Decision 
No 96/253/Euratom of 4 March 1996. 
Task Forces 
Early in 1995, the Commission took a major initiative to boost the contribution of research to 
industry and to society at large, by setting up a series of Task Forces. The role of the Task 
Forces is to foster a closer and more productive relationship between industry and the research 
community by coordinating and focusing the Community's research resources on prominent 
industrial and social needs. By doing this, the Task Forces are also expected to add visibility 
to EU research and show that it has tangible benefits to citizens at large. 
Eight Task Forces have been set up to date, in the following areas: 
New-generation aircraft 
Educational^ software and multimedia 
The car of tomorrow 
Transport intermodality 
Environment - water 
Vaccines and viral diseases 
The trains and railway systems of the future 
Maritime systems of the future. 
The Task Forces are an essential part of the Commission's strategy to improve the impact and 
reduce the fragmentation of research across the EU. They serve to focus discussions with 
industry and other interested parties and are intended to concentrate resources both from 
Community research programmes and throughout the EU on prominent areas of future industrial 
and societal need, in line with other policies (such as on the environment, the information society, 
education and training, social and economic cohesion, regional development, transport and health). 
They are organized and staffed by the Commission, but rely on inputs from all parties involved 
in strengthening the link between research and industry. They take account of the lessons of 
good practice that have emerged from the Framework Programme, in particular the avoidance of 
technology prescription, and they draw on the considerable experience which has been gained in 
research coordination within specific RTD programmes by means of clustering research projects, 
concertation activities, etc. 
The Task Forces are pilot actions, designed to demonstrate the advantages of research and 
cooperation and of new approaches integrating different policy frameworks. They have a three­
fold mission: 
to define research priorities and identify technology bottlenecks, in conjunction with 
industry - including SMEs - and users; 
to coordinate relevant activities around a nucleus of clearly identified objectives, 
beginning with relevant activities under the Fourth Framework Programme; 
to investigate other options - financial, regulatory - which will contribute to effective 
implementation by industry. 
The Commission first presented the Task Force concept to the Council of Research Ministers in 
March 1995. Further accounts were later given to^the Council of the activities of the Task 
Forces, as well as to the Parliament and the Economic and Social Committee and in October the 
Commission provided a summary report to the Council and Parliament on their state of 
implementation (SEC(95)1824) together with more detailed reports from the Task Forces 
themselves. 
Positive opinions on the principles of the Task Forces, in particular their focus on wide 
consultation in identifying priorities for research and their potential role in coordinating research 
activities, have been given by ESTA, IRDAC and CREST, as well as a number of programme 
committees. Evidently a number of practical aspects remain to be settled. 
The Task Forces are intimately linked to the Commission's proposal for supplementary funding 
of the Fourth Framework Programme and the Euratom Framework Programme. This proposal 
(COM(96)12) arises from the provision in the decisions taken in April 1994 adopting the Fourth 
(EC) Framework Programme and the Euratom Framework Programme for a financial supplement 
amounting to a total of up to ECU 700 million to be decided by June 1996. The proposal 
identifies the themes addressed by the Task Forces as priority areas for focusing and 
concentration of research. It advocates additional funding for five of these themes - New-
generation aircraft, Car of tomorrow, Educational software and multimedia, Transport 
intermodality and Environment-water - as well as (for the Euratom Programme) Nuclear safety. 
The Task Forces' proposals will help to coordinate research in these areas and on the three other 
Task Force themes, i.e. Vaccines and viral diseases, Trains and railway systems of the future and 
Maritime systems of the future. In all cases, however, the legal conditions for the implementation 
of the Framework Programmes will be respected. In particular, research will be administered 
through the specific programmes, in full respect of the established procedures. 
Significant results have already been achieved by the Task Forces in consulting industry and 
users, in diagnosing the problems and challenges facing the EU and in developing action plans. 
They have already given a new visibility to the EU's research activities and caught the 
imagination of the industrial and research communities, allowing rapid mobilization of scientific 
and technical expertise and effective cooperation between the various services of the 
Commission. 
IRDAC and ESTA activities 1995-96 
Following the Commission decision of 7 September 1995, a new role was outlined for IRDAC 
(the Industrial R&D Advisory Committee of the Commission) and an increase in membership 
agreed. IRDAC will in future address more strategic issues (no longer purely RTD), and its 
membership now numbers 19 senior industrialists appointed in a personal capacity and 
5 representatives of European associations: the Union of Industries of the European Community 
(UNICE), the European Centre for Public Enterprise (ECPE), the European Association of 
Contract Research Organizations (EACRO), the Federation of European Industrial Cooperative 
Research Organizations (FEICRO), the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) and the 
European Union of Crafts and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (UEAPME). 
In 1995 IRDAC published opinions in the following areas: international cooperation (scientific 
and technological cooperation with Central and Eastern Europe, developing countries, 
non-European industrialized countries), the Joint Research Centre and coordination of national 
policies. In addition, as a start-up of the discussions on the Fifth Framework Programme, 
IRDAC published the booklet "Let's talk Research" in which senior industrialists give their views 
on the future of research in Europe. 
In 1996 IRDAC will organize round-tables on IPR, services, information and communications 
technologies, life science, industrial and materials technologies, environment and energy. Other 
round-tables will deal with the Green Paper on Innovation, regulation and research, and SMEs. 
A special working party will be set up on the "efficiency of European industry". 
IRDAC will present its advice on the Fifth Framework Programme at the end of May 1996. The 
IRDAC plenum will be held on 24 October 1996. 
The European Science and Technology Assembly (ESTA) was set up in 1994. 
This Commission advisory body currently brings together 96 eminent academics and 
industrialists. 
The Assembly holds plenary meetings twice a year. The 20-member Bureau elected by the 
Assembly meets about four times a year. A number of working parties provide support. 
The topics discussed to date include evaluation of the projects and programme under the Fourth 
Framework Programme, issues concerning the coordination of national policies, such as the role 
of the research Councils or identification of the weaknesses or gaps in the development of 
Europe's scientific base and of ways of remedying them, the role of basic research in EU RTD 
activities, closer relations between academic and industrial partners in the research field, Europe's 
competitive position in science and technology and its implications for the Fifth Framework 
Programme, relations between Europe and Asia in connection with scientific and technological 
development and the options for inertial confinement for controlled thermonuclear fusion. 
A progress report on these subjects was given at the Assembly's plenary meeting on 16 and 
17 April 1996. This laid the foundation for rapid finalization of certain reports (on fusion, 
evaluation and basic research), which were formally submitted to the Commission in May 1996. 
The others will be finalized in the months ahead. 
The efforts made to broaden the interface between the Commission and ESTA will continue, with 
greater involvement of the programme managers in the working parties and more regular 
interaction between ESTA and the Commission units concerned with general Community S&T 
policy in particular. In addition to finalization of the work in hand and the establishment of new 
working parties (to be discussed at the Bureau's meeting in July 1996), in 1996 ESTA will, in 
particular, be involved in the preparatory work on the Fifth Framework Programme. 
Contracts signed and payments made in 1995: annual basis and Framework Programme 
The 1995 economic and financial data in Part Three refer to the Fourth Framework Programme 
and the Euratom Programme (ECU 13 100 million). 
The annual section (Tables 1 to 9) analyses only the indirect action started or already in progress 
in 1995: on 31 December 1995, a total of 10 695 projects were in progress. 
The analysis by content (number of projects, participants, Member States, etc.) is based on the 
contracts signed in 1995 under the Fourth Framework Programme (Tables 1, 2, 5, 6, 7 and 9). 
A total of 2 660 new contracts, involving 12 185 participants and with a Community 
contribution of ECU 2 033 million, were signed. Analysing the shared-cost activities alone, the 
projects were generally substantial, with an average Community contribution of ECU 1 million 
and an average of four Member States and 6.5 participants per project (see Table 1). Generally, 
a greater effort was made on coordination to ensure that the different programmes apply a 
common basis for analysis. An analysis by type of participant has been provided for projects 
worth ECU 1 545 million.1 The analysis by objective 1 regions (Table 6) covers projects 
accounting for a total of ECU 1 575 million. Finally, 74 874 collaborative links between 
European Union countries have been reported (Table 7). Tables 2, 5, 6 and 7 contain analyses 
by specific programme. 
Cf. Table 5A: out of ECU 1911.05 million, no breakdown by type of participant could be provided for the 
programmes on transport (ECU 64.58 million), dissemination (ECU 30 million), S/T support (ECU 20.08 
million) and fusion (ECU 251.51 million), i.e. for a total of ECU 366.17 million. Consequently, ECU 
1544.88 million (1911.05 - 366.17) was broken down. 
All the projects not completed in 1995 (preparatory, monitoring and support measures, Second, 
Third and Fourth Framework Programmes and Euratom Programme) are included in the total 
Community research funding in Table 1. A total of ECU 2 037 million was paid in 1995, of 
which ECU 1 059 million was under the Third Framework Programme (Table 3 A) and ECU 582 
million under the Fourth (Table 3B). The contracts entered into under the Third Framework 
Programme in 1994 and signed in 1995 have not been analysed by content to simplify the 
analysis but account for less than ECU 100 million (96) for DG XII alone. 
The launch of the Framework Programme called for extensive evaluation procedures (some 
4 500 experts sat on the various evaluation panels). Commitments were made, up to the limits 
of the appropriations available, and the contracts signed in 1995 (ECU 2 033 million) reflect just 
part of the budget commitments entered into in 1995. For DG XII, for example, the difference 
between the commitments entered into under the Fourth Framework Programme in 1995 (ECU 1 
350 million) and the contracts actually signed that year (ECU 710 million) was 
ECU 640 million. 
In the multiannual section (Tables 10 to 12), Table 10 indicates the breakdown of the funding 
between the various specific programmes, indirect action and direct action by the JRC under the 
Fourth Framework Programme and the Euratom Framework Programme. Tables 11 and 12 
indicate the amounts committed to Community research between 1984 and 1998 at current and 
1992 prices. 
1.2 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FOURTH FRAMEWORK PROGRAMME 
Pattern of participation 
Community research is carried out through transnational research projects. Proposals are invited 
in public calls for proposals and the projects are selected generally in accordance with the 
following procedure. Commission staff check conformity with objective criteria and eligibility 
of the proposals. Advice on the evaluation and grading of the proposals is provided by external 
experts. The Commission then prepares a list of projects to be funded and this list is submitted 
to the programme committee for opinion before the Commission adopts the final decision. 
The external experts monitoring the specific programmes of the Fourth Framework Programme 
have noted that the research programmes strengthen existing links between participants in the 
research projects and encourage the establishment of new links. Programmes like Information 
and communication technologies and Industrial and materials technologies, for example, have 
substantial numbers of new participants. 
However, rigorous ^assessment of the number of new links formed in the programmes is a 
complex exercise. On the one hand new links are formed already in the preparation phase of 
a proposal and therefore new links are created even when the proposal is unsuccessful. On the 
other hand, some new links may be the result of the mobility of a key person to another institute 
or enterprise. 
Impact on industry 
There are various aspects to participation by industry in European research. First, by virtue of 
its role within the IRDAC, ESTA, Task Forces and also the CEN, industry plays a part in 
shaping research. 
8 
By participating in Community RTD projects, industrial firms collaborate with other companies 
and research teams and have access to the results of the joint research. 
Finally, the first, second and third areas of activity in the Fourth Framework Programme enable 
European industry to benefit from the results of research conducted by others and from 
international openings. 
The figures in Table 5a and 5b reveal a high level of participation by industry. Analysis of 
ECU 1 billion allocated in 1994 by type of participant shows that industry took 38% of the 
contributions made by the Community and 26% of the contracts awarded to European 
participants. Analysis of ECU 1 545 million granted in 1995 showed that industry accounted 
for 44% of the Community contributions and 40% of the European participants. 
The number of SMEs participating in 1995 was 1 782, giving a relative share of 20% compared 
with 17% in 1994. In 1995 SMEs took 15% of the Community's contribution to RTD. 
As regards the contribution to industrial competitiveness, in 1995 the RTD activities produced 
significant results, such as new and potential products and processes, patents, proposals for 
standards or transfers of technologies, from many programmes, notably on Information and 
communication technologies, Industrial and materials technologies, but also on Biotechnology, 
Agriculture and fisheries, and Non-nuclear energy. Hundreds of patents and new products and 
processes were reported under programmes like the Communication technologies programme. 
Part Two of this report describes the procedures and technological and industrial development 
objectives for each programme. 
As reported in the "Panorama of EU industry 1995",2 RTD partnerships come first amongst the 
various forms of alliances formed between undertakings in the quest for greater industrial 
competitiveness. 
Measures to stimulate access to RTD by SMEs 
The web of SMEs is an economic and social asset for the competitiveness of European industry 
as a whole and for employment. In sectors such as the aviation or car industries, but also in 
the information technology, mechanical engineering, clothing or leather sectors, they account 
for a significant proportion of production. Some 60% of the 7 000 undertakings in the aviation 
industry are SMEs. The motor vehicle parts and accessories sector employs almost as many 
workers (approximately one million) as the car industry which it supplies.3 
This has raised awareness of the importance of RTD for SMEs on the part of the businesses4 
and of the Commission alike. 
2 Cf "Panorama of EU industry 1995", pp 35 to 40 "A European approach to strategic alliances". 
3 Cf "Panorama of EU industry 1995", section 11.20. 
4 70% of the participants in CRAFT projects gave international competitiveness constraints as their 
motivation for participation. 
To promote and facilitate participation by SMEs in the Community's RTD programmes, the 
Fourth Framework Programme includes a package of technology stimulation measures targeted 
on SMEs with little or no research capacity of their own and on small high-technology firms. 
These measures are of two types: 
1. a two-stage submission procedure: Community "awards" are granted to help partnerships 
consisting of two SMEs to prepare a full research project. On the basis of an outline 
plan (stage 1), the Commission can grant the SMEs an award covering the "exploratory 
phase" so that they can complete a full proposal for submission in stage 2. The project 
itself will be carried out with other partners, either as cooperative research or as another 
type of research project; 
2. cooperative research: this type of project (cooperative research action for technology -
CRAFT) is designed specially for SMEs with little or no research capacity of their own. 
The SMEs proposing the project leave all or part of the RTD work to one or more 
research bodies. 
In addition, a network of "focal points" (the CRAFT network) has been set up to provide SMEs 
with information and assistance with preparation of dossiers at national, regional or local level. 
The objective is to limit the time and formalities needed to prepare RTD projects and, in the 
final analysis, to enable SMEs to convert ideas into RTD projects and, possibly, technological 
innovations. 
In the course of the Third Framework Programme, the CRAFT scheme tripled the number of 
SMEs5 participating in the research projects in the Industrial and materials technologies 
programme. Another 3 500 SMEs received exploratory or feasibility awards. 
In the Fourth Framework Programme, the CRAFT formula has been extended to seven other 
programmes. Participation by small businesses has increased, particularly in the specific 
programmes on Telematics, Information technologies, Standards, measurements and testing, 
Environment and climate, Biotechnology, Biomedicine and health, Agriculture and fisheries, and 
Non-nuclear energy. Table 5a shows that 1 782 small firms participated in the shared-cost 
activities under the Fourth Framework Programme in 1995. 
The current level of participation by SMEs in European research must be improved. A working 
party responsible for inter-programme coordination of implementation of the technology 
stimulation measures is working on this. 
RTD policy and economic and social cohesion 
In line with the 1993 communication on cohesion and RTD policy,6 the Commission is ensuring 
that all involved in science and technology in the less-favoured regions of the European Union 
5 From 600 at*the start of the programme to 1800 by the end. 
6 "Cohesion and RTD policy - synergies between research and technological development policy and 
economic and social cohesion policy", COM(93)203 final of 12 May 1993. 
10 
have an opportunity to participate fully in its RTD policy in order to establish lasting 
cooperation with all regions in Europe, particularly the less-favoured regions. 
Table 6 provides a means of calculating the coverage of all objective 1 regions in terms of 
number of projects (46%),7 participation (14%)8 and value (17%).9 These figures can be 
compared with the proportion of the European population living in these regions (26.6%) or with 
the 6% of all the European Union's researchers there (full-time researcher equivalents based on 
the 1989 and 1991 Eurostat figures). These regions also receive aid for research from the 
Structural Funds, which will total ECU 3 775 million between 1994 and 1999.10 One of the 
roles played by the Fourth Framework RTD Programme in economic and social cohesion is to 
help researchers and laboratories from these regions to join the European research networks. 
In the third area of activity of the Framework Programme (dissemination and optimization of 
results -innovation programme), on 15 September 1995 DG XIII and DG XVI issued a joint 
call for proposals11 for the implementation of regional innovation and technology transfer 
strategies and infrastructures (RITTS), regional innovation strategies (RIS) and regional 
technology transfer (RTT) projects. A budget of ECU 21 million was allocated to the outcome 
of this call for proposals (of which ECU 15 million was from the European Regional 
Development Fund). 
In the fourth area of activity under the Framework Programme (training and mobility of 
researchers), a working party of the programme committee has evaluated the initial impact of 
the general lines of action and specific measures adopted to promote cohesion: additional year's 
grant to help researchers from objective 1 and 6 regions to return to their region of origin, 
support for networking, in the form of funding for laboratory equipment, support for stays in 
these regions by experienced researchers and priority for young researchers from these regions 
for participation in Euroconferences. 
At the same time, awareness-raising activities under the Framework RTD Programme in the less-
favoured regions are continuing, in the form of studies,12 seminars13 and conferences14. 
7 Number of projects with at least one participant from an objective 1 region in relation to the total number 
of projects. 
Number of participants from objective 1 regions in relation to total number of participants. 
Value of projects involving at least one participant from an objective 1 region, in relation to the amount 
spent on all projects. 
C0M(96)109 final of 20 March 1996 "Community structural assistance and employment". 
OJNoC240, 15.9.1995, p. 15. 
"Research and technological development in the rural and island regions of the European Union", 
Josy Richez-Battesti, Dynmed, EUR 16643 FR/EN, 1995. 
"Technology management in enterprises/regional administrations in the less-favoured regions of 
the European Union", AYSE, 1995. 
11 
In 1996 the Commission will organize a conference in Brussels on comparison of the strategies 
on regionalization of RTD and innovation policies in different parts of the world, particularly 
in the Triad (Europe, USA and Japan). 
The mobilisation activities in the less-favoured regions will continue, with three mobilisation 
seminars in Spain, Finland and Sweden, a conference in France on RTD in the rural regions of 
the European Union and symposiums in Italy, Ireland and Germany. 
The European Commission is also planning a forward study to determine the impact of future 
enlargements on the Framework RTD Programme and on the parts of the regional policy of 
relevance to the scientific and technical capacity of the regions in potential Member States. 
R&D, growth and employment 
The relationship between R&D, growth and unemployment has long been discussed by 
economists. Two ideas predominate: first, that in the long term R&D contributes to growth and 
employment by increasing the demand for and quality of products and also the productivity of 
the factors of production; second, that the link between R&D and the creation of new markets 
and jobs is neither simple nor direct and, under no circumstances, linear. In practice, innovation 
leading to changes on the markets and in production processes produces knock-on effects at 
various times and of many different forms between production, market creation and research. 
Investment in European R&D contributes to growth and employment in four main ways: 
By establishing collaboration between teams (businesses, universities, research centres) 
from different countries, European research complements the research by companies and 
States and capitalizes on the external economies stemming from cost-sharing and 
networking; this allows exchanges of information and generates the critical mass 
required in order to reap the benefits of the large internal market. Indicators of the 
networking efforts include some 81 000 collaborative links established in 1995 or the 
equivalent of 20 000 researcher years supported by the Community.15 
Changes in employment and in the way work is organized have brought with them 
changes in the pattern of demand for labour: socio-economic research is being 
conducted at European level and in numerous countries to prepare the way for and 
support the necessary changes on the labour market, particularly with the aid of training. 
In the research sector, the fourth area of activity in the Fourth Framework Programme 
(training and mobility of researchers) aims at striking a better balance between supply 
and demand for researchers. Finally, the multimedia educational software Task Force 
i5 Mobilisation seminars: - 03/02/95 Naples (I) 
21/09/95 Santa Maria Imbaro (I) 
12/10/95 . Magdeburg (D) 
04/12/95 Stadtschlaining (A) 
"Managing science and technology in the regions" - Fifth STRIDE conference, 8-10 June 1995. 
One researcher year costs an estimated total of ECU 100 000. On this basis, the indirect action under the 
Framework Programme (ECU 2 000 million in 1995) would fund the equivalent of 20 000 researcher years. 
12 
is aiming at providing new skills for the workforce, particularly in SMEs. 
In order to target research more effectively on innovation, the European Union 
encourages interactions between producers of research and users of the results. The third 
area of activity in the Fourth Framework Programme (dissemination and optimization of 
results) sets out to increase the number of meetings and exchanges. In addition to the 
funding provided for the third activity, 1% of the total budget for the Fourth Framework 
Programme is allocated to dissemination arid take-up of results under the first activity. 
Finally, the Green Paper on Innovation unveiled a package of measures to convert the 
scientific and technological potential into profitable innovations, while the contribution 
of the Task Forces responds to the demand for strategic guidelines. 
The quality of its R&D and the training and education of its workforce (intangible 
infrastructure) make Europe attractive for investors and create comparative advantages 
for its companies. The programmes on Information and communication technologies or 
Biotechnology focus on the high-technology sectors creating the most jobs, while the 
Industrial and materials technologies programme, for example, targets on industries 
where high quality research could help to save jobs in industries which are particularly 
big employers (1.7 million jobs in the car industry, 9 million jobs in the construction 
industry, 1.6 million in the textile sector, etc.). 
• Management 
Simplification and speeding-up of evaluation, selection and funding procedures for RTD projects 
are the Commission's constant concerns. In 1994 a first simplification measure was taken in the 
form of the decision to publish calls for proposals on set dates (15 March, 15 June, 
15 September and 15 December). 
In July 1995 the Commission adopted a new model contract for RTD projects. The objective 
of the new contract is to increase competitiveness and to ensure that the project results and 
technology transfer opportunities made possible by the Fourth Framework Programme are 
exploited to the fullest extent possible, whilst still respecting the legitimate commercial interests 
of all participants. This new model contract is shorter and simpler than the former model 
contract. It also gives increased protection in the area of intellectual property rights (IPR). 
Furthermore, the new model contract ensures better dissemination and exploitation of research 
results by requiring the submission of a technology implementation plan before the end of the 
project and the publication of results enabling interested third parties to request licenses for the 
technology developed. Significant progress has also been made in the administrative domain, 
which will among other things make it easier for SMEs to participate in research programmes. 
At the end of 1995 a working party on evaluation of proposals was set up with the objective of 
producing a code of practice providing the common terms of reference, on which each 
programme will base its own code. 
As part of the constant examination of its management procedures, the Commission will 
organize a seminar in 1996 with representatives of the European industrial and research 
communities. The seminar will focus on the various stages of programme implementation and 
will seek views on ways to improve the quality, efficiency and transparency of RTD programme 
management. 
13 
Information and communication are key aspects of the Community's research and development 
policy. Every year the Commission organizes numerous conferences, seminars, etc. In addition 
to the events funded by the contracts themselves (1 275 in 1995), the Commission directly 
supports over 200 conferences and seminars, particularly: 
- 1995 European week for scientific and technological culture (8/11) 
- European Union contest for young scientists (5/9 and 13/9) ' 
- Conference on public understanding of science and technology (30/11 - 2/12 1995). 
In addition to the scientific publications directly connected with the specific programmes 
(13 000 in 1995), the Commission awards special grants for specific publications. 
The Commission is extremely active in publishing general information brochures on RTD, with 
6 000 copies ordered every month. Internet is playing an increasingly important role in 
disseminating them. 
In 1995 the Commission continued its efforts to improve access to the Framework Programme. 
In particular, on 24 July 1995 the Commission launched its own EU RTD home page on the 
World Wide Web (Internet) under the European Commission's EUROPA site, which is the 
Commission's main server on WWW. The objective of the service provided by the Commission 
is to operate as an up-to-date and reliable source of information on all RTD activities of 
relevance to outside users. 
Finally, the Commission conducts studies ranging from evaluations to economic and budgetary 
analyses. 
As regards staffing, 99 new posts were created in 1995, bringing the research management staff 
up to 1 453 authorized posts by 1 January 1996, of whom 812 are Category A staff. Given the 
number of joint multinational projects in progress, the number of teams involved and, more 
generally, the nature of the Commission's organizational, administrative and management role 
in the research, this total is reasonable. 
Table 9 demonstrates the importance of small projects (50% of the projects take just 15% of the 
budget and 80% just 50%) in all the activities. The average value of the contracts varies widely 
from one programme to another, from ECU 0.2 million for Dissemination and optimization of 
results to ECU 1.6 million for all three programmes on Information and communication 
technologies.16 
Monitoring and evaluation 
A new programme monitoring and evaluation scheme was introduced in 1995. It is based on 
the legislative requirements of the Fourth Framework Programme and its specific programmes 
and on the advice from CREST on monitoring and evaluation of May 1995. It involves 
independent external experts, provides a quick response to programme developments and gives 
Cf. Table 9: For all three programmes (Telematics, Communication technologies and Information 
technologies), the total amount available was ECU 808.29 million (220.85 + 208.10 + 379.34) for 516 
projects (182 + 109 + 225), i.e. an average of ECU 1 566 000 per project. 
14 
advice on key issues. 
The general principles will be explained in a communication from the Commission concerning 
independent external monitoring and evaluation of Community activities in the area of research 
and technological development. 
The monitoring of the 18 specific programmes of the Fourth Framework Programme was 
launched in 1995 and has been carried out by 18 panels, each composed of three independent 
external experts with industrial, academic and evaluation experience. In December 1995 a high-
level Framework Programme Monitoring Panel was established which based its work on the 
reports of the specific programme monitoring panels. All the monitoring panels completed their 
work at the beginning of 1996. 
The Commission has carried out national impact studies to complement the evaluation of the 
specific programmes. A synthesis report on the national impact studies assessing the effects of 
Community RTD policy on the national research landscape in each Member State and examining 
the interactions between Community and national RTD policies has been published as well as 
programme evaluation reports: 
Philippe de Montgolfier & Jean-Pierre Husson : National impact studies synthesis 
final report. May 1995; 
Evaluation of the ECLAIR and FLAIR programmes (1988-1993 & 1989-1993), 
EUR 16192 (1995); 
Evaluation of the STEP and EPOCH programmes (1989-1993), EUR 16207 
(1995); 
Mid-term evaluation of the MAST II programme, EUR 16610 (1995); 
Evaluation of the BRIDGE programme (1990-1994), EUR 16650 (1995); 
Final evaluation of the centralized action for dissemination and exploitation of 
RTD results (VALUE II) (1991-1994); 
Final evaluation of the strategic programme for innovation and technology 
transfer (SPRINT) (1991-1994). 
The Commission organized an international conference on the evaluation of research, technology 
and development in April 1995 in Thessaloniki. This conference brought together more than 
200 evaluation experts from different European Union and non-EU countries. 
At the end of 1995 a steering group consisting of representatives of industry and the managers 
of the specific programmes was set up to guide the discussions, under the third activity, to 
establish a common methodological basis for monitoring the results of the projects in the RTD 
programmes. 
In 1996, the Commission will carry out another monitoring exercise similar to that of 1995 and 
will evaluate the management and the progress of the Community action during the five 
preceding years. The Commission will communicate the conclusions of this five-year evaluation 
to the other institutions of the European Union before presenting its proposals for the Fifth 
Framework Programme. 
15 
IL INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION 
Introduction 
During the past year, international scientific and technological cooperation has become an even 
more significant aspect of the European Union's research and technological development policy. 
A wide range of activities within the INCO programme has been implemented by the 
Commission and also concrete initiatives have been undertaken to establish relations or expand 
existing cooperative arrangements with a number of countries. Detailed information on the 
INCO activities is set out in Part Two. Some important points are highlighted here. 
2.1. Commission communication on perspectives for international cooperation in research and 
technological development 
International scientific and technological cooperation has become an important and integral part 
of the European Union's research and technological development (RTD) policy during recent 
years. In October 1995 Mrs Cresson presented to the Research Council the Commission's 
proposed guidelines on international scientific cooperation (COM(95) 489 final). In order to 
respond to the important developments taking place in recent years, the Commission is seeking 
to reinforce industrial participation in this context and to strengthen the external dimension of 
RTD policy. The use of additional instruments to fund RTD projects, such as PHARE, TACIS, 
Meda or the EDF will be promoted when necessary. 
The Commission's communication was discussed by the Council, European Parliament and 
CREST between October 1995 and March 1996. The Council adopted a resolution on 
international RTD cooperation in March 1996. The resolution approves the five global objectives 
given in the Commission communication, which aims to strengthen international cooperation 
according to the following measures: 
strengthen European competitiveness and develop technologies for future markets; 
develop partnerships in science and technology, in particular with third countries of 
strategic interest to the Community; 
share responsibility and conduct RTD on economic and social challenges; 
promote RTD relevant to the needs and priorities of developing countries for fostering 
their sustainable growth; 
share S&T information and contribute to large-scale and cross-frontier science and 
technology. 
2.2. European Union and R&D cooperation with Eastern Europe 
In May 1995 the Commission presented a communication on scientific and technological 
cooperation with the New Independent States (NIS) of the former Soviet Union (COM (95) 190 
final), which presents the future guidelines for scientific and technological cooperation with the 
former Soviet Union. This communication forms an integral part of the general international 
RTD strategy. The emphasis in cooperation with NIS should be on larger RTD projects. These 
projects should involve industry and should be nearer to the market than the activities under the 
previous PECO and COPERNICUS programmes. The discussions on these guidelines with the 
Member States will be continued during 1996. 
16 
The International Association for the Promotion of Cooperation with Scientists from the New 
Independent States of the former Soviet Union (INTAS) was set up in June 1993. In October 
1995, the Council approved the extension of Community participation in INTAS until the end 
of 1998 and strengthened the Commission's role in the Association. 
In 1995 the Community continued its support for the International Science and Technology 
Centre (ISTC) created in November 1992 by the European Union, the United States, Japan and 
Russia in order to encourage military scientists and engineers from the former Soviet Union to 
retrain for civilian occupations and speed up the disarmament process. 
2.3. European Union and cooperation with Mediterranean countries 
Discussions on the further development of scientific and technological cooperation with the 
Mediterranean countries were initiated under the French EU presidency in 1995. The French 
Ministry of Higher Education and Research and the Commission organized a seminar on 
"Europe of Research and the Mediterranean" which took place in March 1995 in Sophia-
Antipolis. The Euro-Mediterranean Conference in Barcelona in November 1995 underlined the 
importance of science and technology in EU-Mediterranean cooperation policy. The main actions 
include strengthening of the research capacity of Mediterranean third countries, promotion of 
joint research activities and support to technology transfer. A monitoring committee has been 
set up to follow and advise on future developments. In 1996, discussions are continuing under 
the Italian EU presidency and the Commission plans to present a communication on scientific 
and technological cooperation with Mediterranean third countries. 
III. INNOVATION AND DISSEMINATION OF R&D RESULTS 
Generally, intellectual and industrial property in Europe is being discussed to examine whether 
companies are suffering from conditions less favourable than those enjoyed by their counterparts 
in the USA or Japan in order to protect their research results and, if so, what the solutions could 
be to remedy the situation. 
Green Paper on Innovation 
By publishing a Green Paper on Innovation (COM(95) 688 final) in December 1995, the 
European Commission has initiated a widescale consultative process on the problem of 
innovation in Europe. The Green Paper considers the different factors involved in innovation, 
the existing situation is analysed and proposals for future action are suggested. 
It is one of the paradoxes of the European Union that despite its internationally acknowledged 
scientific excellence, it launches fewer new products, services and processes than its main 
competitors. This paradox has received much attention during recent years as innovation has 
become one of the main driving forces in economic competitiveness. 
There are numerous obstacles to innovation identified by the Green Paper. First, inadequate 
research and development input in Europe. For example, in 1993 the European Union devoted 
2% of its GDP to research and development, compared with 2.7% in the United States and 
Japan. In addition, in 1992 industrial research financed by businesses represented 1.3% of GDP 
in Europe, compared with more than 1.9% in the United States and Japan. Furthermore, 
17 
European RTD covers a wide range of areas, while the United States and Japan concentrate their 
efforts on a number of priority areas. There are also a number of structural obstacles to 
innovation like complex legal and administrative procedures, unsuitable financing systems, low 
level of use of industrial property rights and the insufficient mobility of students and researchers 
in the European Union between private and public entities. 
The Green Paper spells out 13 lines of action each containing a number of concrete proposals, 
almost 130 in all, with which to fuel the debate. But in accordance with the principle of 
subsidiarity, there is a need to distinguish clearly between responsibility at Community, national 
and local levels. 
The Commission plans to draw up a synthesis report in June 1996 based on the consultation 
process with interested parties, together with, if necessary, an action plan. 
IY, TRAINING THROUGH RESEARCH 
Human resources are a key factor in the development of the future learning society, which will 
be based on the simultaneous development of the information society, the impact of the 
scientific and technological world and the internationalization of the economy. 
There is a clear link between research, and education and training. The development of 
multimedia educational software, which the Commission is supporting through the creation of 
the Task Force on educational multimedia software, is a particularly important example. 
Furthermore, the ability to renew and innovate will depend on the links between the 
development of knowledge in research and its transmission through education and training. 
Therefore, action which strengthens the links between research and education should be 
encouraged in order to develop students' aptitudes to invent and to promote innovation. 
In the Fourth Framework Programme two specific programmes, on Training and mobility of 
researchers and Targeted socio-economic research, include action which specifically supports 
these targets. Also, all other specific programmes in the Fourth Framework Programme include 
a training component giving a possibility for transnational cooperation to hundreds of 
researchers. 
White Paper on Education 
The White Paper on Education and Training (COM(95) 590 final), which the Commission 
presented in November 1995, discusses future developments in this field. The White Paper is 
based on the ideas r of the White Paper on Growth, Competitiveness and Employment, which 
stressed the importance of education and training for the competitiveness of European industry. 
Among the main problems addressed in the White Paper on Education and Training are 
employment and social exclusion, particularly among young people. The White Paper focuses 
on two main objectives: (a) to give everyone access to a broad base of knowledge and (b) to 
build up everyone's qualifications for employment and economic life. 
18 
Y. COORDINATION BETWEEN EUROPEAN AND NATIONAL POLICIES 
In 1995 the Commission communication entitled "Research and technological development: 
achieving coordination through cooperation" (COM(94)438) was followed by a wide-ranging 
debate by the Community institutions, leading to a number of resolutions and opinions. 
For example, on 9 June 1995 the Council adopted conclusions on the coordination of research 
and technological development policies,17 which emphasized exchanges of information on 
national RTD activities and the key role of the programme management committees in this 
connection. On 28 September 1995 the Council adopted a resolution on CREST18 supporting 
the Commission's proposal to reinforce this Committee's role. Now its mandate focuses, 
essentially, on coordination of RTD policies and on the strategic guidelines for Community 
RTD. 
On 15 June 1995 the European Parliament adopted a resolution on the coordination of RTD 
policies. In particular, this stressed the need to target CREST's mandate and to extend the role 
of the programme committees by means of systematic exchanges of information and greater 
trans-programme coordination. Parliament also endorsed the Commission's proposal to start 
debates on topics of general interest which could improve coordination. 
On 26 October 1995 the Economic and Social Committee adopted an own-initiative opinion on 
the coordination of research policies (Doc. CES 570/95). This emphasized, in particular, the 
Task Force concept and establishment of a system for prior exchange of information. 
On 18 July 1995 IRDAC adopted an opinion on the coordination of RTD policies, in which it 
stressed the importance of coordination in order to make more efficient use of public resources 
allocated to research. 
The principal measures taken in 1996 will follow up the abovementioned conclusions, 
resolutions and opinions, which the Commission is now implementing by taking specific 
measures such as: 
Establishment of a system for exchanges of information on national RTD activities 
In line with the Council conclusions of 9 June 1995, the Commission has set up ad hoc advisory 
committees for systematic exchanges of information on national RTD activities. Information 
is exchanged regularly, targeted on preselected areas in which greater coordination proves 
necessary. This also provides an early warning of the new activities started in the Member 
States. Each ad hoc committee will submit an annual report to CREST. Discussions and work 
have started on the, 18 specific programmes concerned. The first annual reports will be available 
at the end of 1996. They will focus on a limited number of fields for coordination and, 
possibly, make recommendations. These reports will be discussed and analysed by CREST, 
which could make recommendations to contribute towards deciding the strategic objectives and 
priorities of the Community's RTD policy. 
Council conclusions of 9 June 1995 on the coordination of research and technological development policies. 
Council resolution of 28 September 1995 on CREST, OJ No C 264, 11.10.1995, p. 4-. 
19 
Discussion on topics of common interest for coordination 
The Commission will encourage, prepare (in collaboration with the Member States) and monitor 
discussions on topics of common interest, such as indirect support for RTD and large-scale 
facilities. These discussions will be held within CREST in particular, which has included these 
subjects in its work programme. As regards the indirect support for RTD, the Commission has 
ordered a comparative study on the measures taken in the Community countries and in 
non-Community countries such as the USA and Japan. 
Implementation of the Council resolution of 28 September 1995 on CREST 
The work started at the end of 1995 to implement this resolution will continue in 1996. In 
particular, this will entail defining and implementing the Committee's work programme, which 
targets on activities such as coordinating RTD policies and defining the Community's strategic 
priorities. 
YL PROSPECTS FOR 1996 
In 1996, meetings of the Council of Research Ministers are scheduled on 7 October and 5 
December. 
In January, the Commission presented its proposal for supplementary funding of the Fourth 
Framework Programme (COM(96) 12 final) by ECU 700 million, based on a provision in the 
1994 decisions on the Fourth Framework Programme. The Commission proposes focusing 
research on key areas of interest to the whole Community. The Commission hopes for adoption 
of its proposal during 1996. 
The research-industry Task Forces will continue their work to develop consultation with external 
bodies, to improve links between research and industry as well as to coordinate Community and 
national RTD activities in selected areas. It is helpful that experience of their work can be 
gained before the launch of the Fifth Framework Programme. 
During 1996, the Commission will launch preparatory discussions on the Fifth Framework 
Programme among the Member States and all other interested parties by issuing discussion 
documents which aim to address the key issues of future research policy of the European Union. 
The Commission intends to publish a strategic policy document on the Fifth Framework 
Programme by summer 1996. In its future strategy the Commission will concentrate its efforts 
on issues which will help to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of EU research and 
technological development activities as well as to stimulate the growth and competitiveness of 
European industry and to promote employment and the quality of life of Europe's citizens. 
The Commission will pay particular attention to further improvements in management efficiency 
through simplifying procedures and by increasing flexibility and transparency of administration. 
The evaluation and monitoring exercises will also be continued. 
In the field of international cooperation, three new communications on scientific and 
technological cooperation will be addressed, i.e. those concerning the emerging economies, 
Mediterranean eountries as well as Central and Eastern Europe. Negotiations of the bilateral 
cooperation agreements on research and technological development will be continued with 
Switzerland and with South Africa and will be started with the United States too. The 
Commission will support the evaluation of COST activities during 1996. 
20 
Mrs Edith Cresson, the Commissioner responsible for research, education and training, has 
decided to associate training activities of the European Union with those of research activities, 
namely with the present TMR programme and its predecessor the Human capital and mobility 
programme, and to name this activity after Madame Curie in order to raise its profile and make 
it more identifiable with the beneficiaries. This new scheme, called "Marie-Curie grants", will 
be officially launched in Brussels in a conference scheduled for the second half of 1996. 
The information society is developing quickly and the Commission will be active in many ways. 
The specific RTD programmes of the Fourth Framework Programme contribute to the 
development of the information society. The Commission will present communications and 
organize conferences on this important topic and provide the electronic highways with 
information on many aspects of the EU's policy. The Commission Action Plan of July 1994 
("Europe's way to the information society") set out the priorities for the measures for 1995-1996. 
The Intergovernmental Conference launched in March 1996 is scheduled td discuss the 
institutional reforms required to reinforce political union and to prepare for further enlargement. 
In its opinion, the Commission has, among other things, expressed hope for changes in the 
decision-making procedures that would bring greater flexibility and efficiency, inter alia in the 
area of research policy. 
21 
PART TWO 
RTD ACTIVITIES IN 1995 AND WORK PROGRAMME FOR 1996 
FIRST ACTIVITY OF THE FOURTH FRAMEWORK PROGRAMME 
OF COMMUNITY RTD ACTIVITIES 
AND EURATOM FRAMEWORK PROGRAMME 
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGIES 
1. TELEMATICS APPLICATIONS OF COMMON INTEREST 
Activities in 1995 
1995 was the pivot year between the Third and Fourth Framework Programmes. The specific 
programme Telematics applications of common interest (1991-1994) ended with the signature 
of the last contracts. The specific programme Telematics applications of common interest 
(1994-1998) entered its active phase with the launch and evaluation of the first two calls for 
proposals. 
The Telematics applications programme of the Third Framework Programme comprised 311 
projects, concerted actions and accompanying measures in seven areas: trans-European networks 
between government departments, transport services, health care, flexible and distance learning, 
libraries, linguistic research and engineering, telematics systems for rural areas. Most of the 
projects yielded significant technical and economic results (establishment of reference data bases, 
filing of patents, proposals for standards, marketing of products, etc.). In the health care field, 
for example, one-third of the 60 activities launched led to the marketing of new products that 
are now widely used or exploited by health professionals. In the transport sector, a total of 
4 000 man-years deployed involving 500 partners, 30 towns and 13 transport "corridors" led to 
improved technological know-how (27 "best practice" and 439 end products), the approval of 
functional specifications by users and manufacturers (42 new specifications), the validation of 
67 prototypes through 38 demonstration projects, the proposal of interoperability standards (via 
Technical Committee 278 of the CEN) and the conduct of socio-economic impact assessments 
(environment, energy, safety, efficiency, comfort). In the area of flexible and distance education, 
more than 200 organizations, one third of them SMEs, engaged in 34 projects and 14 concerted 
actions designed to. improve access to teaching resources via networks dedicated to specific 
groups of learners (European network linking 15 technology training resource centres, plan for 
a European open university network, multimedia school disseminating distance education 
courses, etc.), to create new learning paradigms with the aid of pilot applications, to integrate 
hardware and software products and communication systems on prototypes and to develop 
software tools for the more efficient design and production of multimedia training resources. 
The 29 activities launched in the administrations sector helped to create a user-friendly, efficient 
working environment between a wide range of actors: 200 partners, associated partners and 
subcontractors, 53 national administrations, 21 telecommunications operators and 69 businesses 
including 35 SMEs. The 51 projects and 3 concerted actions in the libraries .sector established 
a culture of cooperation in advanced information and communications technology applications, 
22 
which contributed to better use of library resources, the strengthening of European industry and 
the reinforcement of Europe's cultural identity. 
The TIDE activity (Technology initiatives for disabled and elderly people), which began with 
a pilot phase in 1991, continued in its bridge phase in 1995 with 55 projects covering the period 
1993-1997. 
The specific programme on Telematics applications of common interest ("Telematics 
applications") is the focal point of Community activities in the field of information and/or 
communications technology applications in the Fourth RTD Framework Programme. This 
programme has a budget of ECU 912 million, 5% of which has been earmarked for activities 
in support of SMEs and over 2% for the dissemination and utilization of the research results. 
The first two calls for proposals evaluated in 1995 showed the extent of the interest in the 
Telematics applications programme, but at the same time highlighted the budgetary constraints: 
of 1 706 proposals received, only 371 could be selected after the Commission decided to 
increase the available budget (ECU 478.5 million compared with ECU 423 million originally 
stated in the OJ). The success rate in terms of numbers,of proposals was thus 22% and the 
"oversubscription" ratio (Community funding granted/total funding requested) was 1:10. 
The programme effectively contributes to the three objectives assigned to Community research 
and technological development policy by the Treaty (Article 130f): to strengthen the scientific 
and technological bases of Community industry, to develop the international competitiveness of 
Community industry (notably through support measures to enhance the technological and 
industrial potential of Europe on the emerging markets of third countries in, for example, South 
America, South Africa or China) and to promote the research activities considered necessary to 
the other Community policies (transport, training, health, environment, etc.). Furthermore, the 
research activities should help to satisfy society's needs by generating telematics solutions for 
areas of common interest. 
Approximately half of the RTD actions in progress, i.e. about 160, concern the emerging 
information society as reflected in the ten priority applications announced in the Bangemann 
report and the 11 pilot projects supported by the G7. The projects relating to urban and rural 
areas, health, traffic management, research networks, government departments, education and 
training and libraries have an important role in this respect. 
Apart from SMEs, 21% of participants are non-industrial organizations of fewer than 500 
persons (hospitals, schools, government departments, libraries, etc.). Of the 371 projects selected 
in 1995, 24 concerned the specific needs of SMEs in terms of awareness-raising or connection 
to networks. The target of 5% of the programme budget dedicated to measures in support of 
SMEs was reached'by the first call for proposals (ECU 42.805 million). 
Two projects in the field of international cooperation, one on the environment and the other on 
health care, are funded by the second activity of the Fourth Framework Programme to the tune 
of ECU 101 000 and ECU 70 000 respectively. Three other projects, one in the health sector 
and two in the area of education and training, contribute to the utilization of the programme's 
activities and results in South Africa, Central and Eastern Europe and South America 
respectively, with Community funding of ECU 1.1 million. 
The Telematics applications programme runs a number of projects in cooperation with other 
specific programmes; for example, one of the projects in the Telematics for research sector, 
23 
which is designed to test a high-speed trans-European telecommunications network between 
laboratories and research centres, is co-funded and co-piloted by the Information technology and 
Telematics applications programmes. There is also close. cooperation between the various 
sectors of the programme and the Directorates-General concerned (such as transport or education 
and training). 
Several of the first projects launched offer interesting prospects in such diverse fields as driver 
assistance and automatic decision-taking in accident or emergency situations, integrated 
validation of telematics applications at regional level and their socio-economic impact, validation 
of telematics applications for urban development in a network of European cities, the 
establishment of an employment agency for teleworkers, the delivery of community services to 
improve the quality of service provided to citizens and reduce their cost, cyberspace training for 
young people or coordination and continuity of primary health care services. 
Work programme for 1996 
A third call for proposals launched on 15 September 1995 was evaluated in the first quarter of 
1996. It concerns activities relating to disabled and elderly persons; health; education and 
training; linguistic research and engineering networks. Evaluation of the 413 proposals received 
resulted in 67 new projects, no fewer than 32 of which concern activities to help the disabled 
and elderly people. The Community contribution to all of these projects amounts to ECU 64.435 
million. 
A fourth call for proposals is scheduled for December 1996 concerning both RTD work in the 
sectors and validation and demonstration projects for integrated and transsectoral telematics 
applications at test sites, notably cities. The aim in the case of the sectoral activities will be to 
boost existing projects or select new projects for tasks inadequately covered by the on-going 
projects. In the case of integrated applications, the aim will be to mobilize user sites and 
suppliers in major projects with a view to verifying the technical relevance and the 
socio-economic impact of applications from the various sectors. 
The Telematics applications programme actively contributes to the work of the research-industry 
Task Forces, particularly in the areas of educational software, multimedia services and transport. 
2. COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGIES 
Activities in 1995 
S & T achievements 
The RACE programme was brought to a successful conclusion in 1995. It has been the 
framework for European cooperation in advanced communications technology development since 
1988 and has involved all major European network operators and telecommunications equipment 
and software developers. 
The second phase, from 1991 to 1995, was part of the Third Framework Programme and 
involved over 600 participating organizations in over 130 projects. 
The Advanced communications (ACTS) programme of the Fourth Framework Programme was 
launched in 1995, following a call for proposals in September 1994. Over 100 projects started 
24 
work in 1995, involving over 600 organizations. The launch phase is documented in ACTS'9519 
and in an independent monitoring report. 
Examples of results 
The main achievements of RACE to 1995 are described briefly below, and are fully documented 
in the final report, separately published.20 
Contribution to industrial competitiveness 
The RACE Programme has made a major impact on Europe's world position in mastery of 
advanced communications technologies and advanced service deployment. About 70 % of 
participating companies report an improved competitive position in Western Europe and over 
50 % report improved competitiveness with respect to the USA and the rest of the world. 44 % 
report an improved competitive position with respect to Japanese competitors as a result of 
RACE work. 568 companies have expressed their intention to develop new products and 
advanced services; in about 22 % of these cases, plans already exist or are in preparation. For 
advanced services, there are 281 expressions of interest and commercial plans already exist or 
are in preparation for 20 % of these. About 140 new patents have been registered and a further 
48 are planned within the next 3 years.21 
The consensus development through RACE "concertation" and cooperation has reduced 
investment risks, accelerated product and service development, improved economies of scale and 
scope, helped companies to better focus business strategies, and reduced costs. Over 750 cases 
of positive impact in the above areas were identified by commercial companies involved in 
RACE. 
Pilot applications of advanced communications services have involved approximately 500 
organizations and sites, and over 7000 individual users. The business sectors involved include 
manufacturing, retail and distribution, publishing and advertising, the liberal professions and 
public service provision. The reported benefits from trials include cost reduction, time savings, 
easier access to information, increased flexibility, and new job creation, particularly in remote 
and rural areas. 
Industrial participation (and for SMES) 
The 123 R&D projects involved the participation of 574 different organizations and companies, 
including all the major European telecommunications actors. In addition, 49 different 
organizations from EFTA countries participated in the work. The programme has therefore 
provided a framework for concertation between all of Europe's main industrial interests and the 
resulting consensus in functional specifications has become the major source of technical input 
to European and world-wide standardization bodies. The programme has paved the way for the 
creation of Trans-European Broadband Communications Networks as provided for in Chapter 
19 
20 ACTS' 1995. Advanced communications technologies and services. An overview of the programme and 
projects. Ref. AC - 950 568. 
RTD in advanced communications technologies for Europe (Race). Final report on phase II 1991-1994 -
ISB N°92.8269553. 
21 This number is based on the survey of 1000 RACE participants. 
25 
XII of the Treaty on European Union. 
Despite the high cost of R&D in advanced telecommunications, the second phase of RACE 
attracted strong participation from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Organizations 
with less than 500 staff represented 41% of the participation in Phase II projects, compared with 
28 % for Phase I, and 16,5 % for the Second Framework Programme as a whole.22 Small 
organizations, whether enterprises or research organizations, participate in over 70 % of Phase 
II projects, compared with 60 % in Phase I, and provide 33 % of the total effort. 
• Cooperation with third countries (COPERNICUS) 
18 projects in the field of advanced communications technologies and services brought together 
organizations in Central and Eastern Europe and the European Union. These projects were 
covered by the PECO/Copernicus budget, but were managed in association with the RACE 
programme, including technical audit assessments. The projects range from "stimulation of 
networks" for science and technology between East and West, to technology development 
projects in a number of subject areas: 
. communications technologies; including mobile and satellite communications; 
. multimedia applications and technology development; 
. high-speed networks; 
. development/dissemination of standards in advanced communications. 
. interprogramme coordination 
RACE projects capitalize on the results of projects developing generic technologies, eg. ESPRIT 
(microelectronics components, software tools, AIP23 for network management, etc.); similarly, 
the telecommunications requirements of telematics applications programmes draw heavily on the 
techniques addressed by the current RACE projects. 
There are also ongoing links with the VALUE Programme for dissemination and exploitation 
of results. 
Strong links have been established with research in the COST24 framework. Joint workshops 
have been organised with COST projects in the areas of optical communications and mobile 
communications, and COST project coordinators were invited to the RACE project concertation 
meetings. 
With the EUREKA Initiative, the strongest interaction was in the field of audiovisual 
technologies. Part of the work relating to the promotion of HDTV (EUREKA project 95) was 
complemented by work under a Phase I RACE contract; and EUREKA project 256 on video-
coding was associated with the RACE integration activities. 
22 Evaluation of*the second Framework programme of RTD report from CREST to Council, September 1992 
- CREST/1212/92 
23 Advanced information processing. 
Cooperation in Science and Technology. 24 
26 
Work programme for 1996 
The first annual technical audit of projects in the ACTS programme25 was held in early March 
1996. This independent technical review of each project identified reorientations necessary for 
the optimum use of EU funding. 
The second call for proposals closed on 1 March 1996. Over 90 % of proposals were submitted 
electronically and DG XIII-B will continue to pioneer electronic communications and proposal 
submission developments for the European Commission during 1996. The technical evaluation 
of new proposals took place from 13-17 March 1996. Consultation on the results with other 
services of the Commission and with the Management Committee during April 1996 allowed 
a favourable opinion and a Commission Decision on the selection and funding of new proposals 
in early June 1996. This completes the implementation of the ACTS programme. 
In 1996, based on the involvement of the sector's actors, ACTS projects and concerted actions 
will prepare guidelines for the deployment of ATM infrastructure, the provision of the third 
generation of-mobile communications services (UMTS) and the development of generic 
applications, in particular in the field of teleworking. The guidelines will aim at reducing 
uncertainties and risks for public and private investment. 
Coordination between programmes, notably with the IT programme and the Telematics 
application programme will be reinforced on the basis of joint funding (ACTS + Telematics) of 
high-speed interconnections between National Host infrastructures and through the National Host 
infrastructures themselves which support service and application trials for all three ICT 
programmes. 
In wider international cooperation, ACTS projects and actions play a key role in the G7 
initiatives for global interoperability of broadband networks (GIBN project), for multimedia 
access to cultural heritage in museums and galleries (for which a Memorandum of 
Understanding was signed in May 1996), and the creation of a global marketplace for SMEs 
through development of electronic commerce. 
A strategic audit of advanced communications developments in Europe was completed in June 
1996. It includes the 5-year retrospective assessment of EU RTD in this area, as well as a 
forward assessment of future requirements which might be addressed in the Fifth Framework 
Programme. 
The second independent monitoring exercise will be carried out in September 1996 and will 
focus on progress in broadening participation notably in trials, by SMEs and by organizations 
in Central and Eastern Europe. It will also address the level of visionary research in the ACTS 
programme. 
25 RTD in the area of advanced communications technologies and services. 
27 
3.INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES 
Activities in 1995 
1995 was dedicated to the monitoring of the ESPRIT III projects, implementation of the IT 
programme and activities relating to the information society. 
1. Three hundred and forty nine of a total of 719 ESPRIT III projects were completed in 1995 
while 281 projects will continue beyond 1995. Although the ESPRIT III programme only 
ended in December 1994 and it is too early to draw conclusions, 1995 yielded many 
interesting results. Some of them have been exploited commercially, showing that the 
objectives set in 1991 are being achieved. Although the overall impact of the programme 
results from all the research and technological development projects (RTD) and other 
activities, only a few prominent examples can be presented here. 
Examples of developments in microelectronic applications include: an accelerometer to 
improve the safety of vehicle air bags; in medicine, a miniaturized intelligent sensor that 
is one of the first in the world to permit in vivo blood testing; an inexpensive, intelligent 
circuit for domestic energy saving applications; a high-resolution, flat-panel display for TV. 
In addition, the on-going activities under ESPRIT in combination with EUREKA have enau 
-vcbled Europe's semi-conductor industry to close the technological gap; it has 
strengthened its position in the international markets, realized profits and made industrial 
investments. The accompanying measures launched in some Member States have helped the 
industry to participate more effectively in the activities of the sector and have visibly 
stimulated the use of microelectronics by local industrialists. 
Activity in the field of software technologies has been twin-track: the ES SI initiative to 
promote best software practices and the RTD projects. On the basis of experience with the 
60 ESSI projects completed in 1995 (out of a total of 109), the ESSI partners - mainly 
• SMEs and users - consider they have made progress on productivity and, above all, quality. 
Apart from some 10 activities to disseminate experience gained, a network has been set up 
covering 17 countries of Europe which has already provided training to some 6 500 persons. 
Intermediate results have been obtained from a number of RTD projects that are still in 
progress; these have been exploited and led to substantial productivity gains for applications 
of clear interest to society (e.g. a system to aid decision-making in crisis situations, used to 
combat forest fires in Southern Europe). SMEs are steadily developing their ability to use 
the results of ESPRIT projects to capture international markets: 02 Technologies and IONA 
Technologies in the field of object-oriented systems are an example. 
The approach adopted in the field of distributed high-performance computing (HPCN: High-
Performance Computing and Networking) is centred on users. It comprises awareness 
activities in respect of industrial innovations deriving from HPCN technologies and 
applications in real work environments, for example the production and processing of 
animated images, fine modelling of pharmaceutical substances, predicting the effects of 
lightning on aircraft, automation of postal sorting and tolerant ballbearings. There have been 
commercial successes in all cases, sometimes at the international level. One such example 
is the adoption by CRAY Research (USA) of CHORUS technology for the operating 
systems of its new supercomputer, and the portage of 38 commercial software products for 
aeronautics and the motor industry on the new generation of parallel processing systems. 
This is widely cited in the USA as a reference model. 
28 
In the area of advanced home and professional systems, a new multimedia sales instrument 
has been developed for products ranging from financial services to cars, furniture and 
property; it has been awarded a prize in the UK. A number of projects have been launched 
in close cooperation with Eurostat which should improve the processing of statistical data 
in the Member States through the use of more sophisticated and better adapted software. 
The open microprocessor systems initiative (OMI) has been successful internationally in 
areas such as standardization of interconnection buses, the ST20 processor for multimedia 
systems and the ARM processor for professional electronics. 
Considerable progress has been made in computer-integrated manufacturing and engineering 
in the following areas: modelling of products and processes and their standardization; 
validation of open systems architecture in the motor industry, machine tools and aluminium 
industry; informatics environments for design and manufacture; integrated communications 
software for complex networks between production sites; intelligent robots for highway and 
wall construction; microsystems, in particular the development of a library of design 
modules; and new-generation microsensors. In addition, the following have been 
commercially successful: robots for washing aircraft and 3D inspection of printed circuit 
boards; a PC operating system for communications between production machines. 
In basic research, results have been obtained and published in the main journals and at 
conferences. These have rapidly led to several industrial applications, e.g. traffic 
optimization, vision and safety. 
Since its launch in the 1980s, ESPRIT has advanced RTD. The objective of the IT 
programme today in the evolving information society is to contribute to the development of 
the information infrastructure. The emphasis is on ease of access to information, services 
and technologies for all categories of enterprises, government departments and individuals. 
RTD choices are above all based on the assessment of their impact on the competitiveness 
of European industry as a whole and on improvement of the quality of life; they are driven 
mainly by consideration of the needs of users and of the market. The programme's activities 
concern the utilization of the technologies and their user-friendliness, best practice, crucial 
RTD areas in this respect and the development of the information infrastructure. 
The implementation arrangements and technical content of the programme have been 
renewed. The accompanying measures are now central rather than marginal to the 
programme strategy. The number of thematic networks of excellence has been increased to 
15; they are a link-up of about 600 teams from industry, research centres and universities. 
By forming transfrontier links, they play an essential role in training, access to know-how 
and technology transfer. User-supplier collaboration in the RTD projects is highly 
encouraged; the users are involved in determining the direction of the work, the validation 
of results and their acceptability with a view to subsequent commercial exploitation. 
Procedures have been simplified to make the programme more accessible; the period for 
submission of proposals is now three months; there has been one call for proposals per 
quarter (15 December, 15 March, etc.) at common dates for the different programmes, which 
greatly facilitates coordination. Furthermore, joint calls for proposals with other programmes 
have been launched. Where necessary (e.g. for certain accompanying measures and 
exploratory awards), submissions are accepted on a continuous basis. In order to reduce the 
cost of preparing proposals, a two-stage procedure has been tested (in long-term research 
and for HPCN). Specific procedures have been introduced for SMEs regarding cooperative 
RTD projects and exploratory awards. These new instruments will probably be used much 
29 
more frequently in future. The focused clusters concern a specific objective; they 
coordinate RTD projects relating to various technologies and networks of excellence, 
working groups, cooperation with other initiatives (Community, national and international 
activities, EUREKA), training activities, dissemination of information and transfer of 
technology. 
The 1995 work programme comprised activities for basic technologies (software 
technologies, technologies for IT components and subsystems, multimedia systems), focused 
clusters (technologies for business processes, integration in manufacturing, HPCN, OMI) and 
long-term research. 
In the area of software technologies, 142 ESSI projects were launched in 1995, together with 
RTD projects focusing on safety problems and projects involving applications and trials for 
full-scale validation of promising technologies that have not yet become established. The 
RTD projects in the field of technologies for IT components and subsystems are focused on 
flat-panel displays, signal processing, technologies below 0.2p. and equipment; 104 projects 
have been launched in the context of FUSE to promote best practice and to facilitate access 
to and utilization of the new technologies for new users and SMEs. Action in the new 
multimedia systems field has been taken in close collaboration with the other DGs concerned 
(DG X, DG XIII, DG XV); in addition to the RTD projects on new technologies and 
intellectual property rights, coordination measures have been launched and a network of 
centres of competence set up, the aim of which is to provide concrete support in particular 
to SMEs in the use of the new multimedia technologies. In the other new field of 
technologies for business processes which is of particular interest to SMEs, the projects 
represent sectors as varied as the glass industry, public works, the postal service and 
"customized" manufacture of public transport vehicles. They include the establishment of 
a network of around 60 organizations charged with the task of disseminating information and 
technology transfer. In the field of integration in manufacturing, in addition to the RTD 
projects, "reference user group" projects have the objective of developing detailed 
specifications for new needs, drafting common standards and assuming coordinating tasks. 
The HPCN projects cover several industrial sectors and mobilize users as well as SMEs, 
whose participation is set to increase. The OMI projects relate to new sectors such as the 
motor industry, telecommunications and interactive television, and concern the integration 
of design tools, whereas previously the effort was concentrated on their development; 50% 
of the partners are new participants. A number of projects are dedicated to information 
dissemination, consensus-finding on interface standards and the exchange of know-how in 
the area of systems design for the benefit of SMEs in particular. The long-term research 
is designed to be open to ideas and researchers, to be capable of responding to economic 
and social needs and to anticipate future technologies. As regards the first objective, 
proposals are received on a continuous basis and projects have been initialled for the 
feasibility phase which necessarily proceeds a possible full-scale launch. It is worth noting 
that the two-step procedure applied to the projects for the second objective has enabled 
several proposals too close to the downstream work to be eliminated at the first stage. Two 
initiatives have been launched for the third objective: the first concerns advanced research 
on microelectronics (optoelectronic interconnection - nanometric integrated circuits will be 
considered in 1996); the second concerns intelligent information interfaces which should 
define the work programme for the September 1996 call. Furthermore, the procedures 
relating to the objectives of "openness" and "responsiveness" will be continued in 1996. 
Imconnection with the information society, pilot projects have been launched outside the 
ESPRIT context in areas such as digitized cities, community kiosks, remote distribution of 
30 
multimedia information, electronic transfer of funds, distribution of medical images, 
standardization of DNA representation. These projects complete some 70 projects which 
through ESPRIT, TELEMATIQUE and ACTS form a de facto inter-programme focused 
cluster for the development of international exchange systems such as W3 (World Wide 
Web). A joint EU and PECO Information Society Forum was held in Brussels in June 1995 
and will be followed by another in Prague in September 1996. 
The European IT Conference (EITC 95) was held in Brussels in November 1995, as was the 
IT Forum; it took place in conjunction with an exhibition of the results of the projects and 
their utilization, and attracted several thousand participants. In association with EuroCASE, 
the 23 ITEA awards (Information Technology European Awards) were made on this 
occasion. In addition, the use of the Internet and CD-ROMs (development of Multimedia 
Encyclopedia of Results of the IT programme) for the dissemination of information was the 
object of thorough validation tests; the lessons were put to use in the call for proposals, 
which should lead to the establishment of a full-scale service. 
Work programme for 1996 
The participation of the Central and Eastern European countries in the RTD projects, already 
operational in 1995, could acquire a new dimension in 1996 as a result of the funding of 
research infrastructure under the PHARE programme. In addition, an information campaign will 
be directed at the Mediterranean countries. 
Two calls for proposal are scheduled for 1996, one in March and the other in September. The 
work programme has been updated: tasks well represented in the 1995 projects have been 
dropped, others have been introduced to take account of the emergence of new priorities, e.g. 
in the field of electronic trading or W3. The presentation of the work programme has been 
improved to make access easier for new participants and users, whose needs are expressed in 
terms of solutions rather than technical tasks. The accompanying measures have been regrouped 
to improve readability and consistency. A new work programme will be drawn up in 1996 for 
the following period. 
INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGIES 
4. INDUSTRIAL AND MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES 
Activities in 1995 
S &T achievements 
1. Industrial RTD projects 
The key activity has been the evaluation of the proposals following the first call for 
proposals under BRITE-EURAM III (final date: 15 March 1995) and the start of the 
contracts. This call was characterized by: 
the large number of proposals (1180), which may be explained by the two-year lapse 
since the previous call (26 February 1993); 
- the high eligibility rate of the proposals (98%), undoubtedly due to the" constant increase 
in quality of the proposals and the establishment of the prescreening service (verification 
, 31 
by the Commission departments of the main characteristics of the project before final 
submission of proposals); 
- the cover of the three areas (production technologies, materials and technology for 
product innovation, technology for transport media) is satisfactory, although in certain 
subsectors very few projects have been selected: human and organizational factors of 
production systems (area 1.5) and production of vehicles (area 3B.2); 
- the ECU 402 million (= MECU) available for this call will be sufficient to envisage the 
funding of 218 projects. 
2. Thematic networks 
In response to the continuously open call for proposals, the pilot phase has resulted in 41 
proposals being accepted for an exploratory phase and 3 for an implementation phase. 60% 
of these proposals have been selected and granted funding of 0.78 MECU. 
3. Technology stimulation measures for SMEs 
The response rate to the open call is satisfactory, except for area 3 (transport) which is 
under-represented (4%). Of 465 proposals received for phase 1 and 118 for phase 2, 212 
and 51 respectively have been accepted for a total budget of 27.5 MECU, of which 17 
MECU was committed in 1995. 
Contribution of the programme to the main RTD objectives: 
reinforcement of economic and social cohesion: an average of 8.8 participants per RTD 
project from 4.8 different countries, 71% of which are new participants, would appear to 
augur well for the target of reinforcement. 10% of the participants are from "objective 1" 
regions. All the participants in the stage 1 CRAFT ("Cooperative Research Action for 
Technology") projects are new (= eligibility condition) and 213 participants are new in 
stage 2. The CRAFT projects involve 5.1 partners on average; 
SME participation: 20% of the participants in the RTD projects are SMEs, more than in the 
Third Framework Programme (17%); they share 19% of the budget. 17% of the projects are 
coordinated by SMEs. 73% of the participants in the CRAFT projects (stage 2) are SMEs; 
international cooperation: 3% of the participants are from countries outside the 
European Union; 
industrial participation: the projects concluded were evaluated in 1995 with the aid 
of independent consultants. The evaluation was based on interviews and on the 
analysis of indicators such as management, collaboration, research performance, 
economic benefits, SME participation, impact on society and the environment and the 
strategy for utilization of results. The data obtained were as follows: 
* 41% of the results obtained may lead to five applications at least and 62% of the 
results could be applied in three different industrial sectors at least; 
* 45% of the projects analysed should lead to financial gains of at least 5 MECU in the 
next five years (2% of which in excess of 100 MECU); 
* 76% of the results are likely to be "in the market" in three years time (47% in one 
year's time); 
* 64% of the results have a potentially positive impact on the environment; 
* the projects are increasingly well prepared at the exploitation phase: 40% of them 
(28% in 1994) are considered "autonomous" (no additional assistance required) for 
exploitation purposes; 
* with regard to employment, 36% of the projects have already proved to have a 
32 
positive impact for the partners. 
From a qualitative point of view, experience since the launch of the Brite-Euram 
programme indicates that the exploitation of results will not become a reality unless there 
is a clearly defined entrepreneurial strategy and unless the exploitation details have been 
agreed by the partners from the outset. For this reason, the projects selected following the 
1995 call were subjected to rigorous selection procedures and will be closely monitored 
as to management and progress of the work. In the course of the year, the indicators 
used in the annual evaluation reports and the various analyses referred to above 
demonstrated the rigor of the intermediate and final evaluations. 
Success stories 
The analysis of projects in 1995 revealed a number of success stories: 
A group of four SMEs (F, D) and one laboratory have developed a new paper-based 
substrate to replace PVC in all decorative applications in the furniture industry. The 
consortium includes all the links of this industrial chain, which enabled them to exploit 
the technology without delay. By the end of the project, 170 million tonnes had already 
been produced and sold. The economic gain for the period 1995-99 is put at 55 MECU 
for an R&D investment of 2.5 MECU. PVC, a chlorine-based compound, is subject to 
increasing criticism of its impact. Any replacement product is certain to be 
environmentally beneficial. 
The footwear industry represents an important market, albeit one in difficulty, primarily 
as a result of competition from South East Asia, like the textile industry. It is also a 
rapidly moving market owing to the dictates of fashion. A rapid adaptation of 
manufacture and a capacity to anticipate and initiate these effects of fashion are 
indispensable if the European footwear industry is to maintain its competitive advantages. 
Three industrial undertakings, two of them SMEs, have developed together with two 
research centres a CAD/CAM design system for shoes (including all their components), 
and the related moulds. At the end of the project, two of the industrial partners had 
begun to use this design tool in their production chain. Economic gains have already 
been made and the prospects for the five coming years are of 24.5 MECU for an R&D 
investment of 2.8 MECU. This innovation is available for technology transfer to the 
industries of the sector which are almost exclusively SMEs. Furthermore, the latter are 
mainly situated in the regions whose development is lagging behind, so that the project 
clearly contributes to European cohesion and the maintenance of employment in a sector 
in difficulty. 
Where a project is constructed around clearly defined market demand and the industrial 
undertakings involved are working at the heart of their strategic area, success is normally 
assured. This is the case of the consortium composed of two industrial partners and two 
universities which has developed new rare earth oxides from which materials with greatly 
enhanced luminescent properties can be prepared. Industrial tests on different types of 
lamp have been a success. The industrial and commercial exploitation has developed in 
symbiosis with research, and already produced an effective gain of 20 MECU and the 
prospective of direct and indirect gains on the market for lighting equipment of 
330 MECU over five years, for an initial investment of 1.9 MECU. 
33 
Problems encountered 
The members of the group responsible for the annual evaluation of the programme 
mentioned in their 1995 report the excessive time lapse between the closing date of the 
call and contract signature, both for the RTD projects and for CRAFT. They suggest that 
the procedures following the evaluation period should be speeded up. 
Some sub-areas of the programme are not particularly attractive, particularly to SMEs. 
The SME stimulation network has been informed and measures have been taken in 1996 
to try to remedy this. 
Work programme for 1996 
The 1996 work programme will first of all involve an evaluation process following the 
second call for proposals with a closing date of 17 April 1996. The budget available is 
400 MECU. 
Furthermore, three evaluation exercises will take place in the framework of CRAFT for 
a budget of 32 MECU, and another three for the thematic networks for a budget of 9 
MECU. 
Two other lines of work will also be supported: the implementation of accompanying 
measures (3% of the budget) following the call for proposals published on 15.12.1995, 
which is to remain open until the end of 1997; secondly, reflection and study workshops 
will prepare the ground for the fifth framework programme. 
5. STANDARDS, MEASUREMENTS AND TESTING 
Activities in 1995 
S&T achievements 
1.1 Industrial RTD projects 
1995 was devoted, firstly, to funding the RTD projects selected from the submissions for 
the call for proposals for area 1 and the targeted call in support of Community policies 
and European standardization and, secondly, to evaluating the proposals received for 
areas 2 and 3 and the second targeted call. 
The call for proposals for area 1 was open to all sectors of industry. Of 177 proposals 
received, 44 projects (i.e. 1 in 4) were selected, 17 of them directly concerning standards 
required by industry. All the projects were funded in 1995 with a budget of 22 MECU. 
For the first time, a targeted call comprising 25 priority subjects was launched for the 
implementation of Community policies and for European standardization in the context 
of CEN/CENELEC. Only 16 proposals were received, of which 7 were funded in 1995. 
The first call for proposals scheduled in the work programme for areas 2 and 3 was 
launched in June 1995. It primarily concerned the second part of the programme, namely 
the development and implementation of standards, measurements and tests in support of 
the economic and socio-cultural aspects of European policies. The call aims to resolve 
the technical difficulties involved in the implementation of regulations and directives in 
34 
the agri-food, environment and public health sectors in particular, to which two new 
themes have been added: protection of the cultural heritage and forensic checks by 
laboratories approved by the judicial authorities. A particular effort is directed at official 
laboratories and bodies, including the customs laboratories, charged with fraud prevention 
checks and analyses. 
Of 464 proposals received in these different areas, about 80 projects could be funded in 
1996 (1 in 6). The budget provided for the call in areas 2 and 3 amounts to 24 MECU. 
2. CRAFT and thematic networks 
In addition to the RTD projects, 6 proposals for technology stimulation measures in 
support of SMEs and 6 proposals for thematic networks received a Community 
contribution. The budget allocated to these activities in 1995 was 1.1 MECU. 
Success stories 
The 43 projects completed in 1995 have produced some interesting results: 
Measurement and testing procedures have been developed to verify the compliance 
of domestic boilers with the classification criteria laid down in the European 
directive. 
The results of the quality measurements on the networks used by the measurement 
and testing laboratories in applying the electromagnetic compatibility Directive have 
been validated. 
A method for testing the fire behaviour of upholstered furniture has been developed 
thanks to the collaboration of 11 industrial and official laboratories and 8 Member 
States. 
A set of methods for determining the microbial contamination of bathing waters by 
faecal matter has been developed and tested by 34 laboratories in all the Member 
States. 
A miniaturized system for measuring lactate levels in the blood of critically ill people 
and in athletes, and glucose levels in diabetics in a comatose state, has been 
developed and will be marketed shortly. 
Finally, certified reference materials for the classification of wheat flours have been 
produced and made available to laboratories along with methods for determining the 
quantity of soft wheat in pasta products. The results of these two projects are 
destined to the quality control laboratories and the campaign to combat fraud in the 
agri-food sector. 
Work programme for 1996 
The 1996 work programme has the following objectives: 
1. to improve the competitiveness of all sectors of European industry; 
2. to promote research facilitating the implementation of European policies in the 
industry, agriculture, energy and services sectors by developing and improving 
35 
accepted measurement and testing methods, recognized not only in Europe but in the 
whole world; 
3. to promote research in support of the activities of CEN, CENELEC, ETSI and other 
European bodies; 
4. to support the future development of the European measurement infrastructure; 
5. to promote the dissemination and application of good measurement practice in 
Europe, particularly in the less-favoured regions. 
Following evaluation and examination of the results of the targeted calls launched in 
1995, the opportuneness of a new targeted call in June 1996 will be discussed together 
with the Programme Committee. 
In view of the positive results obtained from the first call in the area of measurements 
for quality European products, the call scheduled for 15 June 1996 will take account of 
the following priorities: 
- industrial innovation 
dissemination of industrial know-how towards the less-favoured regions through 
the organization of practical training courses 
- benefit to sectors characterized by a strong presence of SMEs. 
ENVIRONMENT 
6. ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE 
Activities in 1995 
S&T achievements 
For the most part, the research activities of the Third Framework Programme have been 
concluded or entered their final phase. The broad spectrum of these activities on the 
level both of applied and strategic research and more basic research has enabled the 
Environment programme to contribute both to the objectives of competitiveness and 
stimulation of economic growth and to the definition and implementation of other 
Community policies, particularly on the environment. This two-pronged approach was 
confirmed on the launch of the Fourth Framework Programme, for which the first projects 
were selected on the basis of calls for proposals staggered throughout 1995. 
While industry participation remains low in the programme areas relating to the 
understanding of the basic processes underlying environment and climate change and their 
implications for man, the environment and society, it has picked up in areas with a more 
technological orientation such as the development of environmental technologies for 
sectors such as water, wastes, decontamination, risk management, etc. and space research. 
The end of the third and transition to the Fourth Framework Programme has also been 
marked by the strengthening of S&T cooperation in the Community. The establishment 
of networks of research institutions engaged in Community projects is progressing, both 
through the continuation and deepening of previous activities and the launch of new 
activities. The scope of these activities occasionally extends far beyond the frontiers of 
the European Union, since they form part of major research programmes on global 
36 
change (research on climate, ecosystems, etc.). 
Europe's participation in the world-wide research effort provides an opportunity to exploit 
the Union's full R&D potential and to share in world leadership of research into global 
change, as well as to build up the scientific basis required to solve a variety of 
environmental problems with which the Union is confronted. 
International cooperation has also developed through strong participation by the countries 
of Central and Eastern Europe in the new projects selected under the Fourth Framework 
Programme, mainly in the areas covered by the Environment and climate programme 
(except for the "Earth observation" area). The developed countries, particularly Norway, 
Switzerland and Canada, have also expressed a desire to participate in the Union's 
environment R&D programmes, although the Canadian research institutes, for example, 
are not strongly represented in the projects in response to the first call for proposals. 
There are. indications that the calls to be published in 1996 will result in "higher 
participation by Canada and intensive cooperation with Israel. 
Inter-programme coordination has also improved in all areas where the Environment 
programme has an interface with other specific programmes. This was the case, for 
example, in research on coastal ecosystems in cooperation with MAST III; forest 
ecosystems, in cooperation with the specific programme on Agriculture, fisheries and 
forestry; and technologies for the environment and aeronautic pollution, in cooperation 
with the Industrial and materials technology programme. 
Community support to space technology applications for Earth observation and 
environmental monitoring has developed and two calls for proposals have led to the 
selection of five concerted actions on methodological research. The Commission has also 
completed the preparatory work on the implementation of a planned Centre for Earth 
Observation (CEO), which should bring the users and the space agencies supplying the 
data closer together. Finally, the Commission has signed an agreement with French, 
Belgian, Italian and Swedish partners on the joint implementation of a space-based sensor 
for vegetation monitoring. This instrument is to be launched on the SPOT 4 satellite in 
1997. 
Finally, the Environment and climate programme has made a significant contribution to 
defining the scientific content of the Task Forces, in particular the "Aeronautics" and 
"Water" Task Forces, most of the strategic themes of which are strongly anchored in the 
programme. 
Success stories 
Recent technological developments in biosensors show considerable promise for 
environmental monitoring. A new generation of instruments has been developed in 
the framework of the BIOPTICAS project for the detection of very low 
concentrations of pesticides in water. These instruments have several advantages 
such as high sensitivity and selectivity. They permit a rapid response in off-line or 
on-line monitoring and in remote analysis. 
37 
• Although the ozone-depleting CFCs and halons are no longer manufactured in 
Europe, there are still considerable stocks of these products which, if released to the 
atmosphere, could delay for several decades the repair of the stratospheric ozone 
layer. Work done under the Environment Programme has contributed to the 
development of the process for destroying stocks of many halogenated compounds 
in environmentally safe conditions and at affordable cost. 
• At the initiative of industry, the NICOLE network (Industrially Contaminated Land 
in Europe) has become operational. Its objective is to disseminate and exchange 
scientific and technical knowledge on industrial contamination of soils and 
groundwater. The initiative is also aimed at promoting coordinated and 
multidisciplinary research which should enable Europe's manufacturing industry to 
identify contaminated sites, evaluate the risks this presents to man and the 
environment and efficiently manage their decontamination. 
• The EUPHORE European photoreactor was inaugurated in April 1995 in Valencia in 
Spain. This is a smog chamber with a total volume of 200 m3 for the study in 
optimum experimental conditions of the complex chemical reactions implicated in 
ozone formation in the troposphere. This instrument can be used to consolidate 
knowledge about a form of air pollution particularly toxic to man and the 
environment. 
The APHEA project has provided conclusive proof of the links between air pollution 
in several cities of the European Union and the incidence of certain respiratory 
diseases; EUPHORE et APHEA open the door to new research in the key areas of 
epidemiology, environmental toxicology and ecotoxicology, disciplines which 
constitute a basis for environmental legislation. 
• The second European ozone measurement programme in the Arctic and at medium 
latitudes, partly funded by the Environment and climate programme, has revealed a 
significant decline in stratospheric ozone concentrations. The implications of this 
phenomenon in terms of human health and environmental stability plead for the 
continuation of research effort in this area. 
A number of important contributions were made to the evolving policies on the 
promotion of sustainable development; in particular, the proceedings of a workshop 
on "Global Environmental Change and Sustainable Development in Europe" were 
published, and the first European conference on economic aspects of sustainability 
focusing on green accounting held in 1995 will be followed up by a second 
conference on "Ecology, Society, Economy" in mid-1996. 
Problems encountered 
A substantial part of the Environment and climate programme has the objective of 
improving competitiveness and stimulating economic growth consistent with sustainable 
development, either by helping businesses to innovate in technologies that improve 
utilization of resources, or helping them to internalize environmental standards and 
constraints. In this context, while participation by industry in the project is continuing 
to rise, SMEs are still unfortunately under-represented. The "CRAFT system" has proved 
fairly ineffective so far in this respect. 
38 
Work programme for 1996 
1. Review of the work programme 
In parallel with the work of implementing, coordinating and monitoring the projects 
selected on the basis of the first calls for proposals, the Commission is reviewing the 
work programme in the light of the calls to be published during the second half of 1996. 
The objective of this review is basically (a) to remedy the problems encountered in 
implementing the first phase of the programme (see section 1.3 above) and (b) to 
concentrate the research effort on the aspects of the initial work programme that were 
inadequately covered by the first calls for proposals. The review is also intended to 
identify those aspects of the programme best suited to tackle the basic environmental 
problems with which the Union's citizens and economic actors are confronted in a context 
of sustainable development. 
2. Review of the Framework Programme 
The Environment and climate programme provided significant input to the preparation 
of the proposal for supplementary financing for the Fourth Framework Programme. 
The Commission expressed its intention of (a) concentrating research effort on a number 
of priority themes, above all by improving coordination to ensure efficient implementation 
of the programme in those areas and (b) of stepping up the activities of the programme 
relating to the Task Forces "Water" and "Aircraft of the future" by increasing the budget 
provision. 
3. Preparation of the Fifth Framework Programme 
1996 will be devoted to the preparatory work for the Fifth Framework Programme. A 
number of accompanying measures have been planned to this end. 
7. MARINE SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGIES 
Activities in 1995 
1995 was marked by a transitional period in marine science research with the research 
activities under the Marine science and technology programme (MAST-II) of the Third 
Framework Programme (1990-1994) entering their final stages or being completed, and 
the activities under the Fourth Framework Programme (1994-1998) entering their 
implementation phase (MAST-Ill). 
During 1995, EU RTD activities have continued to promote the emergence and enhance 
the international profile of a European marine science community. Added impetus to this 
trend is expected following the establishment in October 1995, under the joint auspices 
of ESF and of the Commission (DGXII), of the "European Marine Board". 
MAST-supported research has continued to provide much information on processes 
occurring in the seas, especially in relation to operational oceanography,- biological 
productivity, ecosystem properties, or science and engineering in the coastal zone. Much 
39 
effort is invested in large multidisciplinary projects (in the range of 8 to 10 MECU-of EU 
contribution) on regional seas, 2 of which (on the Mediterranean and the North Eastern 
Atlantic shelf edge) were initiated under MAST-II, and 2 others will actually start in 1996 
(on the Baltic Sea and the Canary-Azores region). 
Both MAST-II and MAST-III provide opportunities to carry out research developing new 
instruments for measuring and sampling the seas and the sea-floor, platforms for 
deploying observation equipment, remotely operated underwater vehicles, and a number 
of related technologies (acoustics, imaging and viewing etc.). 
International cooperation has become more marked under MAST-III, in particular with 
organisations from Australia, Canada, USA and Mediterranean third countries expressing 
a strong interest in the programme and participating in projects of mutual benefit. 
In the 1995 round of calls for MAST-III, over 11% of the proposers were from industry. 
An increase is expected in the second call foreseen for early 1996 with the effective 
opening of more opportunities for proposals in the area dealing with marine technologies. 
Proposals of projects for coastal zone science were evaluated jointly with a number of 
projects on the coastal zone submitted to the Environment and climate programme. 
Examples of results 
As MAST-III projects only commenced in 1995, it is too early to identify specific 
results. 
For MAST-II, however, the following projects and activities are particularly relevant : 
The North Atlantic Targeted Project (NATP), involving 110 scientists from 32 
institutions in 10 EEA countries has come close to completion. As a result, the 
previously much neglected research on the continental slope is now ensured by a well 
integrated scientific community. This should shortly lead to substantial breakthroughs 
in our understanding of fluxes and exchanges at the edge of the continental shelf. 
The pilot phase Mediterranean Targeted Project (MTP), involving some 180 scientists 
from 70 organizations out of 14 EEA Member States, has been successfully brought 
to near completion. The most important results include some 40 peer reviewed 
articles, a handbook of analytical methods and protocols, cooperation with scientists 
from third Mediterranean countries and large amounts of data on the Mediterranean 
ecosystem. The MTP has led to the creation of a well-identifiable community of 
scientists involved in Mediterranean research. 
The activities of the MTP and NATP will be continued in follow-up regional seas 
projects in MAST-III. 
The projects ERSEM and MEICE, both concerned with the modelling of ecosystems, 
have led for the first time to modelling of biological interactions from the 
microorganism level up to fish and seabirds. New concepts related to factors which 
control coastal plankton community assemblages and a revision of ecological theory 
concerning marine food webs have been established. These two projects have already 
produced 29 peer reviewed publications and 29 more in preparation. 
40 
The successful technology developments include improved generic communications, 
new sensors to measure substances in the oceans, technologies to determine the 3D 
structure of the oceans or to determine near-bottom velocities in shallow waters. The 
S AMI project has shown that the acoustic synthetic aperture antenna allows mapping 
in the oceans similar to mapping land with SAR radars on satellites. Although 
further developments are needed, all these are marketable products. 
In order to ensure the future of the extremely labour-intensive taxonomy, two new 
instruments have been developed to automatize the classification of phytoplankton. 
Feasibility studies for fully automatic, long-term deep ocean stations have shown that 
such stations are now feasible and that on site interventions are possible. A successor 
project for seafloor laboratories is being funded in the new MAST-III programme. 
The concerted action MMARIE on modelling coordination, studying applications of 
high-performance computing techniques to marine modelling, has brought together 
mathematicians and marine scientists and has gained a high profile. 
The MAST data policy has resulted in strong cooperation on océanographie data 
management between Member States, international organizations and the Commission 
and has led to better services to the user groups and a better dissemination of project 
results and data products. 
In addition to 50 fellowships, well over 260 Ph. D. candidates and 175 post.docs 
have been trained in projects. 
- The Second MAST Days, combined with the EUREKA/EUROMAR Market, were 
held from 7 to 10 November 1995 in Sorrento, Italy. Some 500 people attended the 
18 scientific sessions and the exhibit showing progress of the MAST-II projects and 
the 7 running EUREKA/EUROMAR projects. 
In addition, several thematic workshops attracting up to 160 persons were organized 
throughout 1995. 
Work programme for 1996 
Whilst continuing to implement and manage the RTD projects selected following calls 
for proposals in 1995 the Commission services will carry out work on focusing the 
priorities of the work programme for MAST-III with a view to a further call for proposals 
to be launched in the first half of 1996. This focusing will take account of the outcome 
of the 1995 calls and evolving developments in Commission policies affecting RTD. 
Focusing and Concentration is also reflected in the contribution of MAST-III to the 
Commission's proposal adapting the Fourth Framework Programme and MAST-III will 
make significant inputs to the Task Force on Maritime Systems of the Future. 
1996 will also see preparatory work for the future of marine science research within the 
Fifth Framework Programme. 
41 
LIFE SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGIES 
8. BIOTECHNOLOGY 
Activities in 1995 
S&T achievements 
1. Biotechnology (1992 - 1994) 
The programme had a budget of ECU 186 million, of which ECU 158.11 million were 
contributed to support 133 transnational research projects in total. These projects had a 
more fundamental and strategic orientation and were partly prompted by industry. The 
overall industrial penetration, i.e. the number of projects having at least one industrial 
partner, was 25%), however this percentage was significantly different according" to the 
research nature of the areas of the programme. In addition, the Commission facilitated 
the development of seven industrial platforms as an additional mechanism of coordination 
and communication between the contractors and the potential users. 
During the year 1995, 1651 publications were produced from the 133 projects and 6 
patents were generated and filed. In this programme, 22.5% of these were joint 
publications indicating the intensity of the cooperation between the participating 
laboratories. 
The results from these publications contributed to: 
* the completion of the sequencing of the entire yeast genome; (world first) 
* the assurance of safety when using living cells in the production process; (several 
publications in scientific journals as well as in layman brochures) 
* the contribution to agriculture (transgenic plants, biopesticides), medicine (vaccines) 
and environmental protection (microbial ecology) 
* the opportunities for bio-industries (lactic acid bacteria, extremophiles) 
2. Biotechnology (1994 - 1998) 
The first call for proposals was launched on 17 January 1995 and most of the contracts 
were concluded by-the end of 1995. This first call attracted 315 transnational proposals 
of which 60 were accepted for financial support. The industrial penetration was at the 
level of 56.67 %. The increase in industrial penetration shows that the Biotechnology 
programme is moving in the right direction of reinforcing the science base for improving 
industrial competitiveness at international level. 
With their statutory transnational dimension and the involvement of industry, the projects 
supported by the Biotechnology programme are ideally placed not only to mobilize the 
research potential in the countries involved but also to strengthen the links between basic 
research and applied research, which is one of the characteristics of modern 
biotechnology. 
42 
This programme has been selective in choosing three approaches, each one with a specific 
goal and restricted to identified scientific areas. 
For the highest potential returns on R&D in the medium term, four scientific areas 
benefited from concentration means. 
For an effective coordination and building upon national research programmes, four 
scientific areas benefited from concertation efforts. 
For an effective linking of academic institutions, research laboratories and industry 
(particularly SMEs), four horizontal activities complement the programme mainly on 
issues related to public understanding. 
3. Interprogramme Coordination 
The nature of the two last specific programmes on Biotechnology emphasizes the fact that 
this domain is both crucially dependent on basic science and on new applications at the 
crossroads of biological disciplines, industrial developments, health and environmental 
promotion, and social expectations. Programmes such as Biomedicine and health, and 
Agriculture and fisheries aim to promote the streamlining of biotechnology applications 
within their respective sectoral activities linked to the provision of products and services. 
Based on the nature of the topics of the first call and on the selected projects, an 
interprogramme coordination has been developed between the specific programme on 
Biotechnology and the specific programmes of Biomedicine and health, Agriculture and 
fisheries. Contacts have also been established with the programmes on Environment and 
climate, Dissemination and exploitation of results and Stimulation of the training and 
mobility of researchers. 
Work programme for 1996 
Two calls for proposals of the specific programme on Biotechnology (1994 - 1998) will 
have their closing dates in 1996. The second call which was launched on 15 September 
1995 had its closing date on 10 January 1996. The third call will be launched on 15 June 
1996 having its closing date on 18 October 1996. It is expected that before the end of the 
year all contracts related to the second call will be negotiated and concluded. 
9. BIOMEDICINE AND HEALTH 
Activities in 1995 -
S&T achievements 
Third Framework Programme: the 400 research projects presently ongoing were 
monitored by the project review board which evaluated the yearly reports presented by 
each project coordinator. The general conclusion of the review board was that the 
programme was progressing very well. 
Fourth Framework Programme: 1709 research proposals were submitted by the end of 
March 1995 following the first BIOMED 2 call launched in December 1994. The 
43 
evaluation of these proposals was performed in May 1995 by some 400 independent 
evaluators. 307 projects have been selected, coming up to a budget of 153,7 MECU. The 
negotiation of contracts took place at the end of 1995 in order to start all projects as early 
as possible in 1996. 
The Task Force on Vaccines and Viral Diseases has been set up in order to improve 
European and global welfare, by taking full account of the opportunities arising from 
scientific advances and new technologies. Vaccination is widely recognized as one of the 
most efficient tools of public health policy showing evident cost-benefit advantages for 
all the target populations involved. Prevention through vaccination makes it possible to 
avoid the illness. 
Examples of results 
In the field of bioengineering, a concerted action led by Prof. F. Grandori from Milan (I) 
has brought together the majority of the active centres in Europe. The discovery of active 
mechanisms in the internal structure of the ear is currently producing a revolution in the 
theory of hearing and in practical management of hearing assessment. 
New approaches in cancer therapy are being funded under BIOMED 2. Some of these 
techniques are based on stimulation of the anti-tumour directed immune response. New 
techniques for antibody selection allow the rapid development of very specific antibodies 
with the ability to identify particular cell types. Specific cytotoxic agents or genes can be 
coupled to these antibodies and thus tumours can be directly targeted by these antibodies, 
thereby inducing tumour regression in vivo. 
EUROGEM, the European Gene Mapping Project, includes 23 laboratories. This network 
enabled European researchers from all Member States, in particular those without national 
programmes, to organize human genome research at European level and to come up with 
a European Genetic Map based on the CEPH reference families. At the international 
scale the work on chromosomes 11 and 21 was particularly successful. 
From a broader health perspective a meeting was held in 1995 under the auspices of the 
Biomed programme in Delft (NL) on "Individual responsibility for health; moral issues 
regarding life style and a just distribution of medical resources", gathering experts from 
different Member States in the fields of public health, sociology and ethics. 
Work programme for 1996 
Two calls for research proposals will be launched in 1996. One call to be published on 
15 March will cover the following areas: 
1. Pharmaceuticals research 
2. Biomedical technology and engineering 
3. Brain research 
4.2 Research on AIDS, tuberculosis and other infectious diseases 
5. Human genome analysis. 
The deadline to submit proposals will be 17 June 1996; the evaluation will take place in 
September. 
44 
The other call to be published on 17 September 1996 will cover the remaining areas: 
4.1 Cancer research 
4.3 Cardiovascular diseases 
4.4 Research on chronic diseases, ageing and age-related diseases 
4.5 Research on occupational and environmental health 
4.6 Rare diseases 
6 Public health research, including health services research 
7 Research on biomedical ethics 
8.1 Ethical, legal and social aspects. 
The deadline will be 17 December 1996. 
Action has been taken to increase industrial involvement in the programme, especially the 
participation of SMEs through technology stimulation measures. As of March 1996, 47 
proposals for exploratory awards had been submitted and three evaluation sessions were 
organized, which resulted in 21 proposals being selected for funding. Fifteen of these fall 
within the scope of area 2, one in area 3 and five in area 4. Regular meetings are 
organized with the BIOMED SME Focal Points nominated by the Member States to plan 
activities aiming at stimulating the interest of SMEs in the European R&TD programmes 
and also to encourage a better understanding of their needs. 
10. AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES (including agro-industry, food 
technologies, forestry, aquaculture and rural development) 
Activities in 1995 
S&T Achievements 
Projects within the FAIR, ECLAIR, FAR, CAMAR and FOREST programmes were 
coming to a close in 1995, whereas within the AIR programme, co-managed by DG VI, 
XII and XIV, a total of 407 projects are now under way, many now reaching their 
midway point. 
The FAIR programme adopted in November 1994 launched its first call for proposals on 
15 December 1994, closing on 15 March 1995, and 937 proposals for RTD actions were 
submitted to areas 1, 3.1, 3.2., 4, 5 and 6. In 1995, forty-two of those proposals were the 
subject of contracts by DG VI, forty-six by DG XII and twenty four by DG XIV. 
Following the second call for proposals which closed on 15 September 1995, 233 
proposals for RTD actions were submitted to areas 2, 3.3 and 3.4. An evaluation decision 
for these proposals is due in early 1996. The programme is running on the basis of two 
calls per year. Within the continuously open call for technology stimulation measures in 
favour of SMEs, 95 proposals for exploratory awards and 5 proposals for cooperative 
projects were submitted in 1995. Thirty five of those proposals were the subject of an 
Evaluation Decision in 1995 which led to 7 exploratory award contracts and 2 cooperative 
project contracts. An evaluation decision for 60 proposals submitted in 1995 is due in 
early 1996 and the success rate is expected to be significantly higher than in 1995. 
Nineteen research training grants were also awarded. 
45 
Responding to the need for an extensive and as direct as possible dissemination of 
research results in the field of forestry and forest products accomplished within the 
framework of the FOREST and AIR programmes, DG XII E.2 sponsored an international 
conference on "Progress in Forest Products Research" in Gôttingen, Germany from 19 
to 22 September 1995. Significant breakthroughs were reported in four specific areas of 
forestry/forest products research, namely the link between silvicultural strategies and 
wood quality, progress in timber processing products and quality, new technologies and 
products for wood composites and finally, wood preservation in an environmental context. 
In the non-food sector, the pursuit of new industrial outlets for the abundant biological 
resources available in the EU was extensively addressed in 1995. Diversification for the 
farming community, and an increasing demand by governments, industry, and the 
consumer for renewable raw materials and environment-friendly products are all factors 
which have driven the research interests in this area. 
The main emphasis has been upon adapting and processing the biological raw materials 
available, such as oils, sugars, ,fibres, and secondary metabolites, from new and existing 
crops and agro-industrial waste, and their utilization as bulk or fine commodities for 
industrial usage as a renewable energy source, or as a chemical feedstock. Both of these 
end-uses involve an extensive and diverse range of end products and processes. Five new 
oil crops, and over twelve new fibre, sugar, and pharmaceutical crops have been 
investigated and evaluated as potential new sources for raw materials. Genetic 
manipulation of the existing and new crops has also been investigated with a view to 
increasing the raw material yield and performance. Almost every source of agro-
industrial waste from the food industry and farm practices are being processed to produce 
a wide range of higher added value components. High industrial involvement in 
improving the harvesting, extraction, processing, and market applications of the raw 
materials has dramatically increased and is resulting in a wide range of products now 
coming on-stream. 
New food technologies are being developed by strong European partnerships of industry, 
research and academia in fields such as high pressure food processing, new dairy 
technologies, microwave and thermal processing technologies. A new three-dimensional 
X-Ray inspection system for detection of minute metal and glass fragments in food 
products will be developed, unique to Europe. A project concentrating on Southern 
European dry cured ham production will improve the production technology but also 
involve significant transfer of technology between the partners from different Member 
States. Much of the research on food concentrates, on food nutrition and the role of food 
in disease prevention, and new functional foods or ingredients will result, eg. 
oligosaccharides, dietary fibres, etc. The FLAIR-FLOW action (co-funded by DG XII 
and XIII) is successfully disseminating food and fish processing research results each 
month in 17 countries and organised 24 specialised workshops in 1995. 
The industrial participation in selected proposals in FAIR within the agro-industrial area 
is quite encouraging with a participation rate of 26% to 36% in selected projects, and 
almost equal balance between SMEs and large company participation. 
Support to the Common Agricultural Policy : The research tasks detailed in the FAIR 
programme in the field of agriculture, forestry and rural development have helped to 
target the RTD submissions of the very large number of scientists wishing to participate. 
The best submissions, of high scientific and technical merit, have also responded well to 
46 
the needs of the Common Agricultural Policy and rural development. 
Agriculture, forestry and rural development projects evaluated and selected in 1995 are 
well directed to a range of priorities of EU importance : 
- agro-environmental preoccupations 
- animal health and welfare problems 
- plant health and crop protection issues 
- forestry matters 
There are fewer projects on some other topics which are as vital and where future 
submissions are expected in greater numbers : 
- quality policy for agricultural products 
- diversification, especially non-food 
- rural development RTD 
At the same time as major new projects are being launched many promising results are 
coming from the two earlier specific RTD programmes, the one on "Competitiveness of 
agriculture and management of agricultural resources" (1989-1993), the other linking 
Agriculture, Agro-Industry and Fisheries (1990-1994). These results are attracting the 
interest of a wide spectrum from research to administration, to advisory services, farmers 
and those industries ancillary to agriculture. These results are being widely diffused and 
efforts made to encourage their utilization. 
Projects in agriculture, forestry and rural development have responded well to Community 
needs. For example, a concerted action involving most Member States has succeeded in 
producing insects for use in biological control to explore ways of replacing chemical 
pesticides. Guidelines have been developed to produce beneficial insects such as mites, 
flies and wasps to agreed standards. In animal health, a complete epidemiological study 
was carried out on African Horse Sickness. This project, a model of cooperation and 
technology transfer, has been the key for eradication of the outbreak of the disease in 
Spain. New diagnostic assays that have been developed are now in use at the European 
and FAO Reference Centres for this disease and available for world-wide delivery. In 
the non-food sector, a number of on-going research projects aim to improve utilization 
of primary raw material to increase farm income. Of these trials, some deal with crops, 
to be adapted to a Mediterranean climate, which might be more important in future. An 
example is the work on Cynara Cardunculus, a perennial herbaceous species which can 
be used in the paper pulp industry and as solid fuel. Other research concerns Quinoa and 
Lupin for processing into high value-added pharmaceutical or chemical products. Some 
of the species being examined are characterised by the fact that they require low levels 
of inputs and are therefore more environment-friendly. Making animal production 
systems more environment-friendly has been the aim of a project with pigs. The plan 
was to reduce the amount of dietary nitrogen excreted as liquid and solid wastes and as 
gaseous ammonia. The results included a model to calculate nitrogen excretion from 
easily available farm records, feeding systems with less dietary nitrogen and reductions 
in the amounts of slurry from pig production and its polluting potential. 
Support to the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP): several projects funded within the first 
call for proposals have relevance for the implementation of the CFP, especially those 
concerning the socio-economic aspects of the fishing industry. In particular, the project 
"Foreign trade and seafood prices: implications for the CFP" is expected to be especially 
relevant for the market issues, whereas Concerted Action "A social science network for 
47 
fisheries management" constitute a first step in the inclusion of social aspects related to 
fisheries through a multinational approach. 
Moreover, some of the environmental projects selected under subarea 5.1 and 5.2 are 
likely to elucidate mid-term problems (recruitment estimates, predator-prey relationships, 
etc.) presently affecting the implementation of the conservation policy. Finally, the 
project "Assessment and reduction of the by-catch of small cetaceans" constitutes a highly 
sensitive subject from a political point of view regarding the impact that this problem has 
on public opinion. 
In aquaculture, all the proposals selected for funding will contribute greatly to the viable 
development of the European Aquaculture Industry, which is another of the objectives of 
the CFP. A particular project, "Common dented, a prime new species for aquaculture. 
Development of methods for reliable egg production", will have an important economic 
impact since it will contribute to the diversification in the production of Mediterranean 
fish farms helping them to keep their economic viability, which is affected by market 
problems. 
There is a need to control diseases and to reduce their negative impacts which are, 
economically and environmentally, very relevant in aquaculture. The research project 
"Molecular basis of fish immunity for disease resistance" aims to study, at the molecular 
level, the mechanisms of trout defence against pathogens by assembling molecular 
geneticists, immunologists and virologists. The project also intends to create an industrial 
platform on fish genetics and diseases. 
Work programme for 1996 
In 1996, an evaluation of the Agriculture and Agro-Industry (including Fisheries) 
programme (1991-1994) will be carried out according to Council Decision 91/504/EEC. 
A significant number of projects funded by this programme will come to an end in 1996. 
An evaluation of the impact of Agro-Industrial projects on the competitiveness of the 
Agro-Industrial sector will be initiated. 
Contract negotiations for selected projects following the second call will take place 
between March and June 1996. 794 proposals have been submitted in response to the 
third call for proposals (areas 1, 4, 5 and 6) of the Agriculture and fisheries programme 
that closed in March 1996. They will be evaluated by scientific experts in April and May 
and a Commission Evaluation Decision is expected for September 1996. Contract 
negotiations will take place between September and November 1996. The fourth call for 
proposals (areas 2 and 3 open) will close in mid-September and approximately 300 
proposals are expected. They will be evaluated in October and a Commission Evaluation 
Decision is expected for mid-December 1996. Contract negotiations will take place in 
1997. In the context of the open call for technology stimulation measures in favour of 
SMEs, three evaluations of proposals are expected in 1996. Considering the importance 
attached to the participation of SMEs to commit RTD programmes and to innovation in 
the Agro-Industrial sectors, efforts will be made to increase the participation of SMEs to 
technology stimulation measures, particularly in areas 4 and 5. To this end, awareness 
campaigns will be initiated in collaboration with the programme committee and the 
members of the CRAFT Network of Focal Points. 
48 
Following the recommendations of the annual monitoring report for 1995, a revision of 
the work programme is under way. 
ENERGY 
11. NON-NUCLEAR ENERGY 
Thermie (Demonstration) 
Activities in 1995 
1995 was the first year in which energy technology demonstration activities were carried 
out within the RTD Framework Programme. Previously they had formed part of the 
THERMIE programme for the promotion of innovative energy technology (1990-1994). 
The transition to the Fourth Framework Programme structures and procedures was a 
major challenge to the Commission staff responsible. As a result of delays, no new 
contracts could be signed in 1995, but contracts were signed in the first quarter of 1996 
for: 
147 projects in the areas of Rational Use of Energy, Renewable Energy 
Sources and Fossil Fuels for total Community support of 111 MÉCU. 
250 actions to disseminate new technologies, to encourage the involvement 
of SMEs and to work towards a global energy RTD strategy were also 
selected, representing Community support of 28 MECU. 
The structure of the Fourth Framework Programme led to new and fruitful collaboration 
between THERMIE and JOULE (R&D phase of the Non-nuclear energy specific 
programme). Although the management of the two programmes remained separate, 
several initiatives were undertaken jointly, including the strategy initiatives. 
With the end of the THERMIE programme (1990-1994) came the end of the OPET 
network (Organisation for the Promotion of Energy Technology). Therefore new 
collaboration was established with the Innovation programme, under which a call for 
proposals for a new OPET network was launched. 
THERMIE is also collaborating with other programmes of the Framework Programme in 
the context of the Task Forces. It is active in the Car of Tomorrow Task Force. 
THERMIE's close and constructive relationship with industrial actors, its main 
participants, continued, although it should be noted that the requirement for all projects 
to include participants from more than one Member State appears to have been a 
handicap for SME's. Their share in THERMIE, earlier in the order of 60%, has fallen in 
some sectors, notably renewables. 
Work programme for 1996 
The priority for 1996 will be to avoid the transitional delays experienced in 1995 to 
49 
ensure that contracts following the September 1995 call for proposals are-signed 
promptly. 
The third call for proposals under the new programme will take place in September 1996. 
New integrated targeted projects will be launched as a result of the call for proposals in 
the Rational Use of Energy (buildings and transport) sectors. Further, several strategy 
studies are being launched in order to work towards a comprehensive and relevant 
framework for RTD actions at the Community level, taking into account Member State 
and third country activity. As far as demonstration is concerned, market actors, including 
industry, from all Member States are participating in order to develop a strategy for each 
non-nuclear energy sector. 
As well as collaboration with JOULE, Innovation and other specific programmes, 
collaboration with the INCO programme will be intensified. There will be a call for 
proposals under the INCO programme which will include non-nuclear energy 
demonstration and associated measures. 
JOULE (research) 
Activities in 1995 
1. 1995 was characterized above all by the evaluation of proposals received following 
the call of 15 December 1994. The first call registered a total of 938 RTD 
proposals. These were evaluated in 1995 and a priority list of 181 proposals 
selected for funding. These proposals resulted in 173 contracts, of which 155 were 
concluded in 1995 and the remaining 18 in 1996. 
The first exploratory awards for SMEs were granted and a study launched to 
identify the potential for SME participation in the JOULE programme. 
A call for expressions of interest was published on 15 June 1995 (95/C 148/16) in 
order to establish a list of experts to assist with the accompanying measures of the 
programme. 
The most significant activities in 1995 in each of the four programme areas were 
as follows: 
• RTD strategy: 
Research effort concentrated primarily on : 
- the first applications of the new generation of Energy-Economy-Environment 
models developed under the JOULE II programme; 
- the links between technological innovation (energy-linked) and employment; 
- the environmental costs of energy technologies; 
- the establishment of methods for the definition of a Community RTD strategy 
taking account of possible synergies with national programmes and other 
Community policies. 
50 
An international workshop was organized jointly with the OECD and the IE A on 
the subject of energy externalities. This workshop and the related publications 
presented advances in Community research in this area. 
• Fossil fuels: 
The new contracts funded are heavily oriented towards environmental protection 
and short-term industrial applications. As a corollary, security of supply has 
attracted less attention. 
An expanding area is the use of new types of solid fuels neutral in impact on the 
natural C02 cycle in order to reduce C02 and methane emissions. This involves 
combined combustion of coal and biomass/organic wastes, which was the subject 
of the final report of the APAS "Clean Coal Technology" (1992-1994) report 
published in 1995. This project confirmed not only the technical feasibility" of the 
process, but also its economic and ecological benefits, so justifying the new 
JOULE-THERMIE projects launched in 1995. 
The projects in the "new fuels" area concern more specifically a better 
understanding of the relationship between fuel composition and harmful emissions, 
the use of natural gas and clean combustion of heavy fuel oils. 
The new projects in the "hydrocarbons" area concern techniques for improved 
exploitation of oil reservoirs, including decision-making processes, risk evaluation 
and environmentally beneficial procedures. 
• Optimization of energy systems: 
The projects selected at the first call for proposals mainly concern minimizing 
energy use and facilitating the use of renewable energy sources. The most 
significant work includes: 
- CFC-free heat pumps using solar energy; 
- the development of low-temperature fuel cells for stationary and/or mobile use; 
- the definition of criteria for the development and testing of battery systems for 
the motor industry; 
- energy-environment-transport modelling to produce scenarios of future transport 
demand. 
• Renewable energy: 
The efficiency of windpower is constantly improving with the development by 
European industry of a range of innovatory plant in terms both of the technology 
and its size (1.5 MW), resulting in the creation of about 30 000 jobs over the last 
3-4 years. 
In the photo voltaics sector, support to European industry to reduce the cost of 
mono- and polycristalline cells has continued. Research in the bioclimatic 
architecture sector has made enormous strides with the development of intelligent 
windows, and in particular the completion of the multifunctional facade (30 KW) 
of the Matarô library. In addition, the development plan for the historic centre of 
Regensburg and the reconstruction of Potsdamer Platz in Berlin have provided an 
51 
opportunity to integrate solar technologies in urban planning. 
The APAS activities in the renewables area were launched in 1995 and the results 
should become available before the end of 1996. Measures to accelerate the 
integration of renewable energy sources in society were implemented and the non­
technical aspects of integration are under study. 
Work programme for 1996 
The principal research effort in 1996 will concentrate on: 
funding of the remaining 18 projects from the priority list selected in 1995, 
preparation of the launch of the second call for proposals in September 1996, 
implementation of a renewable energy action plan in three parts: 
1/ funding of additional projects on the reserve list, 
2/ launch of an additional call for proposals concentrating on three priority areas, 
3/ a decentralized information campaign in the Member States. 
Coordination of Community and national RTD policies will be stepped up through a joint 
Commission/Member State exercise focusing on two priority themes: solar photovoltaics 
and clean coal technologies. 
There will be a drive in 1996 to enhance the exploitation of 100 projects carried out 
under JOULE II. The results of this exercise will help to improve programme 
management and utilization of the results of the individual projects. 
Directorate F is responsible for the Task Force The car of tomorrow, created in March 
1995 at the initiative of Commissioners Edith Cresson, Martin Bangemann and Neil 
Kinnock. 
Its objective is to contribute to the R&D effort needed for the development of a 
competitive vehicle that is clean, safe, efficient and intelligent. 
The Task Force's mandate, adopted on 1 June 1995, sets two priorities: 
to take stock of the current situation in the European Union and identify existing 
activities; 
to define the research priorities and technological objectives and propose a 
regrouping of the projects selected under the Fourth Framework Programme. 
An action plan has been drawn up on the basis of the terms of reference and information 
gathered through consultation with representatives of public and private user organizations 
and vehicle manufacturers. 
One of the Task Force's activities is to improve coordination of the overall RTD&D work 
conducted by the Commission and within the national and industry research programmes. 
The JOULE III programme makes a significant contribution to the RTD work of the Task 
Force. Work in the area of hybrid and electric vehicles included extension of battery life, 
definition of performance and characteristics of available traction batteries. 
52 
12. SAFETY OF NUCLEAR FISSION 
Achievements in 1995 
Most research contracts relating to the safety of nuclear fission from the Third 
Framework Programme have been completed and the results published. This particularly 
concerns the following areas: reactor safety, management and storage of radioactive 
waste, decommissioning of nuclear installations, TELEMAN and radiation protection. In 
addition, various conferences were organized in order to present the results obtained in 
these areas to a wider audience. 
The new programme focuses on innovation and the definition of priorities while at the 
same time maintaining continuity. New orientations have been added, such as new reactor 
designs and the consequences of the Chernobyl accident. The research topics relating to 
the latter are those initially figuring in the APAS-COSU programme, extended to take 
account of other contaminated sites. 
A call for proposals was launched in January 1995 with two closing dates: 
20 March 1995 and 28 February 1996. At the first closing date, 253 proposals for 
research and training activities had been submitted, involving 1 360 partners with an 
average of 5-6 partners per proposal. The evaluation led to the selection of 109 proposals, 
including 102 research and training projects and 7 proposals for concerted action. 3/4 of 
the contracts were concluded by trie end of the year. The remainder will be signed in the 
first half of 1996. 
In December 1995, a modified call for proposals was published in light of the results of 
the evaluation of the first call. As a result, proposals may continue to be submitted until 
28 February 1996 in all the research areas involving shared-cost actions, with the 
exception of area A "Exploring innovative approaches", which was fully covered by the 
proposals received and selected in response to the first call. In addition, certain themes 
have been given priority at the expense of research areas covered by the proposals 
received and selected following the first call. 
Work programme for 1996 
By the close of the second call on 28 February 1996, 148 proposals had been received 
involving 780 partners. Evaluation of these proposals is scheduled in March and April 
and selection in July. Contracts will be ready for signature by the end of the year. 
The call for proposals for concerted actions is to remain open until 1 November 1997. 
Two major conferences will be held during the first quarter of 1996, one in Minsk on the 
radiological consequences of the Chernobyl accident, the other in Luxembourg on the 
results of the programme Management and storage of radioactive waste (1990-1994). 
Working groups covering several research projects in a given area will be set up and 
meetings held in the second half of the year to exchange information on progress. 
53 
13. CONTROLLED THERMONUCLEAR FUSION 
Long-term objective and strategy of the programme 
The long-term objective of the fusion programme is "the joint creation of safe, 
environmentally sound prototype reactors"26. Safety and environment issues will be central 
to the construction of the large devices which, after JET (Joint European Torus), are 
included in the strategy leading to the prototype commercial reactor: 
an experimental reactor ("Next Step"), the overall objective of which is to 
demonstrate the scientific and technological feasibility of fusion energy for peaceful 
purposes. The engineering design activities (EDA) of the Next Step reactor, a 
tokamak named ITER ("International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor"), are 
conducted in the framework of the quadripartite cooperation agreement between 
Euratom, Japan, Russia and the United States; 
a demonstration reactor (DEMO), capable of producing significant quantities of 
electricity. 
In parallel with the "Next Step" activities, the programme decision provides for activities 
on concept improvement and long-term technology. 
Implementation 
Unlike the other R&D programmes of the European Union, there are no calls for 
proposals and the programme decision does not provide for the establishment of a work 
programme by the Commission. This is due to the nature of the programme, which covers 
all the activities by Member States (plus Switzerland) in the area of controlled 
thermonuclear fusion by magnetic confinement, and its very long-term objective (over 
several decades), which implies continuity of R&D activities over successive framework 
programmes. 
The projects are the subject of shared-cost research and technological development 
contracts in the framework of contracts of Association with Member States (plus 
Switzerland) or organizations in the Member States, the JET Joint Undertaking, the NET 
Agreement, which takes account of Euratom participation in ITER-EDA, and other 
contracts of limited duration, in particular with organizations in the Member States which 
do not have Associations. Community financial participation in the running expenditure 
of the Associations and contracts of limited duration is normally at a uniform rate of 
about 25%. After consulting the CCFP,27 the Commission may finance the investment 
costs of priority projects at a uniform rate of about 45% and certain tasks (which can 
only be carried out by industry) at a rate of up to 100%. 
26 Council Decision adopting a specific programme of research and training in the field of controlled 
thermonuclear fusion (OJ L 331, 21.12.1994). 
27 Consultative Committee of the Fusion Programme. 
54 
Achievements in 1995 
Next Step activities: 
R&D in plasma physics and engineering in support of ITER-EDA was carried out on JET 
and the specialized devices in the Associations. Following an intensive experimental 
phase, JET was modified in the second half of 1995 to install a new type of divertor. In 
addition, the Commission submitted to the Council a proposal for a Decision28 extending 
JET until the end of 1999 (adopted by the Council on 7 May 199629), the objective being 
to furnish additional data for ITER, in particular ITER EDA, before entering the final 
phase of denterium-tritium operation. In July, collaboration on fusion between the 
Commission and Canada, particularly regarding Canada's participation in the Euratom 
contribution to ITER, was formalized.30 The interim report on the ITER engineering 
design was sent in July to the four ITER partners for evaluation: the Research Ministers 
generally approved the convergent opinions of the CCFP and the CST31 at their October 
meeting, having noted that good progress is being made in establishing the ITER 
engineering design. The ITER Council approved the interim report in December. It 
considers that a Next Step device such as ITER is a necessary stage in progress towards 
fusion power. In order both to make the Union more competitive for the construction of 
ITER and to maintain the possibility of proceeding towards a European Next Step should 
cooperation on ITER prove too difficult, the Commission launched a new qualification 
procedure in December for European firms/groups of firms with a view to their 
participation in the specific 15 technologies of the Next Step (in particular the ITER-
EDA). 
Concept improvements: 
In the Associations, work on specialized devices has contributed to improving knowledge 
of the physics and technologies required for the Next Step. Research on concept 
improvements - for the tokamaks and similar configurations - is also being continued for 
the definition, in the longer term, of DEMO. This research should also help finalize the 
engineering design of the Next Step and prepare its operation. New plasma diagnostic 
methods have been developed in support of these studies. The modernization of existing 
tokamaks has been launched (ASDEX-Upgrade, D, and TORE-SUPRA, F). The design 
of a large stellarator (Wendelstein 7-X, D) has qualified for priority Community funding. 
In synergy with the experimental activities, the activities in theoretical physics have 
focused on the interpretation of the experimental results, the modelling of thermonuclear 
plasmas and the development of innovative concepts. Negotiations were conducted with 
Ireland, Austria and Finland with a view to including their fusion activities in an 
Association contract: a contract was signed in March with the Technology Development 
Centre of Finland (TEKES, which is now a member of the JET Joint Undertaking17). 
Sweden has had an Association since 1976. Negotiations with Ireland and Austria are 
making good progress. 
28 COM(95) 234 final. 
29 OJ L 117, 14.5.1996, p. 9. 
30 OJ L 211, 6.9.1995. 
31 Scientific and Technical Committee. 
55 
Long-term technology: 
The long-term technology effort has been expanded in the associated laboratories and 
industry, and concentrated on a restricted choice of options for the reactor components. 
In particular, the choice of materials has focused on martensitic steels, and there are two 
options only for the tritium breeding blanket. Euratom has participated in the framework 
of an IEA32 Implementing Agreement in a design study on a neutron source based on 
deuteron acceleration. Finally, the evaluation of the safety and environmental aspects of 
fusion power has resulted in the drafting of a report (SEAFP)33 at the request of the 
Council34 and Parliament. This detailed study confirms the advantageous properties of 
fusion power from the point of view of safety and the environment. 
Work programme for 1996 
Improvements to existing devices will be studied in the laboratories. Work will begin on 
the construction of the large stellarator Wendelstein 7-X to be located in Greifswald, D) 
and of a tokamak (MAST, Culham, GB), which has recently been qualified to receive 
priority Community funding. Following the decision to extend JET until the end of 1999, 
divertor tests for ITER will be carried out on JET; towards the end of the year, study 
experiments with D-T fusion plasmas are planned. 
In the technology sector, the use of martensitic steels as structural materials will be 
evaluated, particularly with a view to building blanket modules for DEMO, which will 
be tested in ITER. With regard to the neutron source, a design study report will be 
produced in the course of the year. Finally, certain safety, environmental and economic 
viability aspects of the fusion reactor will be considered. 
On the issues of choosing a site for ITER, authorizations and the contribution of the host 
party, the Commission will draw up technical and financial framework hypotheses to 
facilitate the submission of possible applications for an ITER site in Europe. In keeping 
with the programme decision, the Commission will carry out an independent, rigorous 
evaluation of fusion, in particular with regard to management and activities of the 
programme, the prospects for fusion power (compared with other energy sources) and the 
strategic options relating to the Next Step, international collaboration (in particular ITER), 
the individual parts of the programme, the role of industry and the other approaches to 
fusion. This assessment should provide the necessary data to determine the objectives 
of controlled thermonuclear fusion for the next Euratom framework programme. 
TRANSPORT 
Activities in 1995^ 
In the Transport programme, the first call for proposals closed on 15 March. 333 
proposals, seeking financial support of 489.6 MECU, were received. 109 proposals (plus 
two bids for SME exploratory awards) were accepted for funding, with a Community 
32 International Energy Agency of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (Paris). 
33 Safety and Environmental Assessment of Fusion Power. 
34 OJ L 115, 6.5.1994. 
56 
contribution of 117.18 MECU. The breakdown of proposals by programme sector was 
as follows : 
Sector Proposals 
received Proposals to 
be funded Community 
contribution 
MECU 
Strategic 81 
Rail 18 
Integrated 
transport chains 18 
Air 45 
Urban 66 
Waterborne 71 
Road 32 
SME exploratory 
awards 2 28 
9 
3 
20 
15 
21 
13 17.315 
27.950 
5.000 
20.250 
12.700 
21.960 
11.920 
0.086 
The breakdown of the demand for funds approximately matched the percentages fixed in 
the Council Decision for each sector. A second call for proposals was issued on 15 
December (with a closing date of 15 March 1996). 
Examples of the type of research being financed as a result of the first call for proposals 
are: 
Development of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) 
Rail traffic is currently characterised by delays and hindrances at national borders. One 
of the main reasons for this is the different and often incompatible national signalling and 
management systems. There are, for example, currently thirteen different cab signalling 
systems in Europe. The research, currently being carried out in the Transport RTD 
Programme, will develop a new common Rail Traffic Management System for Europe -
the European Rail Traffic Management System- (ERTMS). This will ensure that, over 
time, the signalling and management systems throughout Europe become compatible and 
that the European railway systems are fully interoperable. As a consequence, delays due 
to incompatible systems will be eliminated. The reduction in such delays and associated 
costs will help improve the attractiveness of rail transport, particularly international 
transport, and contribute to increasing the competitiveness of rail transport in an open 
transport market. 
Improved Safety of Maritime Transport 
Aircraft have for a long time been equipped with a black box, which in the case of an 
accident allows investigators to quickly analyse the causes of the accident and take 
measures to prevent a similar occurrence in other aircraft. The research will, on.the basis 
of this technology, develop a similar tool for the maritime sector, thus enhancing the 
safety of maritime traffic. The research will not only provide the set of basic technical 
specifications which obviously differ considerably from the black boxes traditionally used 
in aircraft, but will also analyse the necessary legal and institutional framework required 
for successful implementation. Any solution will be both cost-effective and "conform to 
international regulations. The results of the research will go a long way to helping avoid 
57 
similar catastrophes to those recently witnessed and will allow the safety of the maritime 
sector to be further improved. 
Strategic research 
The strategic transport research will provide answers to key questions such as how 
policies, including for example pricing, influence mobility and modal split, the impact 
that the Trans-European Transport Network will have on Europe, both in terms of its 
impact on the transport system, but also on the environment and the general quality of 
life of the European citizen. The scenarios to be developed will consider the future 
technological prospects of the transport system, the changes in travel and distribution 
patterns due to changes in society and in industry and the effect that any future expansion 
of the European Union will have upon the transport networks of the EU. The 
development of methodologies which will lead to a European database and information 
system will allow for the first time a comprehensive strategic overview of the European 
transport system as a whole. All of these tools will have one single aim - an improved 
understanding of the European transport system, allowing decisions affecting transport to 
be made in an informed manner and with a full awareness of their impact. 
In December 1995 the three independent experts who form the DG VII Monitoring Panel 
presented their first report on the Transport programme, covering the period January -
December 1995. Their attention was focused primarily on assessing the way in which 
the programme had been implemented and managed. Their overall impression was of "a 
generally well-executed programme, being run by highly professional and dedicated staff, 
with integrity and a growing awareness of the need for vision; but who are unable to take 
all the management initiatives that they recognise to be needed because they are operating 
well below authorised staffing levels." The Panel made eight recommendations 
concerning the structure of any future programme, evaluation and project selection 
procedures, staffing levels, and more flexibility in funding arrangements. 
Research/industry Task Forces "Trains and Railway Systems of the Future" and 
"Transport Intermodality" were established under the presidency of Commissioner 
Kinnock. The Task Forces conducted wide-ranging consultations with transport users, 
operators, supply industries and trade unions. On 29 September terms of reference and 
action plan guidelines for both Task Forces were endorsed at high-level meetings with 
representatives of the various interests, chaired by Mr Kinnock. Two brochures giving 
details of the Task Forces were published in November. The following areas of work 
were identified as being important: 
Trains and Railway Systems of the Future 
- the modular high-speed train; 
- the urban rail network of the future; 
- a European-wide system for traffic management and integrated passenger/freight 
logistics; 
- the "virtual factory" - a cooperative network for railway vehicle and assemblies 
production; 
- the train cargb-liner - a contribution to integrated freight transport chains; 
- accompanying measures. 
58 
Transport Intermodality 
- intermodal freight terminal 2000 +; 
- intermodal freight network 2000 +; 
- transport town 2000 +; 
- intermodal traveller 2000 +; 
- passenger interchange 2000 +; 
- research studies and support activities. 
Work programme for 1996 
Work on the proposals accepted under the first call will be carried out; in the main, 
results are not expected before 1997. 
An information day concerning the second call, on 30 January, was attended by over 600 
researchers. Proposals submitted under the second call, for which a Community 
contribution of some 48 MECU is foreseen, will be evaluated and, subject to the approval 
of the Transport Research Committee, contract negotiations for successful proposals 
should be complete by the end of the year. A third call is to be issued in December. 
The work of the research/industry Task Forces, which have been brought together under 
one priority theme entitled "Transport Intermodality and Interoperability", will be taken 
forward to the extent allowed by supplementary funding within the Fourth Framework 
Programme. 
TARGETED SOCIO-ECONOMIC RESEARCH PROGRAMME 
Activities in 1995 
1. The TSER programme, which was launched in December 1994, explicitly introduces 
the socio-economic dimension in the Framework Programme for the first time. The 
programme aims to develop new knowledge to support future decision-making by 
local, national or Community authorities in the following three areas: 
Area I Evaluation of science and technology policy options 
Area II Research on education and training 
Area III Research into social integration and social exclusion in Europe. 
Following a first call for proposals in March 1995, 548 proposals were received of 
which 38 were selected for funding of « 20 MECU, » 12 MECU of which was 
committed in 1995. Over the next two or three years, these proposals will examine 
problems such as: 
- research and innovation systems in Europe; technology and employment (including 
knowledge-intensive services); methods to design, pilot and assess S&T policies, 
restructuring of S&T and cooperation with third countries (area I); 
- best practice in pre-school education, new learning techniques and the role of new 
technologies, assessment of the institutional efficiency of universities, education and 
training for work (area II); 
- the description and analysis of exclusion situations and best practice to remedy 
them (area III). 
59 
Contract negotiation will be concluded in 1996 and the first results of this work are 
expected towards the end of 1996. 
The ET AN network (European Technology Assessment Network) was launched in 
November 1995 in order to complete the activities of the first area and is entering its 
initial phase. 
An interdepartmental group was set up in February to ensure the exchange of 
information and the coherence and complementarity of the activities of the TSER 
programme with the socio-economic activities of the other specific programmes of the 
Framework Programme. Following a preliminary analysis, a summary report of the 
socio-economic measures conducted under the Fourth Framework Programme is being 
prepared. 
Close links have been established in the Commission between the activities of area I 
and the ITPS (Institute of Prospective Technological Studies), DG XIII-D (R&TD 
activities: dissemination and utilization of the results of RTD research activities, 
technology transfer and innovation) and EUROSTAT, which regularly takes part in 
the ET AN meetings. DG XXII (Education, Training and Youth) is closely associated 
with the area II activities. Some area II activities are conducted in the framework of 
the multimedia Task Force (a working group has begun its activities). Finally, DG V 
(Employment, industrial relations and social affairs) is closely associated with the 
area II activities as regards social exclusion aspects and with the other areas on 
employment matters. A collaboration protocol between DG V and DG XII-H is being 
considered. 
Problems encountered 
No particular problems have been encountered in implementing the programme. 
However, the poor success rate of the first call for proposals (38 accepted out of a total 
of 548 received) means that the second call scheduled for 1996 must be better targeted. 
Participation by industry is marginal, due to the special nature of the subjects dealt with 
by this programme. By contrast, user participation, already envisaged in some projets, 
should increase in future. 
Work programme for 1996 
The keen interest generated by the first call produced a large number of proposals 
compared with the available resources. In order to concentrate the limited resources of 
the programme more effectively on important areas not covered by the first call, the 
second call scheduled for summer 1996 will be targeted on the following subjects: 
Area I - innovation, employment and growth 
- new science and technology developments and the quality of life; the 
organization of society 
Area II - education and training, labour market and unemployment (life-long 
learning ) 
- education and training and the emergence of the information society 
- access to education and training of disadvantaged groups 
60 
Area III - causes of social exclusion, particularly unemployment 
- evaluation of the impact of social integration policies 
- horizontal activities and research infrastructure. 
The research on some of the subjects should be placed in perspective in order to 
illuminate the problem of employment and the knowledge society from different angles. 
In order to consolidate research work in progress, the networks linked to area I projects 
in particular have been mobilized this year to find answers to questions on future 
Community and national policies, such as: 
(i) What lessons can be drawn from the different approaches of the innovation 
systems? 
(ii) How can an S&T policy based on "demand" be achieved? 
(iii) What contribution can the various national long-range technology planning exercises 
make to EU S&T policy? 
Summary papers will be prepared on completion of these activities, which may contribute 
to the preparation of the Fifth Framework Programme. Other subjects are being 
examined and may be dealt with in 1996, such as: dissemination and utilization of 
technology; lessons to be drawn from the different experience of mission-oriented 
research similar to the approach of the Task Forces. 
SECOND ACTIVITY OF THE FOURTH FRAMEWORK PROGRAMME 
INTERNATIONAL RTD COOPERATION 
Activities in 1995 
International cooperation is increasingly becoming an essential dimension of action by 
the EU in the field of research and technological development (RTD). The Fourth 
Framework Programme (1994-1998) introduced an innovatory specific RTD programme 
"Cooperation with third countries and international organizations" (INCO). 
This programme, which was implemented for the first time in 1995, now integrates 
hitherto dispersed research cooperation activities (COST, EUREKA, PECO, 
COPERNICUS, ISC, STD) in a coherent framework. 
Several factors are implicated in the growing importance of international scientific 
cooperation: the growth of new research centres tliroughout the world, the emergence of 
global problems (health, environment, etc.), the soaring costs of research, (energy, space, 
etc.), the desire to gain access to new markets through cooperation in the context of 
liberalization of world trade (WTO, NAFTA, MERCOSUR), the development of the 
information society, etc. 
In addition, Europe has much to gain from S&T cooperation with partners in third 
countries: identification of themes important to the future, access to information sources, 
know-how, equipment, markets, improvement of its economic competitiveness, etc. 
61 
Based on the principles of "mutual advantage" and "subsidiarity", the structure of the 
INCO programme reflects the different nature of the objectives of cooperation depending 
on the partners, divided into four target groups: the other European science and 
technology cooperation frameworks (COST, EUREKA, international organizations); 
Central and Eastern Europe and the New Independent States of the former Soviet Union 
(PECO, NIS), the non-European developed countries and the developing countries (DCs). 
The INCO programme was successfully launched in 1995 through the implementation of 
its various constituent instruments: dialogue, concerted actions, shared-cost actions, 
accompanying or support measures (studies, conferences, etc.) and, in certain cases, 
support to the participation of third countries in other specific programmes of the Fourth 
Framework Programme (PECO, NIS, DCs). 
In the context of the European Economic Area, Iceland and Norway (members of the 
EEA since 1 January 1994) and Liechtenstein (a member since 1 May 1995) were closely 
associated with the specific programmes of the Fourth Framework Programme. 
Action was directed towards the following main aims: 
to strengthen the scientific and technological bases of the EU and enhance the 
"added value" of European research effort to mutual benefit : 
In this spirit, an active policy of negotiating cooperation agreements with various partners 
was conducted in 1995: Switzerland, Canada, USA, Africa, Israel, etc. Some of these 
agreements have already been signed, e.g. the agreement between the European 
Community and Canada or the R&D cooperation agreement on the monitoring of nuclear 
safety signed with the USA. The agreement with Israel is designed to associate that 
country in all the non-nuclear specific programmes of the Fourth Framework Programme. 
In addition to these initiatives, a wide variety of contacts have been made: Task 
Force EC/USA on research in biotechnology; Mrs Cresson's visit to Tokyo resulting in 
intensified joint industrial and seismic research and an increase in the number of research 
fellowships for European scientists and engineers in Japan; participation in the eighth 
meeting of the Carnegie Group involving the Research Ministers of the seven main 
industrialized countries and the Commission. 
At the same time, efforts to coordinate research funded nationally at European level were 
continued. 19 new COST projects started, bringing the total number in progress to 123 
in 17 research areas. In addition, pragmatic coordination continued between the 
Community and the pan-European EUREKA initiative. The close links established 
between the Community MAST programmes (Marine Science and Technologies) and IMT 
(Industrial and Materials Technologies) and the EUREKA EUROMAR and 
FAMOS-FACTORY activities respectively are examples of effective coordination. In 
1995 the Commission participated in 13 projects and nine "umbrella" EUREKA 
initiatives. In some cases, the Commission and more particularly the JRC is project 
leader. Furthermore, the Community's links with various European research bodies were 
strengthened (e.g. the European Centre for Nuclear Research - CERN, the European 
Space Agency - ESA). More precisely, an administrative arrangement was concluded 
between the Commission and the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL). 
62 
to contribute to the solution of regional problems of the PEC0/N1S and prepare the 
accession of the associated PECO : 
On the margins of the Council meeting on research of 9 June 1995 a first informal 
meeting was organized between the EU Research Ministers and their counterparts from 
PECO and associated Baltic States. This first meeting in the "structured dialogue" 
initiative led to the identification of priority themes for those countries (environment, 
health, energy, biotechnology, etc.). 
On these bases, and following an active information campaign in the countries concerned, 
a call for proposals was launched and the 2 000 proposals received are being evaluated. 
Participation in other programmes of the Fourth Framework Programme was also funded 
in 1995, even though the number was limited by the low budget available. Furthermore, 
a Communication on the prospects for RTD cooperation with the NIS was presented to 
the Council, while the Council agreed to continue Community participation in the 
Association for the Promotion of Cooperation with the Scientists of the New Independent 
States of the former Soviet Union (INTAS) until the end of the Fourth Framework 
Programme. At the end of 1995, the latter provided funding of 46 MECU to around 
1 000 joint research projects, covering exact and natural sciences, economics and the 
humanities. On the other hand, the International Centre for Science and Technology 
(ICST) continued its action to reorient military scientists from the former Soviet Union 
towards civil activities (a total of 11 000 scientists and engineers involved since 1994, 
3 000 of whom were part of the hard core of weapons research). In addition, a meeting 
of the EU/PECO Forum was held on the information society, which will be followed up 
in the years to come. 
to support the EU's development aid policy through scientific cooperation : 
The three main areas concerned by this cooperation (health, agriculture, management of 
natural resources) aim to cater to those countries' essential requirements. In 1995 
approximately 800 contracts resulting from previous initiatives were still in progress -
Science and Technologies for Developing Countries (STD3), International Scientific 
Cooperation (ISC) and the research initiative to promote cooperation between the EC and 
the Mediterranean countries (Avicenne). Following a new call for proposals for 
INCO-DC launched in March 1995 under the Fourth Framework Programme, over 
20 research projects involving more than 150 partners were selected from among the 
77 proposals eligible, and received 12 MECU from the 1995 budget. The two main 
subjects involved are animal health and, in respect of human health, vaccines. Another 
821 eligible proposals were received in response to the second part of the first call, 
concerning primarily the agriculture/agri-food sector, the management of renewable 
resources, health and information and communication technologies. 
Other activities in 1995 include: a Commission working paper on the European initiative 
for agricultural research for development, in preparation for a communication on the 
subject; the organization of 22 seminars on a wide variety of subjects (tropical medicine, 
fisheries, biotechnology) with the aim of disseminating the research results or defining 
priorities for future activity (e.g. the Sophia Antipolis seminar of March 1995 on "Europe 
of research and the Mediterranean", which contributed to the preparation of the Barcelona 
Euro-Mediterranean Conference in November 1995). 
63 
to stimulate overall reflection on international RTD cooperation : 
A general Communication on the "Perspectives for international cooperation in the field 
of research and technological development" was presented to the Council. This provides 
in particular for strengthening the external dimension of the EU's RTD policy based on 
different approaches: bilateral, multilateral, regional or global. The emphasis is on the 
need for greater industrial participation in international scientific cooperation activities 
or the importance of mobilizing other Community funds (PHARE, TACIS, MED A, Lomé 
Convention, etc.) to support research by the PECO, non-EU Mediterranean countries, the 
NIS and the DCs. Reflection will continue on this important paper, which was the 
subject of a Council Resolution of 25.3.1996. 
Work programme for 1996 
The broad lines of action to be carried out in 1996 comprise primarily: 
continued implementation of the specific programme on international cooperation 
and management of achievements hitherto : 
This will involve, for example, the monitoring of contracts in progress, the management 
of new calls for proposals concerning the DCs, the PECO/NIS or the Japan/Korea 
fellowships; coordination of national activities in the COST framework and continued 
support to the NIS through INTAS and ISTC. 
expanding the scope of international cooperation in the long-term interest of 
European RTD : 
This will take place through the implementation of existing bilateral agreements and the 
negotiation of new S&T cooperation agreements (e.g. EU/Switzerland, EU/USA; 
EU/South Africa); the preparation of three new communications on RTD cooperation 
concerning: the associated PECO; the emerging countries; the Mediterranean countries; 
participation in various events: EUREKA Ministerial Conference, Second S&T Forum 
EU/Japan, meeting of the Megascience Forum and the Carnegie Group. 
optimizing the cost-effectiveness of the specific programme on international 
cooperation : 
This will above all involve improved coordination of programme management, 
particularly through the Task Forces, including the development of international 
cooperation in the areas they cover; stronger links with other Directorates-General 
managing complementary activities (PHARE, TACIS, MED A, Lomé Convention), in 
liaison with the external policy dimension of the RTD policy of Member States and the 
EU in the context of the recent Euro-Mediterranean, EU-USA and Euro-Asiatic summits. 
strengthening coordination between the activities of the Union and those of the 
Member States in the field of RTD cooperation with third countries : 
This will be the subject of a study in progress entitled INCOPOL. 
• * 
64 
THIRD ACTIVITY OF THE FOURTH FRAMEWORK PROGRAMME 
DISSEMINATION AND OPTIMIZATION OF RESULTS 
Activities in 1995 
The specific programme corresponding to the Third Activity (the "INNOVATION" 
programme) was adopted by the Council on 15 December 1994.35 
Because of the nature of its activities and its horizontal character this programme is 
central to the problems of competitiveness and directly contributes to the objectives of 
the Framework Programme as set out in Article 13Of of the Treaty. 
During 1995 implementation started of most of the activities mentioned in the work 
programme adopted at the beginning of the year. Among the most important ones are: the 
network of Innovation Relay Centres and the Community Research and Development 
Information and Dissemination Service (CORDIS). 
As regards the Relay Centres, their mission has been widened with respect to the pilot 
scheme launched under Value and reoriented towards a demand-led approach taking into 
account the needs of the industrial fabric, to include and emphasize exploitation, 
technology transfer and innovation in addition to the provision of information on 
Community RTD.% 
Under this new mission the Relay Centres will become "poles" in a region which will 
provide access to the required expertise to support the exploitation, technology transfer 
and innovation activities of the SMEs in that region. As the result of the call for 
proposals36 (deadline 15 March 1995), the network of Relay Centres was substantially 
strengthened and consisted at the end of 1995 of 52 such centres compared to 32 at the 
end of the Third Framework Programme, requiring a total commitment in 1995 of 
approximately 23 MECU. 
As regards CORDIS, a call for tenders37 for the continuous operation and further 
development of the system, which itself was already launched under the Third Framework 
Programme, was published in mid-1995. As a result, the system will evolve further during 
the next three years by improving the general quality and user interface of the databases, 
the use of new information channels and inclusion of gateways to other European RTD 
information sources. 
Thus at the end of 1995 the two main elements of the European infrastructure for 
dissemination and exploitation were in place and ready to contribute to the further 
industrialisation of RTD results, Community as well as national ones, especially by 
SMEs. 
In addition to the above a number of other activities have been launched in 1995 
involving SMEs. An example is the technology transfer and validation projects. These 
35 OJ No L 361, 31.12.1994, p.101. 
36 OJ NoC 12, 17.1.1995, p. 9. 
37 OJ No C136, 03.06.1995, p. 23. 
65 
projects aim to transfer modern technologies which are used in one sector or region of 
the Community to firms in another sector or region where they are not yet used, 
respectively to validate the innovation potential of RTD results particularly in other fields 
of activity than those in which they were initially obtained. A call for proposals for both 
types of projects published on 15 March 1995 resulted in the selection of 100 such 
projects, 60 of which are coordinated by SMEs, involving in total about 300 SMEs. These 
100 projects will also be used as test-beds to demonstrate transnational technology 
transfer and validation mechanisms. The projects consist of a small definition phase and, 
if successful, a major implementation phase. The commitments in 1995 concerned only 
the definition phases of these 100 projects and amounted to approximately 7 MECU. 
Another example is the audits of regional infrastructures to support innovation and 
technology transfer. The aim of such audits is to possibly improve the functioning of 
those infrastructures, in particular to attune them more to the needs of SMEs in their 
region. Currently about 65 regions, selected following calls for proposals, are carrying out 
such audits. They are supported in their efforts jointly by the Innovation programme and 
regional policy - under Article 10 of the ERDF. 
Following the request by the Council and the European Parliament for close co-ordination 
of the dissemination and optimization activities carried out under the specific 
programmes38 of the first activity with those carried out by activity three, an inter-
programme co-ordination and planning mechanism was set-up during 1995 and is starting 
to yield tangible results. 
One example is the joint development and testing of a prototype interactive multimedia 
presentation of Community RTD results to be eventually supported by CORDIS. This tool 
will enhance the dissemination and exploitation of Community RTD results beyond the 
undertakings and scientific Community that have been directly associated with the 
research work that generated them. 
Another example concerns exploitation of Community RTD results by third parties. 
Attention will be focused on those RTD projects that achieve exploitable results but 
which, for whatever reasons, the consortium partners either cannot exploit themselves or 
not exclusively. 
The Innovation programme also played a central role in developing the Green Paper on 
Innovation, which was adopted by the Commission in December 1994. The objective is 
to identify the factors that foster or obstruct innovation in the Community and to propose, 
at all levels of decision-making -regional, national and Community wide - concrete, short-
and medium-term actions that will strengthen the innovation capacity in the European 
Union. The Green Paper therefore, in addition to research and technology, also tackles 
education and training, the mobility of individuals and ideas, the legal and regulatory 
environment and financing, especially venture capital. 
Work programme for 1996 
The implementation of the Innovation programme in 1996 will include calls for proposals 
38 A sum representing an average of 1 % of the total budget of the Fourth Framework Programme is allocated 
to dissemination and optimization of results in the framework of the first activity. 
66 
in the area of financial actions, the promotion of innovation management techniques, 
increasing public awareness of research and technology and the continuation of the OPET 
(Organisations for the Promotion of Energy Technologies). The inter-programme co­
ordination for the dissemination and optimisation of European Union sponsored R&D 
results will also be continued. In addition, ad hoc dissemination and exploitation services 
will be provided in support of all Community policies. 
Finally, a study has been launched on the basis of guidelines drawn up by a pilot group 
to determine a common methodological basis for assessing the results of the RTD 
projects. 
FOURTH ACTIVITY OF THE FOURTH FRAMEWORK PROGRAMME 
TRAINING AND MOBILITY OF RESEARCHERS 
Activities in 1995 
1 .Introduction 
1995 was the year in which the Training and mobility of researchers (TMR) programme 
was implemented, which was adopted by Council Decision of 19 December 1994. 
As the process of adopting the programme by Parliament and the Council was much 
faster than in the case of the previous Human capital and mobility programme (HCM), 
the budget will be spent over four years rathei than in 30 months as was the case with 
the HCM programme. 
The work programme for 1995 develops the text adopted by the Council and takes 
account of experience gained from implementation of the HCM programme. The main 
changes include: 
concentration of the "network" activity on a smaller number of contracts; 
the introduction for the first time in the "access to large-scale facilities" activity of 
joint research projects on improvement of the facilities; 
the establishment of a schedule (based on reimbursement of tax and social security 
costs in the Member States) for the payment of grants in the various Member States 
of the European Union; 
the funding of practical courses and summer schools under the "Euroconferences and 
accompanying measures" activity and the conduct of detailed analyses of the short-, 
medium- and long-term impact of the programme; 
increased industry participation and greater consideration of the cohesion objectives. 
The TMR programme, like its predecessors Science, Large Installations Plan and HCM, 
is based on bottom-up research, i.e. oriented towards targets defined by the researchers 
themselves other than the objectives laid down at the launch of the programme. In this 
it differs from all the other Community R&D programmes under the Fourth Framework 
Programme. 
67 
Without changing this system, which utilizes researchers' powers of imagination to the 
full, new measures have been taken to facilitate greater participation by industry in the 
programme (increased presence of industry researchers in the scientific evaluation panels 
and opening of wider channels of communication with industry). 
With regard to cohesion, the results of the selections made in 1995 show a significant 
growth in the representation of researchers from the less-favoured regions in the 
programme, which has been achieved without any changes to the requirements as to 
scientific quality on which Community research policy is based. 
2. Activities relating to the training and mobility of researchers 
Seven calls for proposals were published in 1995, which led to the evaluation of 91 
research networks, the adoption of 84 projects designed to improve researchers' access 
to large-scale research facilities, the award of 582 grants for research through training 
(pre- and post-doctoral level) and the funding of 55 Euroconference contracts, practical 
courses and accompanying measures. Some 115 MECU were committed out of the 
750 MECU envisaged for the whole duration of the programme. 
The 91 research networks proposed for funding in 1995 account for 150 MECU and 
involve over 700 research teams (with 5 000 scientists), to which about 2 500 young 
researchers will be associated. The contract negotiations and corresponding commitments 
are in progress. The contracts will have an average duration of four years. 
The 84 contracts for large-scale facilities account for 72 MECU. They will each run for 
three years and enable about 4 000 European researchers to gain access to large-scale 
European research facilities. 
The budget for the 582 contracts for training through research amounts to 47.8 MECU, 
all of which was committed in 1995. These contracts of a duration of between three 
months and three years will enable young European researchers to acquire training 
through and for research in the best laboratories of the European Union. Of the 582 
contracts, 146 benefit researchers from the less-favoured regions of the Union. About 
10% of the budget for the training through research activity is dedicated to "return 
grants", which will enable researchers from less-favoured regions of the' Union 
(objective 1 regions) who have been in receipt of a two-year TMR grant, to receive a 
grant for an additional year to ease their return to their region of origin and apply their 
newly acquired knowledge there. 58 recipients from less-favoured regions were selected 
by the Commission in 1995 and will return to laboratories in their region of origin during 
1996. To the abovementioned 582 contracts will be added 720 new contracts evaluated 
and/or negotiated at the beginning of 1996. 
The 55 contracts for Euroconferences and accompanying measures decided by the 
Commission in 1995 will enable about 140 Euroconferences, practical courses and 
summer schools to be held (an average of 2.5 meetings per contract), with the 
participation of more than 14 000 European scientists, a quarter of whom will be young 
scientists. The average duration of a contract of this type is three years. The proposals 
submitted in response to the call published on 15 June 1995 were evaluated in 
December 1995. Some 65 new contracts involving a budget of 5.4 MECU will be funded 
as a result. 
68 
3.. Continuation of the activities of the previous Framework Programmes in the field of 
researcher mobility and basic research 
Around 800 contracts were concluded under the specific Science programme of the 
Second Framework Programme, 150 of which are still ongoing and scheduled to end in 
1996 and 1997. These ongoing contractual activities involve a great deal of management. 
Directorate XII also continued in 1995 to manage the Human capital and mobility 
programme (1992-1994). Most of the contractual activities were still ongoing at the end 
of the year (639 contracts for research networks, 667 for institutional grants, 1 034 
individual grants, 67 contracts for large-scale facilities and 310 Euroconferences) and are 
set to end in 1997 and 1998. 
4. Coordination of overall Community training activities 
This coordination work by the personnel responsible for the Training and mobility of 
researchers programme enables common or identical principles and mechanisms to be 
applied to the management of Community training through research activities: 
a set of common rules and procedures (calls for proposals, selection, decisions, 
contracts, data-processing, etc.); 
an information dossier comprising a single application form for all training grants; 
a single reception point for all proposals for training through research grants for the 
various specific programmes of the Fourth Framework Programme; 
a single dispatch point through which all the written procedures dedicated to the 
selection decisions are channelled; 
the organization at regular intervals of coordination and concertation meetings with 
the departments concerned. 
The tax and social security costs to which the Community grants are subject vary 
considerably from one Member State to another. Under the previous programme (Human 
capital and mobility), this resulted in unequal and often unjust integration conditions in 
the host countries. At the Council's request, the Commission drew up interim 
arrangements for the TMR programme based on the legal, financial and social conditions 
in the host country which did much to iron out this inequality. 
In addition, coordination between the DGs concerned (DG XII, DG XXII) of training 
activities other than training through research implies the organization of regular 
interdepartmental consultation and contribution to the preparation of guides and reports 
(e.g. "Citizen First", a Green Paper on the obstacles to mobility under preparation,in 
1996). 
Work programme for 1996 
All the activities described in the preceding paragraphs will be continued in 1996 on both 
the administrative and budgetary level and the scientific level. A catalogue of contracts 
and a first inventory of the results will be published towards the end of the year. 
69 
At the same time, 10 new calls for proposals will be launched for each of the four 
activities of the TMR programme (see Table 8 in Part 3 of this report for the details). 
With regard to training grants, Mrs Cresson, the Commission Member responsible for 
RTD and the JRC, human resources, education, training and youth, has decided to group 
together in a new "Marie Curie" scheme the training through research activities of the 
TMR programme and those of the preceding Human capital and mobility programme, 
which will help to create a clear identity for the participants in the TMR activities. The 
"Marie Curie Grants" scheme is due to be officially announced by Commissioner Cresson 
at a seminar in Brussels, to which many of the TMR grant-holders selected hitherto will 
be invited. The organization of this event, which is planned for the second half of 1996, 
is in progress. 
Finally, in the "institutional grants" area of the HCM programme, 600 new institutional 
grant-holders will be selected by the Commission in 1996 in the framework of contracts 
signed previously. Two further selection exercises will be held in May and 
September 1996, each involving about 200 grant recipients. 
JOINT RESEARCH CENTRE 
Activities in 1995 
Orientations 
1995 was the first year of a new approach for the JRC. In conformity with the Council 
conclusions of 26 April 1994 on the role of the JRC, the Centre in 1995 has engaged in 
institutional activities as well as competitive activities, the former covering institutional 
research and institutional scientific and technical support to Community policies. The 
competitive activities include participation in shared-cost actions under the Framework 
Programmes, competitive support measures for Commission services responsible for the 
various Union policies, competitive activities outside the Community Framework 
Programmes and contractual work performed for outside third parties. 1995 was, 
moreover, the year in which the newly appointed Commission launched initiatives for 
establishing better bonds between industry and research. Within this frame the 
Commissioner for research, Mrs. E. Cresson, strongly emphasised the need, for further 
commercialisation of JRC research results and for improved communication of JRC 
activities. 
New challenges : competitive activities : Following extensive preparations begun in 1994, 
the JRC responded to the challenge set by the new opportunities opened up in 1995 for 
competitive activities. Together with partners from industry, research centres and 
universities throughout the Union and associated countries, more than 300 proposals were 
made in response to the first call for proposals under the new Framework Programmes, with 
a success rate of 28%. The JRC also presented proposals for competitive support activities 
and for Community programmes outside the Framework Programmes, notably PHARE and 
TACIS, where contracts were won for nuclear safety work in the Central and Eastern 
European countries, Russia and.other Newly Independent States (NIS). Taking up these new 
opportunities required intensive marketing by the JRC. They were made possible by a series 
of legal, financial, budgetary and administrative decisions by the Community institutions 
(Council, Parliament, Commission). These included the necessary amendments to the 
70 
Financial Regulation for the European Union budget, decided on in September 1995. 
Visits by the Commissioner : On 20 July 1995 Commissioner Cresson, made her first visit 
to the JRC, starting with the Institutes at Ispra, followed by a visit to the Institute for 
Transuranium Elements (ITU) in Karlsruhe in September and the Institute for Prospective 
Technological Studies (IPTS) in Seville in December, where she inaugurated the new 
technological watch function of the Institute. 
New directors : During the year, four new Directors of JRC Institutes, namely the Institute 
for Systems Engineering and Informatics (ISEI), the Environment Institute (EI), the 
Institute for Remote Sensing Applications (IRSA) and the Institute for Advanced Materials 
(IAM), took up their posts, after appointment by the Commission acting on the advice of 
the Board of Governors. 
Communication initiatives : Links between the JRC and industry, research centres and 
universities were also reinforced through the organisation of Information Days in London, 
Athens, Copenhagen, Milan and Vienna, on the initiative of Members of the Board of 
Governors. JRC availability in support of Union policies was further publicised by 
information activities directed to other Commission services, including a Newsletter and 
targeted seminars. 
Objectives and S&T progress : 
Institutional activities : JRC specific research programmes: The major task of the JRC in 
1995 was to contribute to the implementation of the JRC specific programmes under the 
Communities' Framework Programmes in their first year of existence. This contribution 
was carried out through institutional research activities and through institutional scientific 
and technical support activities for the services of the Commission. 
Institutional research activities: In 1995, institutional research activities accounted for 73% 
of the JRC's institutional activities; they are carried out under the following programme 
lines: 
1. The Industrial and materials technologies programme is carried out by the Institute for 
Advanced Materials (IAM) and encompassed research projects on advanced materials, 
on surface engineering, on new ecofriendly materials and on non-destructive evaluation 
techniques for the inspection of industrial structural components. 
2. The Measurements and testing programme encompassed research projects on reference 
measurements and materials, carried out by the Institute for Reference Materials and 
Measurements (IRMM); and on the assessment of the reliability of structures, carried 
out by the Institute for Safety Technology (1ST). 
3. The Environment and climate programme consisted of research projects on atmospheric, 
soil, water and waste pollution, executed by the Environment Institute (EI); on the 
gradual setting up of the Centre for Earth Observation, a decentralised European data 
management and information system, and on applications of remote sensing techniques, 
carried out by the Institute for Remote Sensing Applications (IRSA); and on industrial 
hazards carried out by the Institute for Safety Technology (1ST) and by the Institute for 
Systems Engineering and Informatics (ISEI). 
71 
4. The Non-nuclear energy programme consisted of research projects related to materials 
for clean technologies, carried out by the Institute for Advanced Materials (IAM), and 
to standardisation of photovoltaic devices, carried out by the Institute for Systems 
Engineering and Informatics (ISEI). 
5. The Nuclear fission safety programme encompassed a number of research activities 
ranging from studies on reactor safety, carried out by the Institute for Safety 
Technology (1ST), by the Institute for Systems Engineering and Informatics (ISEI) and 
the Institute for Advanced Materials (IAM), to research activities on nuclear safeguards 
and fissile materials management, executed by the Institute for Safety Technology (1ST), 
the Institute for Systems Engineering and Informatics (ISEI), and the Institute for 
Transuranium Elements (ITU). ITU carried out research on nuclear fuels and actinides. 
6. The Controlled thermonuclear fusion programme (Technology and safety) is carried out 
by the Institute for Safety Technology (1ST), the Institute for Systems Engineering and 
Informatics (ISEI), and the Institute for Advanced Materials (IAM). 
7. The Targeted socio-economic research programme includes the Science and Technology 
Observatory function and prospective work the activities of the Institute for Prospective 
Technological Studies (IPTS). The essential role of the Institute is to harvest the 
available contributions from experts, consultants, research organisations and institutes 
in Member States and when possible in third countries, in order to analyse, process and 
integrate them impartially and in depth and, more importantly, to distil clear trends or 
needs for action in a usable form for decision makers. 
Institutional scientific and technical support for Community policies 
The JRC provided scientific and technical support to Union policies at the request of the 
relevant Commission services, in conformity with the Council Decisions of 15 December 
1994 (which adopted the actual specific programmes of the JRC). These Scientific and 
Technical activities accounted for 27% of the JRC's Institutional activities. 
The support activities are customer-driven, in fulfilment of impartial and neutral scientific 
and technical requirements arising from EC directives, decisions of the Commission and 
the Council, or obligations stemming from the Euratom Treaty. The effective 
customer/contractor relationship between the requesting services of the' Commission and 
the JRC Institutes is expressed in the elaboration and signing of inter-DG collaboration 
agreements. 
General monitoring of such JRC services to the other Directorates-General of the 
Commission has been exercised by an official inter-DG Committee, established by a 
Commission decision. This group met twice in 1995, with a high attendance. Its role is 
twofold: monitoring the work performed, so as to ensure a smooth, mutual exchange of 
information on the activities (over 100 abstracts related to these support activities were 
communicated in 1995 to all DGs), and planning activities for the following year, taking 
into account priorities, new requests and budget limitations. 
These scientific and technical support activities were related to the following Framework 
Programme lines: Information technologies, Environment and climate, Agriculture and 
fisheries, Targeted socio-economic research and Nuclear safety and safeguards. 
In 1995, the support for environmental policy accounted for 46% of the total support 
budget. Support for the common agricultural policy accounted for 16,5% and support for 
72 
nuclear safeguards for 32%. 
In 1995, the JRC published in total more than 1000 papers and 26 JRC patents were 
granted. The detailed lists of JRC publications and patents are published each year in the 
"Publications Bulletin". 
JRC and competitive activities 
Around 20% of the global JRC budget for 1995-1998 should be earned through 
competitive activities. As of 1 January 1995, JRC competitive activities included: 
- Participation in shared-cost actions, where the JRC, in association with partners in the 
Member States, submits proposals in the context of calls for proposals, or contributes 
to proposals submitted by other laboratories under the Framework Programmes; 
- Competitive scientific and technical support activities under the Fourth Framework 
Programme, where the JRC may respond to specific requests from Commission 
Directorates-General which are allocated on a competitive basis in the context of 
invitations to tender; 
- Other competitive activities outside the Framework Programmes, where the JRC (alone 
or in a consortium arrangement) will be able to participate in various actions sponsored 
by the Community (e.g. PHARE, TACIS, assistance to developing countries, etc.) and 
in the context of a competitive approach, will seek Community funding in relation to 
those actions; 
- Research under contract, the original third party work mode of operation mentioned 
above, now part of the overall JRC competitive portfolio. 
As far as JRC participation in shared-cost actions is concerned, the JRC together with 
partners in the Member States submitted a total of 338 project proposals in response to the 
first calls for proposals from 15 specific programmes; by December 1995, the Commission 
had accepted 95 of those proposals for funding, bringing the overall success rate to 28%. 
The financial outcome for the JRC, although difficult to calculate precisely due to the 
ongoing contract negotiations on several outstanding projects, will be in excess of 
10.5 MECU. In the area of competitive scientific and technical support activities, of the 
128 MECU earmarked within the Fourth framework Programme for funding this activity 
over the 4-year period, 26.5 MECU were made available to the services of the Commission 
early in 1995, but only 20 MECU have been committed in 1995. Of these, the JRC 
Institutes have managed to win about 11.9 MECU of contracts, either alone or in a 
consortium arrangement. 
Other competitive activities outside the Framework Programmes like TACIS, PHARE, etc., 
have seen a good 1995 level of activity on the part of the JRC institutes. In this highly 
competitive sector of the market, the JRC has won around 2.3 MECU. 
The record for-Third Party work shows, for 1995, new contracts (obtained on the market 
at large) in excess of 18 MECU. Considered in the context of the outstanding effort on the 
other fronts, this represents a remarkable hold on the previous positions, (third party work 
earned in 1994 amounted to 18 MECU). 
As requested by the Council decisions on the JRC specific programmes 1995-1998 the 
Commission issues a detailed JRC Annual Report39 accompanied by Observations of the 
Com(96) 158 final. 
73 
JRC Board of Governors. 
Major initiatives in 1996 
JRC strategy: In order to consolidate the new approach of the JRC as prescribed by the 
Council, the Parliament and the Commission, the Board of Governors and the JRC 
management have, during the year, discussed strategies for the eight institutes and the JRC 
as a whole, leading to an emphasis on customer-driven, high quality research of real utility 
for the European Union, executed in an efficient way with a flexible responsiveness to 
changing market needs. JRC activities have the effect of creating links between teams in 
Member States situated at different levels of scientific and technological development. 
They thus contribute to reinforcing cohesion between laboratories and research institutes 
in all the Community regions. Various work schedules define the single projects and make 
up the JRC work programme for 1996 as approved by the JRC Board of Governors. 
1. Within the overall objectives of the JRC specific programmes, a stronger orientation 
towards industry collaboration, applications for industry and novel research-industry 
initiatives in line with Commission proposals has been proposed under relevant 
themes, notably industrial technologies and materials technologies, measurements and 
testing, non-nuclear energies. The environment and climate theme features novel 
clusterings on societal issues, on natural hazards: seismic and floods, whereas 
industrial reliability work is reduced. The support to the Union's policies on the same 
theme responds, as already reported to the Board of Governors, to new requests from 
the Commission services regarding work on anti-fraud measures and the contribution 
to the Alpine Observatory; 
2. Within the nuclear themes, the reactor safety research and fuel cycle safety work is 
maintained; a concentration is proposed for nuclear safeguards research preserving the 
important support obligations in that field. The thermonuclear fusion work is 
restructured notably to illustrate the close links between the materials research and the 
tritium-related work. 
Following the Commission decision of 16.1.1996 on reorganisation, the Joint Research 
Centre became an independent Directorate-General of the Commission on 10.4.1996, 
in order to give it the autonomy necessary for the proper implementation of its tasks. 
COMPETITIVE SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT ACTIVITIES 
The Fourth RTD Framework Programme introduced competitive scientific and technical 
support activities in Annex IV on implementation arrangements. These activities cover the 
work that used to be performed exclusively by the JRC for the Commission's 
Directorates-General and which, since 1995, may be carried out by a research organization 
of a Member State or by the JRC (where the neutrality and independence of a Commission 
service is not required), and new projects planned by the Commission departments with 
effect from 1995. These support activities come within the first and third activity of the 
Fourth Framework Programme. 
These activities are implemented in two stages: 
the allocation on an annual basis of resources to the different Directorates-General; 
the administration of these resources by each of the Directorates-General. 
74 
In order to guarantee appropriate conditions of transparency and to satisfy the needs of the 
different Directorates-General, the resources are allocated by an interdepartmental group 
representing all the Directorates-General concerned, convened and chaired by the 
Commission's Secretariat-General. It meets on an ad hoc basis, but at least twice a year. 
This group examines the needs identified by the Directorates-General. It analyses requests, 
verifies compatibility with the objectives of the Framework Programme and decides on 
annual allocation within the limits of the available budget. Apart from the relevance of 
the projects to the objectives of the scientific and technical support programme, account 
is taken of the availability of funding from other programmes and scope for integration or 
convergence between several projects. 
The Directorates-General whose proposals are selected are responsible for managing the 
funds allocated. They utilize competition between suppliers in order to achieve the best 
result in light of their requirements. The resources allocated are managed independently 
in application of the relevant rules in force, in particular the provisions of the Financial 
Regulation applicable to the General Budget of the European Communities. 
The sums committed amount to over 80% of the amount available under the 1995 budget, 
which is more than satisfactory for the first year of activity of such a programme. 
The Directorates-General are showing increasing interest in this programme. Six further 
departments submitted an application for 1996 in addition to the 10 that received funding 
in 1995. The number of projects proposed in 1996 shows an increase of 40% compared 
with the previous year. 
75 
PART THREE 
PROJECTS, CONTRACTS SIGNED AND PAYMENTS IN 1995 
Annual basis and framework programme 
Tables 1 to 9 summarize Community RTD activities in 1995 in a quantitative form 
(number and nature of projects, participants, level of funding, etc.). 
The figures relate primarily to the activities of the Third and Fourth Framework 
Programme; they cover participation by Member States and the third countries (tables 
5 and 7). 
The abbreviation "n/a" used in these tables means "not applicable" or "not available". 
Tables 5, 6, 7 and 9 concern only shared-cost actions. 
Table 10 relating to the Fourth Framework Programme and the Euratom programme 
takes account of the revised budget due to the enlargement of the European Union. 
Tables 11 and 12 show the development of annual commitments for the framework 
programmes in current terms and in 1992 prices. 
List of main abbreviations or acronyms used. 
RTD activities in 1995: New projects (contracts signed in 1995) and projects in progress Table 1 
Shared-cost actions 
Concerted actions 
Preparatory, accompanying 
and support measures 
Controlled thermonuclear 
fusion 
TOTAL l_ : ^ — — - :: :IJ_J 1; t =; 
New projects (RTD contracts signed in 1995) 
Total EC 
contribution 
MECU(l) 
1 659.54 
16,46 
105,00 
(5) 251.51 
2 032.50 Number of 
projects 
1631 
50 
798 
181 
2660 Number of 
participants 
10548 
84 
1354 
199 
12185 Average 
number of 
participants 
per project 
6,47 
1,68 
1,70 
n/a 
4,58 Average 
number of 
MS per 
project(2) 
4,12 
1,12 
1,38 
n/a 
2,96 Average EC 
contribution 
per project M 
ECU 
1,02 
0,33 
0,13 
n/a 
0,78 All projects 
Number of 
projects 
under way at 
31.12.95(3) 
7041 
783 
2735 
136 
10695 Total payments 
1995 M ECU 
(4) 
1 569.06 
30,89 
242,52 
(6) 194.55 
2 037.02 
(1) Sum total EC contribution for each new project, as stipulated in the contract (i.e. for entire project duration). 
(2) MS = Member State. 
(3) Projects under way at 31.12.95 = signed contracts with a completion date for research work after 31.12.95. 
(4) Payments for projects which fall entirely or partly within 1995. 
(5) An EC contribution of M ECU 30.48 from revenue must be added to this amount. 
(6) Payments of M ECU 11.33 from revenue must be added to this amount. 
Direct action - JRC (7) 228,06 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 
(7) Only the 1995 commitments are shown for the direct actions. 
XIIA3,157TABEN.XLS, 13/08/96,13:23 
* 
Table 2 
RTD activities in 1995 : Specific programmes (EC FP4 + Euratom FP) - New projects (contracts signed in 1995) 
Names of specific programmes (ÈC FP4 + Eurato 
Telematics 
Communication technologies 
Information technologies 
Industrial and materials technologies 
Standards, measurement and testing 
Environment and climate 
Marine sciences and technologies 
Biotechnology 
Biomedicine and health 
Agriculture and fisheries 
Non-nuclear energy 
Transport 
Targeted socio-economic research (5) 
International cooperation 
Dissemination and optimization of results 
Training and mobility of researchers 
Competitive S/T support activities 
Nuclear fission safety 
Controlled thermonuclear fusion 
TOTAL Total new projects (Contracts signed in 1995) 
Total 
contribution 
EC(1)M 
ECU 
246,85 
208,10 
425,34 
192,07 
17,43 
23,52 
7,16 
65,63 
33,72 
110,50 
172,74 
66,05 
0 
23,06 
37,20 
67,20 
20,08 
64,35 
(6) 251.51 
2 032.50 Number of 
projects 
218 
109 
363 
244 
47 
64 
20 
72 
81 
155 
172 
47 
0 
267 
271 
133 
134 
82 
181 
2660 Number of 
participants 
2923 
1203 
1640 
999 
188 
78 
40 
353 
237 
778 
1029 
420 
0 
467 
842 
170 
152 
467 
199 
12185 Average 
number of 
participants 
per project 
m 13,41 
11,04 
4,52 
4,09 
4,00 
1,22 
2,00 
4,90 
2,93 
5,02 
5,98 
8,94 
0 
1,75 
3,11 
1,28 
1,13 
5,70 
n/a (4) 
4,58 Average 
number of 
MS per 
project(3) 
5,00 
5,1 
4,22 
1,86 
2,70 
1,06 
1,52 
3,25 
2,15 
5,00 
3,60 
4,83 
0 
1,11 
2,50 
1,11 
1,12 
3,61 
n/a 
2,96 Average EC 
contribution 
per project 
MECU 
1,13 
1,91 
1,17 
0,79 
0,37 
0,37 
0,36 
0,91 
0,42 
0,71 
1,00 
1,41 
0 
0,09 
0,14 
0,51 
0,15 
0,78 
n/a 
0,78 Shared-cost 
actions 
Total 
contribution 
EC(1) M 
ECU 
220,85 
208,10 
379,34 
191,77 
16,32 
22,27 
6,23 
62,15 
23,46 
107,29 
172,45 
64,58 
0 
16,26 
30,00 
63,39 
20,08 
55,00 
251,51 
1 911.05 Concerted 
actions 
Total 
contribution 
EC(1)M 
ECU 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0,50 
1,94 
9,82 
2,60 
0 
0 
0 
0,90 
0 
0 
0 
0,70 
0 
16,46 Accompanyln 
g measures 
Total 
contribution 
EC(1)M 
ECU 
26,0C 
C 
46,0C 
0,3C 
1,11 
1,25 
0,43 
1,54 
0,45 
0,62 
0,28 
1,46 
C 
5,9C 
7,2C 
3,81 
C 
8,65 
C 
105,00 
(1) Sum total EC contribution for each project, as stipulated in the contract (i.e.for the entire project duration). 
(2) Because of computerized recording, the number of participants may have been underestimated. 
(3) MS = Member States. 
(4) n/a: Not available. 
(5) No contract signed in 1995, although commitments (prior to signature) have been made. 
(6) An EC contribution of M ECU 30.48 from revenue must be added to thfe amount. 
XIIA1.1577ABEN XLS, 13/08/96,13 26 
Table 3A 
RTD activities in 1995: Specific programmes (FP3)-
Total projects (contracts signed) 
Names of specific programmes FP3 
Information technologies 
Communication technologies 
Telematics systems of common interest 
Industrial and materials technologies 
Measurement and testing 
Environment 
Marine sciences and technologies 
Biotechnology 
Agriculture and agro-industrial research, fisheries 
Biomedical and health research 
Life sciences and technologies for developing countries 
Non-nuclear energy (5) 
Nuclear fission safety 
Controlled thermonuclear fusion 
Human capital and mobility 
Centralized action for dissemination and utilization of results 
TOTAL Number of projects under 
way at 31 12.95(1) 
712 
0 
71 
647 
123 
319 
77 
192 
394 
332 
223 
194 
20 
10 
1962 
85 
5 361 Overall number of projects 
(2) 
719 
123 
312 
1653 
190 
639 
145 
372 
399 
554 
353 
403 
122 
396 
3456 
207 
10 043 1995 payments total M ECU 
(3) 
316,47 
77,85 
44,64 
144,28 
13,98 
48,38 
24,70 
29,64 
58,01 
20,68 
22,15 
38,90 
7,97 
(6) 72.18 
122,68 
16,64 
1 059.15 Overall EC contribution M 
ECU (4) 
1 293.15 
521,60 
379,00 
701,88 
56,56 
304,83 
107,72 
174,73 
281,39 
129,65 
115,09 
224,64 
56,02 
(7) 465.94 
547,74 
60,76 
5 420.69 
(1) Projects under way at 31.12.1995 = signed contracts with a completion date for research work after 31.12.1995. 
(2) Overall number of projects = total number of projects since the beginning of the specific programme FP3 
(3) Payments for projects falling partly within 1995 
(4) Overall EC contribution over the whole duration of the framework programme. 
(5) Excluding the data on the 1990-94 Thermie programme, which was outside FP3. 
(6) Payments of M ECU 7.5 from revenue must be added to this amount. 
(7) An EC contribution of M ECU 26.6 from revenue must be added to this amount. 
XIIA3.157TA8EN XIS,13AJ8/96,13:26 
Table 3B 
RTD activities in 1995 : Specific programmes (EC FP4 + Euratom FP) -
Total projects (contracts signed) 
Names of specific programmes (EC FP4 
+ Euratom FP) 
Telematics 
Communication technologies 
Information technologies 
Industrial and materials technologies 
Standards, measurement & testing 
Environment and climate 
Marine sciences and technologies 
Biotechnology 
Biomedicine and health 
Agriculture and fisheries 
Non-nuclear energy 
Transport (4) 
Targeted socio-economic research 
International cooperation 
Dissemination & optimization of results 
Training and mobility of researchers 
Competitive S/T research activities 
Nuclear fission safety 
Controlled thermonuclear fusion 
TOTAL Number of projects under 
way at 31.12.95(1) 
218 
109 
363 
235 
34 
16 
16 
66 
61 
86 
166 
n/a 
0 
139 
233 
143 
134 
78 
126 
2223 1995 payments total M 
ECU (2) 
61,19 
84,69 
84,71 
41,92 
5,81 
25,69 
21,79 
16,55 
8,15 
13,87 
25,41 
12,23 
3,25 
12,02 
14,46 
14,47 
1,61 
15,92 
(5) 118.44 
582,18 Overall EC contribution M 
ECU (3) 
246,85 
208,10 
425,34 
192,07 
17,43 
23,52 
7,16 
65,63 
33,72 
110,50 
172,74 
66,05 
0,00 
23,06 
37,20 
67,20 
20,08 
64,35 
(6) 251.51 
2 032.50 
(1) Projects under way at 31.12.1995 = signed contracts with a completion date for research work after 31.12.1995. 
(2) Payments for projects committed in 1995. 
(3) Overall EC contribution = total EC contribution to the contracts signed by all the partners in 1995 (cf. footnote (1) to Table 1). 
(4) n/a = Not available. * 
(5) Payments of M ECU 1.5 from revenue must be added to this amount. 
(6) An EC contribution of M ECU 30.48 from revenue must be added to this amount. 
XIIA1.157TABEN.XLS.13/08/96,13:27 
H-* 
Table 4 
111 —— — 
Specific programmes (EC FP4 + 
Euratom FP)/Areas of work programme 
TELEMATICS 
- Telematics applications 
Technology stimulation for SMEs 
- Telematics applications 
- Telematics applications 
COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES (ACTS) 
- Interactive digital multimedia services 
- Photonic technologies 
- High-speed networking 
- Personal communication 
- Intelligence in networks 
- Quality, security and safety 
- Horizontal actions 
Technology stimulation for SMEs 
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES 
Technology stimulation for SMEs 
INDUSTRIAL AND MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES 
Technology stimulation for SMEs 
STANDARDS, MEASUREMENT AND TESTING 
Technology stimulation for SMEs 
ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE 
- Research on the natural environment, environmental quality and 
global change, environmental technologies, space techniques 
applied to environmental monitoring and research, human 
dimensions of environmental change , 
Technology stimulation for SMEs OJ refs and dates of 
calls for proposals 
0357/08(15/12/94) 
064/03(15/03/95) 
0240/14 (15/09/95) 
0258/5(15/09/94) 
0240/7(15/9/95) 
0357/7(15/12/94) 
C357/7 (15/12/94) 
0357/7(15/12/94) 
0357/7(15/12/94) 
012/05(17/01/95) 
closed 27/4/95 
"open call" Number of 
proposals 
received 
1376 
144 
336 
413 
108 
40 
54 
46 
50 
16 
9 
65 
2307 
58 
1180 
Step 1 : 465 
Step 2: 118 
161 
14 
1607 
18 Number of 
eligible 
proposals 
1356 
24 
330 
413 
108 
40 
54 
46 
50 
16 
9 
65 
2307 
58 
1122 
364 
98 
102 
10 
1505 
17 Projects selected | 
Number 
304 
24 
67 
67 
38 
23 
12 
17 
15 
3 
6 
39 
569 
26 
218 
212 
52 
63 
6 
287 
5 %of 
total 
number 
22% 
17% 
20% 
16% 
35% 
58% 
22% 
37% 
30% 
19% 
67% 
60% 
25% 
45% 
18,5% 
45,6% 
44% 
39% 
43% 
17,9% 
29% EC I 
contrib. 1 
MECU 
423,90 
42,80 
54.6 
64,4 
114 
84 
59 
94 
66 
8 
17 
0,1 
666,5 
1,1 
402 
7,6 
22 J 
32,7 
0.3 
205,2 
0,2 
O 
Table 4 
Specific programmes (EC FP4 + 
Euratom FP)/Areas of work programme 
-Space techniques applied to environmental monitoring 
and research 
•Space techniques applied to environmental monitoring 
and research 
IMARINE TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCES 
- Marine sciences, strategic marine research, marine technologies 
Technology stimulation for SMEs 
- Marine sciences, strategic marine research 
Technology stimulation for SMEs OJ refs and dates of 
calls for proposals 
0148/08(15/06/95) 
Closed 15/9/95 
0271/12(17/10/95) 
Closed 15/12/95 
BIOTECHNOLOGY 
- Cell factories 
- Genome analysis 
- Plant andanimal biotechnology 
- Cell communication in neurosciences 
- Immunology; trans-disease vaccinology 
- Structural biology 
- Pre-normative research, biodiversity and social acceptance 
- Infrastructures 
-ELSA 
Technology stimulation for SMEs 
BIOMEDICINE AND HEALTH 
-SMEs 
Technology stimulation for SMEs 0357/19(15/12/94) 
closed 15/3/95 
0148/12 
closed 15/6/95 
012/10(17/01/95) 
AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES 
- Integrated production and processing chains, consumer 
nutrition and wellbeing, new and optimized nutritious food 
products and materials, agriculture, forestry and rural development, 
fisheries and aquaculture, objectives achieved by concertation 
IJTechnology stimulation for SMEs 012(17/01/95) 
012(17/01/95) 
"open call" 
0357/19(15/12/94) 
0357/19(15/12/94) Number of 
proposals 
received 
102 
15 
287 
48 
125 
24 
51 
7 
58 
7 
2 
18 
8 
15 
1722 
27 
937 
35 Number of 
eligible 
proposals 
94 
13 
273 
46 
125 
24 
51 
7 
58 
7 
2 
18 
8 
15 
1709 
26 
918 
34 46 
12 
20 
9 
8 
6 
2 
9 
3 
3 
307 
5 
112 46% 
16% 
25% 
16% 
38% 
16% 
10% 
29% 
50% 
38% 
20% 
18% 
20% 
12% 
26% 4,2 
75,4 
20,7 
27,8 
18,1 
9.7 
5,1 
0,1 
10,9 
1.6 
0.1 
153.6 
110 
0.6 
Table 4 
Specific programmes (EC FP4 + 
Euratom FP)/Areas of work programme 
NON-NUCLEAR ENERGY 
Technology stimulation for SMEs 
- Non-nuclear energy (THERMIE TYPE A) 
- Non-nuclear energy (THERMIE TYPE B) 
Technology stimulation for SMEs 
TRANSPORT 
TARGETED SOCIO-ECONOMIC RESEARCH 
- Evaluation of science and technology policy options in 
Europe and ETAN 
- Research on education and training 
- Research into social integration and social exclusion in Europe 
Technology stimulation for SMEs 
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION 
- DCs (vaccines, animal health) 
- DCs (health, agriculture, renewable energy) 
- Training (Fellowships Japan, Korea) 
- Training (Fellowships manufacturing technologies Japan) 
-DCs 
DISSEMINATION AND UTILIZATION OF RESULTS 
- Network of relay centres 
- Technology transfer projects, validation projects 
- Science parks 
- Regional activity OJ refs and dates of 
calls for proposals 
15/11/94 
15/12/94 
15/12/94 
0357/12(15/12/94) 
064/05 and 09 (15/03/1995) 
064/09 (15/03/95) 
064/09 (15/03/95) 
064/06(15/03/95) 
064/06(15/03/95) 
038/10(15/02/95) 
038/10(15/02/95) 
064/06(15/03/95) 
064/06 (15/03/95) 
15/12/94 
15/03/96 
15/06/95 
15/09/95 Number of 
proposals 
received 
938 
18 
393 
662 
70 
333 
121 
197 
233 
89 
979 
111 
13 
58 
47 
122 
501 
82 
59 Number of 
eligible 
proposals 
885 
18 
393 
662 
70 
333 
121 
193 
226 
77 
728 
111 
13 
57 
40 
122 
501 
81 
58 Projects selected 
Number 
181 
7 
147 
250 
42 
109 
17 
10 
11 
26 
76 
7 
11 
8 
50 
100 
39 
26 %of 
total 
number 
19% 
35% 
37% 
38% 
60% 
32,7% 
18.2 
6.2 
6.6 
29% 
68% 
54% 
19% 
17% 
42% 
20% 
48% 
44% EC 
contrib. 
MECU 
191.6 
0.3 
111 
28 
4 
205,2 
10 
4.7 
5,6 
12 
4.4 
0,3 
3,7 
2,8 
22.5 
75 
N.A 
N.A I 
Table 4 
Specific programmes (EC FP4 + 
Euratom FP)/Areas of work programme 
- Stimulation of public awareness 
- Promotion of innovation management technologies 
- European networks and services for technology transfer and 
support for innovation 
- OPET network - Organisations for the promotion of 
energy technologies 
TRAINING AND MOBILITY OF RESEARCHERS 
- Fellowships 
- Networks 
- Large-scale facilities 
- Accompanying measures 
NUCLEAR FISSION SAFETY OJ refs and dates of 
calls for proposals 
15/09/95 
15/12/95 
15/12/95 
15/12/95 
17/01/95 
15/06/95 
15/09/95 
17/01/95 
17/01/95 
17/01/95 
15/06/95 
17/01/95 Number of 
proposals 
received 
29 
N.A 
N.A 
N.A 
3039 
2005 
2210 
1448 
201 
270 
253 
253 Number of 
eligible 
proposals 
28 
N.A 
N.A 
N.A 
2261 
1728 
1944 
1429 
193 
219 
202 
246 Projects selected 1 
Number 
11 
N.A 
N.A 
N.A 
582 
350 
91 
84 
55 
65 
79 %of 
total 
number 
37% 
N.A 
N.A 
N.A 
25.6 
20.2 
6.3 
41.8 
25.1 
32.2 
31% EC I 
contrib. 1 
MECU I 
N.A j 
N.A I 
N.A 
N.A 
47,7 
29,3 
148,9 
4,8 
5,3 | 
85 | 
N.A. : not available 
CO 
4b 
Table 5A 
RTD activities in 1995: Specific programmes (EC FP4 + Euratom FP) - Shared-cost actions (SCA) - New projects (contracts signed in 1995) 
Community contribution (in M ECU) and participation (number) by type of participant 
Type of participant 
Names of specific programmes (EC FP4 + 
Euratom FP) 
Telematics 
Communication technologies 
Information technologies 
Industrial and materials technologies 
Standards, measurements and testing 
Environment and climate 
Marine sciences and technologies 
Biotechnology 
Biomedicine and health 
Agriculture and fisheries 
Non-nuclear energy 
Transport 
Targeted socio-economic research 
International cooperation 
Dissemination and optimization of results 
Training and mobility of researchers 
Competitive S/T support activities 
Nuclear fission safety 
Controlled thermonuclear fusion 
TOTAL LE(1) 
EC contrib. 
MECU 
19,11 
59,32 
197,59 
76,18 
2,96 
0.35 
0,50 
2,28 
0,34 
4.64 
46,96 
n/a 
0 
0,69 
n/a 
1,20 
n/a 
3,79 
n/a 
415,90| Number of 
participants 
194 
356 
492 
292 
31 
2 
1 
15 
4 
36 
209 
n/a 
0 
7 
44 
1 
7 
40 
6 
1737 SME (2) 
EC contrib. 
MECU 
21,87 
32,13 
70,37 
41,25 
3,44 
0 
0 
2,34 
0,72 
6,31 
29,96 
n/a 
0 
0,51 
n/a 
1.34 
n/a 
5,63 
n/a 
215.86 Number of 
participants 
294 
224 
289 
302 
38 
Ô 
0 
21 
7 
63 
179 
n/a 
0 
7 
260 
3 
56 
34 
5 
1782 RO(3) 
EC contrib. 
MECU 
31,20 
17,30 
. 48,36 
32,12 
4,37 
19,76 
2,29 
20,60 
6,08 
48,90 
45,50 
n/a 
0 
3,99 
n/a 
44,25 
n/a 
29,60 
n/a 
354,32! Number of 
participants 
388 
128 
169 
163 
44 
5 
10 
105 
43 
316 
285 
n/a 
0 
34 
79 
68 
26 
197 
123 
2183 1IEI (4) 
EC contrib. 
MECU 
38,10 
72,66 
44,66 
38,87 
5,22 
2,11 
2,81 
31,96 
14,86 
42,03 
39,19 
n/a 
0 
6,24 
n/a 
14,77 
n/a 
13,67 
n/a 
367,15] Number of 
participants 
511 
332 
220 
188 
36 
11 
9 
145 
116 
264 
246 
n/a 
0 
69 
78 
51 
13 
91 
12 
2392 Other (5) 
EC contrib. 
MECU 
26,37 
26,69 
6,85 
0,59 
0,20 
0,06 
0 
0,76 
0,46 
2,00 
7,13 
n/a 
0 
0 
n/a 
0,14 
n/a 
1,99 
n/a 
73,25] Number of 
participants 
170 
163 
67 
4 
3 
1 
0 
7 
5 
21 
41 
n/a 
0 
0 
196 
1 
23 
20 
42 
764 Int. Org. (6) 
EC contrib. 
MECU 
79,72 
n/a 
1,35 
0 
0 
0 
0 
4,07 
0,02 
0,25 
0 
n/a 
0 
0 
n/a 
1,70 
n/a 
0,32 
n/a 
87,42] Number of 
participants 
983 
n/a 
4 
0 
0 
0 
0 
7 
2 
1 
0 
n/a 
0 
1 
2 
2 
27 
1 
2 
1032 Third countries (7) 
EC Contrib. 
MECU 
4,48 
n/a 
10,16 
2,76 
0,13 
0 
0,64 
0,14 
0,98 
3,16 
3,70 
n/a 
0 
4,83 
n/a 
0 
n/a 
0 
n/a 
30,97 Number of 
participants 
123 
n/a 
64 
32 
4 
0 
3 
14 
11 
35 
52 
n/a 
0 
81 
9 
1 
0 
24 
9 
462 Total 
EC contrib. 
MECU 
220,85 
208,10 
379,34 
191,77 
16,32 
22,27 
6,23 
62,15 
23,46 
107,29 
172,45 
64,58 
0 
16,26 
30,00 
63,39 
20,08 
55.00 
(8) 251 51 
1 911.05 Number of 
participants 
2663 
1203 
1305 
981 
156 
19 
23 
314 
188 
736 
1012 
395 
0 
199 
668 
127 
152 
407 
199 
10747 
(1) LE: Large enterprises. 
(2) SME: Small and medium-sized enterprises with fewer than 500 employees. 
(3) RO: Research organisations 
(4) HEI: Higher education institutes 
(5) Other: EIG, EEIG, non-profit-making bodies, etc. 
(6) Int. Org.: International organisations. The figure for the telematics programme also includes non-identificd institutions. 
(7) Third countries: Countries not belonging to the European Union. 
(8) An EC contribution of M ECU 30 48 from revenue must be added to this amount. 
n/a = Not available 
XIIA3.157TABEN.XLS.13/08/96,13:40 
5» 
RTD activities in 1995: Specific programmes (EC FP4 + Euratom FP) - Shared-cost actions (SCA) - New projects (contracts signed in 1995) Tal?l9 5B 
Community contribution (in M ECU) and participation (number) by type of participant from the European Union (%) 
Type of participant 
Names of specific programmes (EC FP4 + 
Euratom FP)) 
Telematics 
Communication technologies 
Information technplogies 
Industrial and materials technologies 
Standards, measurements and testing 
Environment and climate 
Marine sciences and technologies 
Biotechnology 
Biomedicine and health 
Agriculture and fisheries 
Non-nuclear energy 
Transport 
Targeted socio-economic research 
International cooperation 
Dissemination and optimization of results 
Training and mobility of researchers 
Competitive S/T/ support activities 
Nuclear fission safety 
Controlled thermonuclear fusion 
TOTAL LE(1) 
EC contrib. 
MECU 
13,98% 
28,51% 
53,72% 
40,30% 
18,29% 
1,58% 
8,86% 
3,94% 
1,51% 
4,46% 
27,83% 
n/a 
0 
6,04% 
n/a 
1,95% 
n/a 
6,93% 
n/a 
29,16% Number of 
participants 
12,46% 
29,59% 
39,77% 
30,77% 
20,39% 
10,53% 
5,00% 
5,12% 
2,29% 
5,14% 
21,77% 
n/a 
0 
5,98% 
6.70% 
0,81% 
5,60% 
10,47% 
3,19% 
| 19,61% SME (2) 
EC contrib. 
MECU 
16,00% 
15,44% 
19,13% 
21,83% 
21,24% 
0,00% 
0,00% 
4,03% 
3,19% 
6,07% 
17,76% 
n/a 
0 
4,46% 
n/a 
2,16% 
n/a 
10,29% 
n/a 
15,13% Number of 
participants 
18,88% 
18,62% 
23,36% 
31,82% 
25,00% 
0,00% 
0.00% 
7,17% 
4,00% 
9,00% 
18,65% 
n/a 
0 
5,98% 
39,57% 
2,42% 
44,80% 
8,90% 
2,66% 
20,12% RO (3) 
EC contrib. 
MECU 
22,83% 
8,31% 
13,15% 
16,99% 
26,98% 
88,69% 
40,94% 
35,56% 
27,08% 
47,08% 
26,96% 
n/a 
0 
34,92% 
n/a 
71,73% 
n/a 
54,13% 
n/a 
24,84% Number of 
participants 
24,92% 
10,64% 
13,66% 
17,18% 
28,95% 
26,32% 
50,00% 
35,84% 
24,57% 
45,14% 
29,69% 
n/a 
0 
29,06% 
12,02% 
54,84% 
20,80% 
51,57% 
65,43% 
L 24,64% HEI (4) 
EC contrib. 
MECU 
27,88% 
34,92% 
12,14% 
20,57% 
32,23% 
9,47% 
50,19% 
55,17% 
66,16% 
40,47% 
23,23% 
n/a 
0 
54,59% 
n/a 
23,94% 
n/a 
25,00% 
n/a 
25,74% Number of 
participants 
32,82% 
27,60% 
17,78% 
19,81% 
23,68% 
57,89% 
45,00% 
49,49% 
66.28% 
37,71% 
25,63% 
n/a 
0 
58,97% 
11,87% 
41,13% 
10,40% 
23,82% 
6,38% 
| 27,00% Other (5) 
EC contrib. 
MECU 
19,30% 
12,83% 
1,86% 
0,31% 
1,25% 
0,27% 
0,00% 
1,31% 
2,06% 
1,92% 
4,23% 
n/a 
0 
0,00% 
n/a 
0,22% 
n/a 
3,65% 
n/a 
5,13% Number of 
participants 
10,92% 
13,55% 
5,42% 
0,42% 
1,97% 
5,26% 
0,00% 
2,39% 
2,86% 
3,00% 
4,27% 
n/a 
0 
0,00% 
29,83% 
0,81% 
18,40% 
5,24% 
22,34% 
8,62% Total 
EC contrib. 
MECU 
100,00% 
100,00% 
100,00% 
100,00% 
100,00% 
100,00% 
100,00% 
100,00% 
100,00% 
100,00% 
100,00% 
n/a 
0 
100,00% 
n/a 
100,00% 
n/a 
100,00% 
n/a 
100,00% Number of 
participants 
100,00% 
100,00% 
100,00% 
100,00% 
100,00% 
100,00% 
100,00% 
100,00% 
100,00% 
100,00% 
100,00% 
n/a 
0 
100,00% 
100,00% 
100,00% 
100,00% 
100,00% 
100,00% 
100,00% 
(1) LE: Large enterprises. 
(2) SME: Small and medium-sized enterprises with fewer than 500 employees. 
(3) RO: Research organisations 
(4) HEI: Higher education institutes 
(5) Other: EIG, EEIG, non-profit-making bodies, etc. 
n/a = Not available 
XIIA3,157TABEN.XLS,13/08/96,13:40 
3 
Table 6 
Activities in 1995: specific programmes (EC FP4 + Euratom FP) - Shared-cost actions (SCA) 
1995) 
Objective 1 regions New projects (contracts signed in 
Names of specific programmes (EC FP4 + Euratom FP) 
Telematics 
Communication technologies 
Information technologies 
Industrial and materials technologies 
Standards, measurement and testing 
Environment and climate 
Marine sciences and technologies 
Biotechnology 
Biomedicine and health 
Agriculture and fisheries 
Non-nuclear energy 
Transport 
Targeted socio-economic research 
International cooperation 
Dissemination and optimization of results 
Training and mobility of researchers 
Competitive S/T support activities 
Nuclear fission safety 
Controlled thermonuclear fusion 
TOTAL DISTRIBUTED (2) 
TOTAL RESEARCH Number of projects 
Total 
182 
109 
225 
226 
24 
5 
3 
41 
32 
113 
155 
41 
0 
33 
150 
90 
134 
68 
181 
1456 
1812 Objective 1 
128 
58 
156 
62 
9 
3 
1 
18 
13 
62 
77 
n/a 
0 
6 
45 
12 
n/a 
16 
n/a 
666 Participation (Number) 
Total 
2663 
1203 
1305 
981 
156 
19 
23 
314 
188 
736 
1012 
395 
0 
199 
668 
127 
152 
407 
199 
10 001 
10747 Objective 1 
412 
118 
248 
100 
16 
4 
1 
27 
16 
116 
144 
n/a 
0 
7 
116 
13 
n/a 
18 
n/a 
1 356 Total EC contribution to the 
projects (M ECU) 
Total 
220,85 
208,10 
379,34 
191,77 
16,32 
22,27 
6,23 
62,15 
23,46 
107,29 
172,45 
64,58 
0,00 
16,26 
30,00 
63,39 
20,08 
55,00 
(1) 251.51 
1.574.88 
1911.05 Objective 1 
32,70 
120,11 
41,94 
18,58 
1,11 
0,60 
0,09 
4,61 
1,68 
14,60 
16,66 
n/a 
0,00 
0,68 
3,56 
5,76 
n/a 
2,23 
n/a 
264,90 
(1) An EC contribution of MECU 30.48 from revenue must be added to this amount 
(2) Taking account of non-available data: n/a 
XIIA1,157TABEN.XlS,13/08/96,13:41 
Table 7 
Activities in 1995: Specific programmes (EC FP4 + Euratom FP) - Shared-cost actions (SCA) -New projects (1) 
Total intra and inter-country collaboration links (EC + EFTA+ PECO + REST OF THE WORLD) (2) 
'"" *u ' '" • 
8 Belgium 
Belgium 1 241 
1 Denmark 1 112 
Germany | 532 
Greece a 187 
Spain 
France 
Ireland 
Italy 253 
539 
106 
356 
I Luxembourg I 29 
1 Netherlands 1 254 
1 Austria 1 69 
1 Portugal 1 154 
1 Finland 1 109 
I Sweden B 161 
1 United Kingdom! 415 
1 Total EUR15 | 3517 
| EFTA 
1 PECO 
• Rest of the world 
I RAND TOTAL 127 
3 
15 
» Denmark 
112 
150 
318 
158 
167 
213 
76 
248 
5 
203 
48 
90 
84 
152 
344 
2368 
110 
15 
24 
2517 Germany 
532 
318 
1437 
589 
821 
1959 
194 
1254 
16 
743 
389 
320 
269 
594 
1681 
11116 
430 
26 
36 
11608 Greece 
187 
158 
589 
478 
389 
509 
140 
490 
5 
263 
70 
212 
124 
254 
693 
4561 
226 
15 
19 
4821 Spain 
253 
167 
821 
389 
612 
899 
193 
741 
4 
307 
165 
261 
188 
293 
722 
6015 
188 
6 
24 
6233 France 
539 
213 
1959 
509 
899 
1393 
217 
1325 
28 
662 
278 
284 
265 
491 
1480 
10542 
333 
2 
34 
10911 Ireland 
106 
76 
194 
140 
193 
217 
193 
207 
7 
163 
49 
97 
89 
103 
422 
2256 
82 
3 
12 
2353 Italy 
356 
248 
1254 
490 
741 
1325 
207 
787 
8 
390 
197 
278 
276 
406 
1051 
8014 
219 
15 
21 
8269 Luxembourg 
29 
5 
16 
5 
4 
28 
7 
8 
16 
10 
5 
4 
5 
5 
10 
157 
8 
0 
3 
168 Netherlands 
254 
203 
743 
263 
307 
662 
163 
390 
10 
357 
78 
138 
194 
266 
888 
4916 
226 
5 
39 
5186 Austria 
69 
48 
389 
70 
165 
278 
49 
197 
5 
78 
103 
37 
62 
63 
201 
1814 
54 
6 
17 
1891 Portugal 
154 
90 
320 
212 
261 
284 
97 
278 
4 
138 
37 
188 
106 
131 
317 
2617 
83 
7 
15 
2722 Finland 
109 
84 
269 
124 
188 
265 
89 
276 
5 
194 
62 
106 
182 
208 
352 
2513 
92 
6 
15 
2626 Sweden 
161 
152 
594 
254 
293 
491 
103 
406 
5 
266 
63 
131 
208 
272 
629 
4028 
139 
9 
27 
4203 United 
Kingdom 
415 
344 
1681 
• 693 
722 
1480 
422 
1051 
10 
888 
201 
317 
352 
629 
1235 
10440 
370 
35 
96 
10941 TOTAL 
3517 
2368 
11116 
4561 
6015 
10542 
2256 
8014 
157 
4916 
1814 
2617 
2513 
4028 
10440 
74874 
2687 
153 
397 
78111 EFTA (3) 
127 
110 
430 
226 
188 
333 
82 
219 
8 
226 
54 
83 
92 
139 
370 
2687 
Stt 
* 
it 
2986 PECO (4) 
3 
15 
26 
15 
6 
2 
3 
15 
0 
5 
6 
7 
6 
9 
35 
153 
S 
&i 
& 
203 Rest of the 
world 
IS 
24 
36 
19 
24 
34 
12 
21 
3 
39 
17 
15 
15 
27 
96 
• 397 TOTAL 
3662 
2517 
11608 
4821 
6233 
10911 
2353 
8269 
168 
5186 
1891 
2722 
2626 
4203 
10941 
78111 
12 2986 
& 
66 
497 203 
497 
81797 
(1) Contracts signed in 1995 (Transport, Competitive Support, Fusion, Agriculture Programmes DG VI and DG XIV, INCO DG III and DG XIII, Competitive Support = n/a) 
(2) Total collaborative links in each project. 
(3) EFTA: Iceland - Lichtenstein - Norway - Switzerland 
(4) PECO: Albania - Bulgaria - Estonia - Hungary - Latvia - Lithuania - Poland - Romania - Slovenia - Slovakia - Czech Republic 
n/a = Not available. 
XllAA.157TABENXLS.«/08/96.13<1 ^5 
RTD activities in 1996 : Work programme 1996 - Specific programmes (EC FP4 + Euratom FP) 
Timetable for calls for proposals and the selection procedure: Budget Table 8 
Names of specific programmes (EC FP4 + Euratom FP) and areas of work programme Dates and OJ 
references of calls 
for proposals (or 
expressions© 
interest) "i,? Technology 
stimula|Jon 
'measures), ' *? 
m 
$Wr* 
ii^iiiiililiiiii 
Handicapped and elderly people, health, research, education and training, language engineering 15/09/95 
C240 n/a 15/01/96 02/96-03/96 05/96-06/96 09/96 
All areas (telematics for improving employment and the quality of life, knowledge, services of public 
interest) 16/12/96 n/a 15/03/97 04/97-05/97 07/97-09/97 01/98 24 
16/12/96 n/a 
Integrated applications in digital sites 15/02/97 
(1st stage) 
15/06/97 02/97-03/97 
06/97-07/97 10/97-11/97 01/98 
Rolling open call for support actions 15/09/1995 
C240 n/a approx. every 
3mths 
ç^mw&tàsatïoa tecftnotogies (ACTS) 
All areas (interactive digital multimedia services, photonic technologies, high-speed networks, personal 
communication, intelligence in networks, quality, safety and security, horizontal activities) 15/09/95 
C240 1/03/96 03/96-04/96 04/96-05/96 1/07/96 120 
Information technologies (ESPRIT) , 
Software technologies, technologies for IT components and subsystems, multimedia systems, open 
microprocessor systems, technologies for business processes, integration in manufacturing 15/03/1996 
C75 15/03/96 16/04/1996 
(1st stage) 
19/06/1996 07/96-08/96 09/96-11/96 10/96 35 
15/09/96 15/09/96 15/10/1996 
(1st stage) 
15/12/1996 97 97 1997 
Industrial and materials technologies 
Production materials and product innovation, means of transport (excluding aeronautic technologies) 15/12/95 
C337 Open Call 17/04/96 10/96 11/96 11/96 400 
51,6 
All areas (measurements for quality European products, research related to standards and technical 
support to trade, measurements related to the needs of society) 15/06/95 
C148 Open Call 15/11/95 06/96-10/96 06/96-10/96 09/96 
Environment ft Climate 
Applied space techniques for environmental monitoring and research: research on methods and pilot 
>rojects " 15/06/1995 
Ç148 Open Call 15/09/95 10/95-01/96 02/96-05/96 05/96 • 
Applied space techniques for environmental monitoring and research: R&D for potential future operational 
activities 17/10/95 
C271 Open Call 15/12/95 02/96-05/96 07/96-09/96 08/96 12,7 
4,2 
s§ 
RTD activities in 1996 : Work programme 1996 - Specific programmes (EC FP4 + Euratom FP) 
Timetable for calls for proposals and the selection procedure: Budget Table 8 
Names of specific programmes (EC FP4 + Euratom FP) and areas of work programme 
Applied space techniques etc.: Centre for Earth Observation 
Research on the natural environment, environmental quality and global change, environmental 
technologies, space techniques applied to Earth observation, human dimensions of environmental 
change 
Training grants 
Marine sciences and technologies 
Marine sciences, strategic marine research, marine technologies, support initiatives 
Support initiatives 
Marine sciences (research on marine systems, extreme marine environments, research on regional seas), 
strategic marine research, marine technologies 
Training grants 
Biotechnology 
Genome analysis (research on functions, comparative analyses), molecular and cellular biology of 
plants, somatic gene therapy, immunological substances, structure/function relations, bioinformatics, 
prenormative research 
Pharmatoxicology in vitro, biotechnology for the environment, infrastructures, horizontal activities 
Biomôdicît^ *nd heatlh 
Pharmaceutical research, biomedical technology and engineering, research on the brain, human 
genome, Aids, tuberculosis and other infectious diseases. Demonstration projects 
BIOMED 2 - 3rd call Dates and OJ 
references of calls 
for proposals (or 
expressions of 
interest) 
15/03/97 
C75 
17/09/96 
15/12/95 
C337 
15/12/1994 
C357 
15/Ô3/Î996 
C75 
16/04/96 
C 110 
15/12/1995 
C337 
15/09/1995 
C240 
15/06/96 
15/03/96 
C75 
not yet published Technology 
stimulation 
(SME 
measures) 
Open Call 
Open Call 
Open Call 
15/09/1995 
C240 Deadlines/ 
dates for 
receipt of 
proposals 
15/06/97 
16/01/97 
20/03/1996 + 
20/08/96 
15/03/95 
15/06/95 
. 
17/06/96 
15/10/96 
20/03/96 + 
20/08/96 
10/01/96 
15/10/96 
17/06/96 
17/12/96 Selection 
procedures 
(period) 
07/97-09/97 
02/97-05/97 
04/96-11/96 
09/95-11/95 
03/96-04/96 
06/96-08/96 
11/96-03/97 
04/96-11/96 
15/03/96-
31/05/96 
07/01/97 -
31/03/97 
09/96-12/96 
03/97-07/97 Contract 
negotiatipn 
(period), 
09/97-11/97 
06/97-11/97 
05/96-02/97 
09/95-11/95 
01/96-04/96 
07/96-01/97 
05/96-02/97 
01/06/96 -
15/09/96 
01/04/97-
15/07/97 
15/02/97 
30/07/97 Anticipate 
d date of 
initial 
contract 
signature 
11/97 
09/97 
07/96-12/96 
1/01/96 
1/04/96 
08/96-06/97 
15/09/96 
15/07/97 
31/03/97 
15/10/97 . 
Total 
1996 
Budget 
(MECU) 
18 
2,4 
36,3 
38 
4 
2.3 
233,6 
134.00 
-
-
RTD activities in 1996 : Work programme 1996 - Specific programmes (EC FP4 + Euratom FP) 
Timetable for calls for proposals and the selection procedure: Budget Table 8 
Names of specific programmes (EC FP4 + Euratom FP) and areas of work programme Dates and OJ 
references of calls 
for proposals (or 
expressions of 
interest) Technology 
stimulation 
V;.(SME^? 
measures) Deadlines/ 
dates for 
^receipt of 
proposals Selection 
procedures 
^(period)**» -*•; 5-* 
;negoJatton-
:HPeJlP|JLv 
signature Total 
1996 
Budget 
(MECU) 
A^*C^t«m*R<*^$Mrle$ ^ 
Scaling-up and processing methodologies, advanced, optimized technologies and processes, generic 
science for nutritious food 15/06/1995 
C148 15/09/95 16/09/95-
12/03/96 13/03/96-
30/06/96 1/06/96 50,5 
R&D: integrated production and processing chains, agriculture, forestry and rural development, 
fisheries and aquaculture, ethical, legal and social aspects. Demonstration: agriculture, forestry and 
rural development, fisheries and aquaculture 15/12/95 
C337 03/96 15/03/96 16/03/96-
15/09/96 16/09/96-
30/11/96 1/12/96 
Integrated production and processing chains, scaling-up and processing methodologies, generic 
science and advanced technologies for nutritious foods, agriculture, forestry and rural development, 
fisheries and aquaculture 15/12/94 
C357 16/10/95-
29/02/96 01/03/96-
30/04/96 1/06/96 110.00 
1,2 
15/06/95 
C 148 01/02/96-
30/04/96 01/05/96 -
30/06/96 1/08/96 1,7 
15/06/95 
C 148 15/06/96 -
15/09/96 16/09/96-
30/11/96 1/12/96 
tfofl^fcctearmifcrgy 
Supplementary call targeting renewable energy sources (specific subjects in the field of solar energy, 
photovoltaics, wind energy and biomass) 16/01/96 
C11 14/05/96 14/05/96 5/96-9/96 9/96-11/96 01/97 25,3 
SMEs Exploratory awards 15/12/94 
94/C 357/11 1/96-3/96 4/96-5/96 06/96 0,5 
Call for expression of interest for experts 15/06/95 
95/C 148/16 2/06/98 6/96-8/96 
THERMIE Type A 15/09/95 1/02/96 3/96-07/1996 9/96-10/1996 11/96 105 
THERMIE Typé B 15/12/94 15/12/94 17/12/97 3/96-08/1996 9/96-10/1996 11/96 26 
'WEEEEEE8EEEEEE 
15/12/95 
C337 28/02/96 3/96-6/96 07/96-08/96 09/96 46,7 
Transport 
Strategic research, rail transport, integrated transport chains, air transport, urban transport, 
waterway transport, road transport 15/12/95 
C337 15/12/95 
C337 15/03/96 04/96-05/96 07/96-11/96 10/96 
Strategic research, rail transport, integrated transport chains, air transport, urban transport, 
waterway transport, road transport 15/12/96 15/03/97 205,2 
RTD activities in 1996 : Work programme 1996 - Specific programmes (EC FP4 + Euratom FP) 
Timetable for calls for proposals and the selection procedure: Budget Table 8 
> /. 
Mf»^8 ?¥^MMMmwfiM9pp41Euratom Fp)and areas <W*RW!W5?^ •*& * * * « ** * Î** V» ft * 3§?B j i 
•'i •**•*, 
*"{interest)^ . ^-A^i 
Cecr 
stimulai 
M(8P 
measures)9 (Çeïptof^ 
SC?P5??a!f^ 
4^4* ^fsfc. 
i'XotalJf* 
§119961% 
f(MECU) 
ÊÉiiiiif^ËàiaïiliÉ^^ ••-..•- <-
Science and technology policy options, research on education and training, research on social 
integration and exclusion (only certain sub-areas) 15/06/96 15/10/96 01/97 03/97 05/97 35 
iiii^ii^il!^H^Ëiiii 
Developing countries (DG XII) C64 6/09/95 10/95-03/96 15/03/96-
15/05/96 06/96-07/96 47,2 
Fellowships Japan, Korea (DG XII) 15/02/1995 
C38 1/03/96 17/04/96-
06/07/96 1/09/96 1/09/96 4,2 
Developing countries (DG XII) 15/03/1996 
C75 12/09/96 15/10/96-
02/97 15/11/96-
15/05/97 07/97 
Cooperation with the countries of Central and Eastern Europe and the new Independent States (DG XII) 17/10/95 
C27 29/02/96 15/03/96-
15/04/96 09/96-10/96 10/96-11/96 31,7 
Training: fellowships Japan, manufacturing technologies (DG III) 15/02/95 
C38 1/03/96 17/04/96-
06/07/96 1/09/96 1/09/96 
Developing countries (DG III) 15/03/1996 
C75 
Cooperation with the countries of Central and Eastern Europe and the new Independent States (DG XIII) 17/10/95 
C27 15/03/96-
15/04/96 09/96-10/96 10/96-11/96 
Developing countries (DG XIII) 15/03/1996 
C75 
Cooperation with the countries of Central and Eastern Europe and the new Independent States (DG XVII) 17/10/95 
C27 15/03/96-
15/04/96 09/96-10/96 10/96-11/96 
Regional action (with DG XVI) 15/09/95 15/12/95 1/96 - 3/96 03/96 04/96 
Stimulation of public awareness 15/09/95 15/12/95 1/96 - 3/96 03/96 04/96 
Promotion of innovation management techniques 15/12/95 15/03/96 4/96 - 6/96 06/96 07/96 
OPET network - Organizations for the promotion of energy technologies 15/12/95 15/03/96 4/96 - 6/96 06/96 07/96 4,4 
European networks and services for technology transfer and innovation support 15/12/95 15/03/96 4/96 - 6/96 06/96 07/96 
16/09/96 10/96-12/96 12/96 01/97 
us 
RTD activities in 1996 : Work programme 1996 - Specific programmes (EC FP4 + Euratom FP) 
Timetable for calls for proposals and the selection procedure: Budget Table 8 
Names of specific programmes (EC FP4 + Euratom FP) and areas of work programme 
Financial actions 
Technology transfer projects, technology validation projects 
European networks and services for technology transfer and innovation support 
Training and mobility of researchers 
Research networks 
Training fellowships for research 
I 
Access to large scale facilities 
Euroconferences, summer schools and practical training courses Dates and OJ 
references of calls 
for proposals (or 
expressions of 
interest) 
15/06/96 
15/09/96 
15/1J/95 
17/01/95 
16/09/96 
15/06/95 
15/09/95 
15/03/96 
16/09/96 
16/09/96 
15/12/95 
17/06/96 
16/12/96 Technology 
stimulation 
(SME 
measures) Deadlines/ 
dates for., 
receipt of 
proposals i;,. 
16/09/96 
15/12/96 
16/03/96 
18/09/97 
15/06/95 
3/02/97 
15/09/95 
15/12/95 
17/06/96 
16/12/96 
16/12/96 
1/04/96 
30/09/96 
1/04/97 Selection 
procedures 
(period)^ 
10/96-12/96 
1/97-4/97 
N.A. 
N.A. 
15/02/96 
09/97 
29/02/96 
05/96 
12/96 
05/97 
05/97 
06/96 
03/97 
06/97 < Contract^ 
negotiation 
^(period);!1 
12/96 
12/96 
N.A. 
N.A. 
-
-
-
-Anticipate ifr* 
v.contract •. 
signature 
••&>&$**:. 
- , - ># < 
01/97 
05/97 
N.A. 
N.A. 
-
05/96 
08/96 
12/96 Total 
1996 
Budget 
(MECU) 
1 
-
N.A. 
N.A. 
151,3 
84,9 
11,1 
12,8 
& 
RTD activities in 1995: Specific programmes (EC FP4 + Euratom FP) - New projects - Shared-cost actions 
Total new projects (number and amount) classed according to the contractual value of the projects Table 9 
50% of the projects take 15% of the total budget. 
80% of the projects take 50% of the total budget. 
1 ) The total contribution to a project is less than or equal to 0,1 MECU 
2) Breakdown not available for the "Transport", "Disseminatiion and utilization" and "Fusion" programmes. 
3f. 
Table 10 
Funding of the 4th Framework Programme and the Euratom Framework Programme 
Amounts (increased by 6,5%) in MECU and distribution 
FIRST ACTIVITY 
Information and communication technologies 
1. Telematics 
2. Communication technologies 
3. Information technologies 
Industrial technologies 
4. Industrial and materials technologies 
5. Measurement and testing 
Environment 
6. Environment and climate 
7. Marine sciences and technologies 
Life sciences and technologies 
8. Biotechnology 
9. Biomedicine and health 
10. Agriculture and fisheries 
Energy 
11. Non-nuclear energy 
12. Nuclear-fission safety 
13. Controlled thermonuclear fusion 
Transport 
Targeted socio-economic research 
SECOND ACTIVITY 
Cooperation with third countries and international organiz 
THIRD ACTIVITY 
Dissemination and optimization of results 
FOURTH ACTIVITY 
Stimulation of training and mobility of researchers 
TOTAL 
MAXIMUM OVERALL TOTAL 4th Framework Programme 
Decisions 1110/94/EC, 616/96/CE 
SCA 
3 604 
898 
671 
2 035 
1906 
1 722 
184 
809,5 
566.5 
243 
1 592.5 
588 
358 
646,5 
1030 
1 030 
256 
112 
575 
312 
792 
10 989 JRC 
11,5 
11,5 
208,5 
96 
112,5 
313 
313 
50 
50 
21 
21 
35 
639 SAT 
Support 
10,5 
10,5 
10,5 
10,5 
27,5 
27,5 
31,5 
31,5 
16 
16 
40 
136 
11 764 Framework 
Prog.Decisions 
94/268, 
96/253/Euratom 
SCA 
1 016.5 
170.5 
846 
1 016.5 JRC 
319,5 
270,5 
49 
7 
319,5 
1336 TOTAL 
898 
671 
2 057 
1 818 
307 
907 
243 
588 
358 
728 
1 067 
441 
895 
* 3 626 
2 125 
1 150 
1674 
2 403 
256 
147 
575 
352 
792 
13 100 
XIIA3,157TABEN.XLS,13/08/96,13:55 
Development of Community research commitments 
Period 1984 -1998 
(current prices) Table 11 
Situation at 08.05.96 
YEARS 
FP 1984-87 
FP 1987-91 
FP 1990-94 
Supp. finance FP 90-94 
PCFP 1994-98 (*) 
RTD PROGRAMMES 
APAS 
RTD+APAS 
SPRINT 
ECSC 
80% of THERMIE 
Total for all research (1) 84 
593,0 
^ 
593,0 
593,0 
593,0 85 
735,0 
735,0 
735,0 
735,0 86 
874,0 
874,0 
874,0 
874,0 87 
701,8 
188,1 
889,9 
49,4 
939,3 
939,3 88 
260,8 
810,6 
1071,4 
56,6 
1128,0 
1128,0 89 
101,1 
1241,3 
1342,4 
69,8 
1412,2 
1412,2 90 
4,9 
1596,9 
1601,8 
113,1 
1714,9 
16,0 
17,5 
36,0 
1784,4 91 
1270,7 
296,0 
1566,7 
168,8 
1735,5 
16,0 
17,5 
118,4 
1887,4 92 
230,9 
2160,5 
2391,4 
308,4 
2699,8 
17,0 
17,5 
128,9 
2863,2 93 
14,8 
1929,5 
150,0 
2094,3 
440,2 
2534,5 
17,5 
139,2 
2691,2 94 
3,9 
1264,7 
750,0 
0,0 
2018,6 
571,8 
2590,4 
17,5 
145,6 
2753,5 95 
0,2 
1,0 
3017,5 
3018,7 
2,1 
3020,8 
3020,8 96 
3183,1 
3183,1 
3183,1 
3183,1 97 
3450,0 
3450,0 
3450,0 
3450,0 98 
3449,4 
3449,4 
3449,4 
3449,4 TOTAL 
3270,6 
5357,4 
5651,7 
900,0 
13100,0 
28279,7 
1780,2 
30059,9 
49,0 
87,5 
568,1 
30764,5 
4269,3 
7151 
11980 
15857 
EC BUDGET (current prices) 
Total research as % of budget 
% with suppl. of MECU 700 28905 
2,1 29925 
2,5 35842 
2,4 38392 
2,4 43080 
' 2,6 42569 
3,3 45057 
4,0 56111 
3,4 61232 
4,7 67760 
4,0 65929 
4,2 78432 
3,9 85094 
3,7 
3,9 91861 
3,8 
4,1 97069 
3,6 
3,9 
(1) RTD + THERMIE + ECSC + SPRINT + APAS. 
(*) The amounts of FP 1994-1998 are those of the EC proposal following EU enlargement. 
157TABEN.XLS 
Development of Community research commitments 
Period 1984 - 1998 
(1992 prices) Table 12. 
Situation at 08.05.96 
YEARS 
FP 1984-87 
FP 1987-91 
FP 1990-94 
Supp. finance. FP 90-94 
PCFP 1994-98 (*) 
RTD PROGRAMMES 
APAS 
RTD+APAS 
SPRINT 
ECSC 
80% of THERMIE 
Total for all research (1) 84 
848,4 
" 
848,4 
848,4 
848,4 85 
991,9 
991,9 
991,9 
991,9 86 
1139,5 
1139,5 
1139,5 
1139,5 87 
886,1 
237,5 
1123,6 
62,4 
1186,0 
1186,0 88 
317,7 
987,3 
1305,0 
68,9 
1373,9 
1373,9 89 
117,1 
1438,4 
1555,5 
80,9 
1636,4 
1636,4 90 
5,4 
1770,4 
1775,8 
125,4 
1901,2 
17,7 
19,4" 
39,9 
1978,2 91 
1339,0 
311,9 
1650,9 
177,9 
1828,8 
16,9 
18,4 
124,8 
1988,9 92 
230,9 
2160,5 
2391,4 
308,4 
2699,8 
17,0 
17,5 
128,9 
2863,2 93 
14,6' 
1901,0 
147,8 
2063,4 
433,7 
2497,1 
17,2 
137,1 
2651,4 94 
3,8 
1223,1 
725,3 
0,0 
1952,2 
553,0 
2505,2 
16,9 
140,8 
2662,9 95 
0,2 
1,0 
2884,8 
2886,0 
2,0 
2888,0 
2888,0 96 
2966,5 
2966,5 
2966,5 
2966,5 97 
3153,6 
3153,6 
3153,6 
3153,6 98 
3077,1 
3077,1 
3077,1 
3077,1 TOTAL 
4306,1 
6022,1 
5597,5 
873,1 
12082,0 
28880,8 
1812,6 
30693,4 
51,6 
89,4 
571,5 
31405,9 
5539,7 
8163 
12145 
14748 
EC BUDGET (1992 prices) 
Total res.as % of budget 
Deflators (**) 
Annual inflation (%) 
% with suppl.of MECU 700 41352 
2,1 
0,699 40385 
2,5 
0,741 
6,0 46730 
2,4 
0,767 
3,5 48475 
2,4 
0,792 
3,3 52473 
2,6 
0,821 
3,6 49327 
3,3 
0,863 
5,1 49952 
4,0 
0,902 
4,5 59126 
3,4 
0,949 
5,2 61232 
4,7 
1,000 
3,5 66759 
4,0 
1,015 
1,5 63761 
4,2 
1,034 
1,9 74983 
3,9 
1,046 
1,2 79305 
3,7 
1,073 
2,6 
3,9 83968 
3,8 
1,094 
2,0 
4,1 86591 
3,6 
1,121 
2,5 
3,9 
(*) The amounts of FP 1994-1998 are those of the EC proposal following EU enlargement. 
(**) The deflators used from 1995 take account of enlargement from 12 to 15 Member States (COM(96)65). 
(1) RTD + THERMIE +ECSC +SPRINT + APAS. 
IS7TARFNXÏ S 
5? 
Main abbreviations and acronyms used 
ACP countries African, Caribbean and Pacific countries 
ACTS Advanced Communication Technologies and Services (Specific RTD 
programme) 
AIR Agriculture and Agro-industry, including fisheries (Specific RTD programme) 
ALTENER Alternative Energy programme 
APAS Preparatory, accompanying and support actions 
AVICENNE Scientific and technological cooperation with Maghreb countries and other 
countries in the Mediterranean region 
BIOMED Biomedicine and Health (specific RTD programme) 
BRIDGE Biotechnology Research for Innovation, Development and Growth in Europe 
(specific RTD programme under FP3) 
BRITE-EURAM Basic Research in Industrial Technologies for Europe - EUropean Research in 
Advanced Materials (Specific RTD programme) 
CAP Common Agricultural Policy 
CBR Community Bureau of Reference 
CCFP Consultative Committee for the Fusion Programme 
CEN-Cenelec European Committee for Standardization/European Committee for 
Electrotechnical Standardization 
CERN European Centre for Nuclear Research 
CIS Commonwealth of Independent States of the former Soviet Union 
COPERNICUS Cooperation in Science and Technology with Central and Eastern Europe 
CORDIS Community Research and Development Information Service 
COST European Cooperation in the field of scientific and technical research 
COSU Cooperation with the Soviet Union in the Field of Nuclear Fission Safety 
CRAFT Cooperative Research Action for Technology 
CREST Scientific and Technical Research Committee (advises the European 
Commission and the Council) 
CSTP Committee for Scientific and Technological Policy (OECD) 
DC Developing countries 
EAEC European Atomic Energy Community 
EC European Community 
ECE Economic Commission for Europe (UN) 
ECHO European Commission Host Organization 
32. 
ECSC European Coal and Steel Community 
EEA European Economic Area 
EFTA European Free Trade Association 
EMBL European Molecular Biology Laboratory 
ENRICH European Network for Research on Global Change 
ESA European Space Agency 
ESF European Science Foundation 
ESPRIT European Strategic Programme for Research and Development in Information 
Technologies (specific RTD programme) 
ESTA European Science and Technology Assembly 
ET AN European Technology Assessment Network 
ETSI European Telecommunications Standards Institute 
EU European Union 
EUREKA European Research Coordination Agency 
EURET European REsearch for Transport (specific RTD programme under FP2) 
FP Framework Programme 
HCM Human Capital and Mobility (Specific RTD programme under FP3) 
HFSP Human Frontier Science Programme 
IEA International Energy Agency 
IMS Intelligent Manufacturing Systems 
INCO Cooperation with third countries and international organizations (2nd activity of 
the 4th FP) 
INTAS International Association for the Promotion of Cooperation with Scientists from 
the New Independent States of the former Soviet Union (INTAS) 
IPTS Institute of Prospective Technological Studies (JRC, Seville) 
IRDAC Industrial Research and Development Advisory Committee of the European 
Commission 
ISC International Scientific Cooperation 
ISTC International Science and Technology Centre (Moscow) 
IT Information Technologies 
ITER International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor 
ITER-EDA ITER - Engineering Design Activities 
JET Joint European Torus 
93 
JOULE Joint Opportunities for Unconventional or Long-term Energy supply (specific 
RTD programme) 
JRC Joint Research Centre 
MAST Marine Science and Technology (specific RTD programme) 
MEDA Measures accompanying the economic and social reforms in the Mediterranean 
countries 
MERCOSUR Common market of the south (S. America) 
NAFTA North American Free Trade Agreement 
NIS New Independent States of the former Soviet Union 
OECD Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development 
OJ Official Journal 
OPET Organizations for the Promotion of Energy Technology 
PECO Countries of Central and Eastern Europe 
PHARE Action plan for coordinated aid for PECO : Poland-Hungary 
RACE Research and development programme in Advanced Communications 
technologies for Europe (Specific RTD programme) 
RIS Regional Innovation Strategies 
RITTS Regional Innovation and Technology Transfer Strategies and Infrastructures 
RTD Research and Technological Development including Demonstration projects 
SAVE Special Action Programme for Vigorous Energy Efficiency 
SMEs Small and Medium-sized Enterprises 
SPRINT Strategic PRogramme for INnovation and Technology Transfer 
STD Science and Technology for Development (specific RTD programme) 
TACIS Technical Assistance to the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and 
Georgia 
TELEMAN TELEMANipulation in dangerous and disturbed nuclear environments 
THERMIE Programme for the Promotion of Innovation in Energy Technology 
TIDE Telematics for the Integration of Disabled and Elderly people 
TMR Training and Mobility of Researchers (specific RTD programmes under FP4) 
TSER Targeted Socio-Economic Research (specific RTD programme) 
VALUE Utilization of research results for Europe 
WTO World Trade Organization = ex.: GATT 


y] co 
ISSN 0254-1475 
COM(96) 437 final 
DOCUMENTS 
EN 15 
Catalogue number : CB-CO-96-439-E]Nr-C 
ISBN 92-78-08603-7 
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