WRITTEN QUESTION E-1896/97 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (4 June 1997)

Subject: Inventing Tomorrow - Europe's research at the service of its people

With reference to the Commission communication 'Inventing Tomorrow - Europe's research at the service of its people' (COM(96) 0332 final + final 2 (French version only)),

will the Commission promote the thorough reorganization of European research in the areas of defining strategic scenarios, identifying priorities, new architecture, greater flexibility, wider accessibility, clearer allotment of responsibilities and the evaluation of results, with improved administration and management, simpler procedures and more efficient accompanying structures?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission (7 July 1997)

The formal proposal concerning the Fifth Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities ((Doc. COM(97) 142. )), adopted by the Commission on 30 April 1997, was the outcome of a year of preparatory work. At every stage of this period there was a highly constructive dialogue with the political bodies in the Council and in Parliament, with scientific and industrial partners and also with users directly concerned by the potential consequences of the planned research effort.

The assessment report compiled by a group of independent experts chaired by Mr Davignon notes that the research and technological development framework programmes have become a reference instrument making it possible to support high-quality research and establish numerous expert networks throughout the Community. The report puts forward recommendations to maintain this quality requirement, take better account of the social and economic objectives and provide an indispensable European added value.

In line with this strategy, the Fifth Framework Programme is innovative in its guidelines and organisation. The major objectives and priority areas have been identified on the basis of a set of criteria in which scientific performance is not the sole driving force, even though scientific and technical excellence remain a basic principle.

The organisation of the Framework Programme has been simplified. The number of programmes has been substantially reduced compared with the previous one. Community research activities are concentrated in three thematic programmes and three horizontal programmes. This organisation reflects the desire to concentrate and better coordinate efforts. Within the thematic programmes, a limited number of key activities concerning themes connected with priority social and economic needs has been identified. These activities will make it possible to mobilise various forms of expertise and bring together basic research, technological development and the users of research results in integrated projects.

The desire to make the execution of the programmes more flexible and to improve coordination is reflected in a more collegial management, making it possible to respond more swiftly to unexpected and urgent requirements.

In deciding which should be the priority areas for research, choices have to be made. These will henceforth be based on a close scrutiny of the needs of society, industrial realities and future prospects. By adapting to the new economic and social environment, the Fifth Framework Programme pursues the dual target of giving a new impetus to growth and job creation and creating a genuine European area for science and technology.