PROPOSAL FOR A COUNCIL DECISION CONCERNING A SPECIFIC PROGRAMME OF RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE FIELD OF COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES ( 1990-1994 )
Date: 1990-05-23
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: COST, research programme, scientific research, telecommunications

COMMISSION  OF  THE  EUROPEAN  COMMUNITIES 

COM(90)  154  f i n al  -  SYN  259 

Brussels,  23  May  199.0 

Proposal  for  a 

COUNCIL  DECISION 

concerning  a  specific  programme  of  research  and  technological  development 

in  the  field  of  Communication  Technologies 

(1990-1994) 

(presented  by  the  Commission) 

-  2  -

CONTENTS 

Proposal for a Council decision adopting a 

specific  research  and development  programme  in the 

field of  communication  technologies  (1990-94) 

ANNEX  I 

Scientific  and  Technical  Objectives  and  Content 

ANNEX  II 

Indicative  Breakdown  of  Expenditures 

ANNEX  III 

Rules  for  implementing  the  programme  and  activities 

for  dissemination  and  exploitation  of  the  results 

PfrKe 

10 

17 

18 

-  3  -

Proposal  for  a 

C O U N C IL 

D E C I S I ON 

adopting  a  specific  research  and  development  programme  in  the  field  of  communication 

technologies  (1990-94) 

THE  COUNCIL  OF  THE  EUROPEAN  COMMUNITIES, 

Having  regard  to  the  Treaty  establishing  the  European  Economic  Community,  and  in 

particular  Article  130q  (2)  thereof, 

Having  regard  to  the  proposal  from  the  Commission/1) 

In  cooperation  with  the  European  Parliament/2) 

Having  regard  to  the  opinion  of  the  Economic  and  Social  Committee/8) 

Whereas  by  its  Decision  90/221 /Euratom,  EEC<4),  the  Council  adopted  a  third  framework 

programme 

for  Community  activities 

in 

the  field  of 

research  and 

technological 

development  (1990-94),  specifying  inter  alia  the  activities  to  be  pursued  in  the  field  of 

communication  technologies;  whereas  this  Decision  should  be  taken  in  the  light  of  the 

grounds  set  out  in  the  preamble  to  that  Decision; 

(1)  OJ No  c 
(2)  OJ No  c 
(S)  OJ No C 
(4)  OJ No L 117, 8.5.1990, p.28 

-  4  -

Whereas  Article  130k  of  the  Treaty  stipulates  that  the  framework  programme  is  to  be 

implemented  through  specific  programmes  developed  within  each  activity; 

Whereas  an  estimate  should  be  made  of  the  amount  of  Community  financial  resources 

needed  to  carry  out  this  specific  programme;  whereas  the  definitive  amounts  will  be 

fixed  by  the  budgetary  authority  in  line  with  the  financial  perspectives  covering  the 
period  1988  -  1992  included  in  the  Interinstitutional  Agreement  of  29  June  1988(5)  and 

with  any  future  financial  perspectives  covering  the  period  1993  -  1994; 

Whereas,  pursuant  to  Article  4  and  Annex  I  of  Decision  90/221/Euratom,  EEC,  the 

amount  deemed  necessary  for  the  whole  framework  programme  includes  an  amount  of  57 

million  ecus  for  the  centralized  dissemination  and  exploitation  of  results,  to  be  divided 

up  in  proportion  to  the  amount  envisaged  for  each  activity;  whereas  in  view  of  the 

importance  of 

this  specific  programme  within 

the 

information 

technology  and 

communications  activities 

the  estimate  of 

the 

financial 

resources  needed  by 

this 

programme  is  to  be  reduced  by  4.89  million  ecus,  which  amount  is  to  be  allocated  to  the 

centralized  activities,  in  order  to  comply  with  the  second  sentence  of  Article  130p  (2)  of 

the  Treaty; 

Whereas  this  programme  must  be  implemented  by  the  Commission;  whereas  to  help 

accomplish  this,  the  Member  States  are  bound,  pursuant  to  Article  5  of  the  Treaty,  to 

facilitate  the  achievement  of  its  tasks  where  necessary,  notably  within  a  committee; 

Whereas  this  programme  must  be  implemented  essentially  by  the  selection  of  research 

and  development  projects  to  enable  them  to  benefit  from  Community  participation; 

whereas  the  Commission  should  encourage  the  submission  of  such  projects  by  the  usual 

means  of  publishing  calls  for  proposals 

in  the  Official  Journal;  whereas  a  special 

procedure  should  also  be  devised  so  as  to  maintain  a  degree  of  flexibility  enabling  the 

Commission, 

in 

the  face  of 

the  continuous  evolution  and  gradua 

Commis: 

technological  progress,  also  to  take  into  consideration  spontaneous  proposals  consistent 

with  the  objectives  of  the  programme; 

(5)  OJ No L 185, 15.7.1988, p.SS. 

-  5  -

Whereas  the  projects  to  be  carried  out  under  the  programme  must  be  selected  with 

special  attention  to  the  principle  of  economic  and  social  cohesion  in  the  Community,  the 

transnational  nature  of  the  projects  and  the  support  to  be  given  to  small  and  medium-

sized  enterprises; 

Whereas  it  is  only  in  the  light  of  experience  gathered  in  the  course  of  this  programme 

that  the  Commission  will  be  able  to  propose  and  the  Council  to  adopt  supplementary 

programmes  by  having  recourse  to  the  means  provided  for  in  Articles  1301,  130m  or 

130o  of  the  Treaty,  if  they  contribute  to  the  achievement  of  the  programme's  objectives, 

in  accordance  with 

the  option  made  available  by  Article  2(2)  of  Decision 

90/221/Euratom,  EEC; 

Whereas,  in  accordance  with  Article  130g  of  the  Treaty,  the  Community's  activities 

aimed  at  strengthening  the  scientific  and  technological  basis  of  European  industry  and 

encouraging  it  to  become  more  competitive  include  promoting  cooperation  on  research 

and  technological  development  with 

third  countries  and 

international  organizations; 

whereas  such  cooperation  may  prove  particularly  beneficial  for  the  development  of  this 

programme; 

Whereas  priorities 

include 

integrated  broadband  communication  system 

functions, 

intelligence 

in  networks,  mobile  and  personal  communication, 

image  and  data 

communications,  integrated  services  technologies,  advanced  communications  experiments, 

information  security  technologies  and  test  infrastructures;  whereas  the  work  includes 

R&D  on  systems  engineering,  advanced  communications  technology  and  validation  of 

standards  and  common  functional  specifications; 

Whereas  the  Scientific  and  Technical  Research  Committee  (CREST)  has  been  consulted, 

HAS  ADOPTED  THIS  DECISION: 

-  6  -

Article 1 

A  specific  research  and  technological  development  programme  for  the  European 

Economic  Community  in  the  field  of  communication  technologies,  as  defined  in  Annex 

I,  is  hereby  adopted  for  a period  of  five  years  as  from  1 January  1990. 

Article  2 

1.  The  Community  funds  estimated  as  necessary  for  the  execution  of  the  programme 

under  this  Decision  amount  to  489  million  ecus.  Of  this  amount  4.89  million  ecus  is 

drawn  for  the  centralized  dissemination  and  exploitation  of  results.  The  amount 

thus  reduced  to  484.11  million  ecus  includes  staff  costs  which  may  not  exceed  4%. 

An  indicative  breakdown  of  expenditure  is  set  out  in  Annex  II. 

2. 

Should  the  Council  take  a  decision  in  implementation  of  Article  1(4)  of  Decision 

90/221/Euratom,  EEC,  this  Decision  shall  be  adapted  to  take  account  of  the  above-

mentioned  decision. 

3.  The  budgetary  authority  shall  decide  on  the  appropriations  available  for  each 

financial  year. 

Rules  for  the  implementation  of  the  programme  are set  out  in  Annex  III. 

Article  3 

The  rate  of  the  Community  financial  contribution  shall  be  laid  down  in  accordance  with 

Annex  IV  to  Decision  90/221/Euratom,  EEC. 

Article  4 

Article 5 

During  1992  the  Commission  shall  review  the  programme  and  address  a  report  on 

the  results  of  the  review  to  the  Council  and  the  European  Parliament,  together  with 

proposals  for  any  necessary  changes. 

-  7  -

2.  At  the  end  of  the  programme  the  Commission  shall  assess  the  results  obtained. 

It 

shall  address  a  report  thereon  to  the  Council  and  the  European  Parliament. 

3.  The  reports  shall  be  drawn  up  having  regard  to  the  objectives  set  out  in  Annex  I  to 

this  Decision 

and 

in 

accordance  with  Article 

2(4) 

of  Decision 

90/221/Euratom,  EEC. 

Article 0 

1.  The  Commission  shall  be  responsible  for  the  execution  of  the  programme. 

It  shall 

be  assisted  by  a  committee,  hereinafter  referred  to  as  "the  Committee",  composed  of 

representatives  of 

the  Member  States  and  chaired  by  a  representative  of 

the 

Commission. 

2.  The  contracts  concluded  by  the  Commission  shall  govern  the  rights  and  obligations 

of  each  party,  including  the  procedures  for  disseminating,  protecting  and  exploiting 

the  research  results,  in  accordance  with  the  arrangements  adopted  pursuant  to  the 

second  paragraph  of  Article  130k  of  the  Treaty. 

3.  A  work  programme  for  each  year  shall  be  drawn  up  and  updated  where  necessary. 

It  shall  set  out  the  detailed  objectives  and  types  of  projects  to  be  undertaken,  and 

the  financial  arrangements  to  be  made  for  them.  The  Commission  shall  make  calls 

for  proposals  for  projects  on  the  basis  of  the  annual  work  programmes. 

Article  7 

1. 

In  the  cases  envisaged  in  Article  8(1),  the  Commission  representative  shall  submit  to 

the  Committee  a  draft  of  the  measures  to  be  taken.  The  Committee  shall  deliver  its 

opinion  on  the  draft  within  a  time  limit  which  the  chairman  may  set  according  to 

the  urgency  of  the  matter.  The  opinion  shall  be  delivered  by  qualified  majority  as 

provided  for  in  Article  148(2)  of  the  Treaty  in  the  case  of  decisions  which  the 

Council  is  required  to  adopt  on  a  proposal  from  the  Commission.  The  votes  of  the 

Member  States*  representatives  within  the  Committee  shall  be  weighted  in  the 

manner  set  out  in  that  Article.  The  chairman  shall  not  vote. 

2.  The  Commission  shall  adopt  the  measures  envisaged  where  they  are  in  accordance 

with  the  Committee's  opinion. 

3. 

If  the  measures  envisaged  are  not  in  accordance  with  the  Committee's  opinion,  or  if 

no  opinion  is  delivered,  the  Commission  shall  forthwith  submit  to  the  Council  a 

8  -

proposal  relating  to  the  measures  to  be  taken.  The  Council  shall  act  by  a  qualified 

majority. 

4. 

If  the  Council  has  not  acted  within  one  month  of  submission  of  the  proposal,  the 

proposed  measures  shall  be  adopted  by  the  Commission. 

1.  The  procedure  laid  down  in  Article  7 shall  apply  to: 

Article 3 

-  the  preparation  and  updating  of  the  work  programmes  referred  to  in  Article  6(3); 

-  evaluation  of  the  projects  referred  to  in  point  2  of  Annex  III,  as  well  as  the 

estimated  amount  of  the  Community's  financial  contribution  when  these  projects 

are  submitted  through  the  ordinary  procedure  referred  to  in  point  4  of  Annex  III 

and  the  abovementioned  amount  is  more  than  5  million  ecus; 

-  evaluation  of  all  projects  submitted  through  the  exceptional  procedure  referred  to 

in  point  4  of  Annex  III,  as  well  as  the  estimated  amount  of  the  Community's 

financial  contribution; 

-  measures  for  evaluating 

the  programme. 

2.  The  Commission  may  consult  the  Committee  on  any  matter  falling  within  the  scope 

of  the  programme. 

3.  The  Commission  shall  inform  the  Committee  with  regard  to; 

-  the  progress  of  the  programme; 

-  planned  calls  for  proposals,  referred  to  in  Article  6  (3); 

-  projects,  referred  to  in  point  2  of  Annex  III,  submitted  through  the  ordinary 

procedure,  for  which  the  Community  contribution  is  less  than  5  million  ecus,  and 

the  results  of  their  evaluation; 

-  accompanying  measures,  referred  to  in  point  2 of  Annex  III;; 

-  concerted  actions,  referred  to  in  point  2  of  Annex  III. 

-  9  -

Article  9 

In  implementing  this  programme,  supplementary  programmes  within  the  meaning  of 

Article  1301, participation  within  the  meaning  of  Article  130m  and  joint  undertakings  or 

any  other  structures  within  the  meaning  of  Article  130o  of  the  Treaty  may  also  be 

decided  on  as  the  need  arises. 

Article  10 

Where  cooperation  with 

third  countries  and 

international  organisations  aiming  at 

achieving  the  objectives  of  this  programme  requires  legal  undertakings  between  the 

Community  and  the  third  parties  concerned,  the  Commission  shall  be  authorized  to 

negotiate,  in  accordance  with  Article  130n  of  the  Treaty,  international  agreements  laying 

down  the  terms  of  such  cooperation. 

Decisions  on  the  conclusion  of  such  agreements  shall  be  adopted  in  accordance  with  the 

procedure  referred  to  in  Article  130q  (2)  of  the  Treaty. 

This  Decision  is  addressed  to  the  Member  States. 

Article  11 

Done at Brussels, 

For  the  Council, 

The  President 

-  10  -

Scientific  and  Technical  Objectives  and  Content 

Annex  I 

This  specific  programme  forms  an  integral  part  of  the  approach  embodied  in  the  third 
Framework  Programme  in  terms  of  the  scientific  and  technical  objectives  and  the 
underlying  aims  which  it  pursues. 

Paragraph  I.l.B  of  Annex  II  of  the  Framework  Programme  forms  an  integral  part  of  this 
specific  programme. 

The  following  presents  an  analytical  description  of  the  content  of  the  programme  based 
on  and  taking  account  of  the  above  elements. 

The  content  focuses  on  eight  priority  areas  including  the  provision  of  verification 
the 
techniques  and  facilities.  It  will  concentrate  on  areas  of  work  which  require 
collaboration  of  two  or  more  telecommunications  sector  organisations  in  the  common 
interest  of  the  Community.  The  priority  areas  are: 

AREA  1  IBC  (Integrated  Broadband  Communications)  R&D 

AREA 2  Intelligence  in  networks/flexible  communications  resource  management 

AREA 3  Mobile  and  personal  communications 

AREA 4  Image  and  data  communications 

AREA 5  Integrated  services  technologies 

AREA 6  Information  security  technologies 

AREA 7  Advanced  communications  experiments 

AREA 8  Test  infrastructures  and  interworking  (horizontal  R&D  area  supporting 

the  other  priority  areas). 

The  specific  programme  will  cover  these  priority  areas,  distinguishing  three  main  types 
of  work,  namely:  development  of  implementation  strategies  for  IBC  systems,  services  and 
applications;  advanced  communication  technologies;  and  validation  of  standards  and 
common  functional  specifications  for  IBC. 
It  will  involve  the  use  of  experimental 
equipment  and  services  to  address  generic  applications. 

AREA 1:  IBC  (Integrated  Broadband  Communications)  R&D 

Integrated  Broadband  Communications  technology  forms 
the  backbone  for  advanced 
services  and  largely  determines  their  costs.  Key  technologies,  systems,  services  and 
applications  are  being  addressed  under  this  IBC  R&D  heading  using  a  systems  approach. 
This  area  focuses  on  the  following  subjects: 

-  11  -

IBC  Systems  Design,  Architecture  and  Operation 
This  work,  based  on  a  set  of  "open"  standards  allowing  universal  access  to  integrated 
services,  will  enable  Integrated  Broadband  Communications  to  accommodate  emerging 
new  services. 
their 
requirements  clearly,  reference  models  and  common  functional  specifications  will  be 
systematically  developed.  Special  emphasis  will  be  given  to  examining  the  combination 
and  interaction  of  different 
technical  options,  evaluating  the  demand  for  basic  and 
enhanced  services  and  addressing  the  impact  of  regulations. 

the  various  organisations  concerned 

to  define 

In  order 

for 

IBC  Implementation  and  Transition  Strategies 
These  will  cover  the  system  engineering  required  for  the  implementation  of  IBC  services, 
including  the  transition  from  current  services.  The  results  will  improve  techniques  for 
the  efficient 
interoperability  of  public  and  private  networks  and  new  services.  This 
work  is  essential  for  user  acceptance  and  the  cost-effective  use  of  communications 
resources. 

interest 

the  growing 

Research  under  this  heading  will  include  further  development  of  common  functional 
specifications  and  reference  configurations,  with  close  attention  to  recent  developments. 
Particular  attention  will  be  given  to  the  increased  role  of  optical  communications  (taking 
into  account 
the  emergence  of 
synchronous/asynchronous  transport  switching  techniques,  the  optimised  integration  of 
radio  and  mobile  communication  sub-systems  (especially 
the 
development  of  intelligence  in  the  networks.  Further  work  will  also  be  carried  out  on  a 
to  communications  management  and  on  new  value-added  services 
layered  approach 
adapted 
image 
communication  and  its  integration  in  services;  and  the  interworking  between  private 
networks,  local  and  metropolitan  area  networks,  to  enhance  connectivity  and  service 
adaptability. 

to  be  addressed  will  cover 

"fibre-to-the-home"), 

in  rural  areas)  and 

to  evolving  needs. 

Specific 

tasks 

in 

Common  Operational  Environment 
This  work  will  support  standardisation  efforts,  particularly 
the  European 
those  of 
It  will  include  the  dissemination  of 
Telecommunications  Standards  Institute  (ETSI). 
results  and  the  acquisition  of  other  relevant  information.  Liaison  will  be  assured  with 
other  bodies  responsible  for  advanced  communication  projects  outside  the  programme. 
Common  analytical  tools  will  be  developed  and  used  for  the  techno-economic  assessment 
of  implementation  and  transition  strategies. 

Techniques  for  Basic  IBC  System  Functions 
This  work  will  cover  switching  systems,  integrated  optical  systems  and  networks,  IBC 
customer  systems  and  IBC  software  infrastructures. 

Switching  Systems:  The  technology  base  of  asynchronous  transfer  mode  (ATM)  will  be 
broadened  and 
techniques  between  ATM  networks  and  pre-existing 
networks  will  be  developed.  The  work  will  enable  ATM  switching  technology  to  support 
local  area  networks  (LANs)  and 
interconnection  of 
connectionless  services  and  the 
metropolitan  area  networks  (MANs). 

interworking 

Integrated  Optical  Systems  and  Networks:  The  work  will  provide  the  basis  for  low-cost 
broadband  access  networks  and  contribute  to  the  introduction  and  evolution  of  integrated 
optical  networks  and  photonic  switching. 

IBC  Customer  Systems:  The  work  in  this  domain  will  provide  the  technologies  needed 
for  IBC  terminals  and  Customer  Premises  Networks  (CPNs).  It  will  involve  investigation 
of  multi-service  interfacing  and  research  on  the  impact  of  ATM  on  terminals.  In  the 
CPN  area,  emphasis  will  be  put  on  the  impact  of  data  processing  requirements  on 
business  CPNs,  communication  protocols  and  on  short- 
low-cost 
domestic  CPNs. 

to  medium-term 

-  12  -

IBC  Software  Infrastructure:  The  research  will  support  the  cost-effective  development 
It  will 
of  highly  reliable  telecommunications  software  and  its  full  life-cycle  support. 
the  application  of  advanced 
involve  research 
information  processing  to  telecommunication  software  development. 
It  will  also  cover 
investigations  of  knowledge  based  systems  for  life-cycle  support. 

into  software  quality  assurance  and 

Integration  of  IBC  Demonstrators 
The  integration  and  interoperability  of  "technology  demonstrators"  will  be  presented, 
with  user  involvement,  to  business  and  residential  subscribers  in  both  urban  and  rural 
areas.  The  research  will  validate  the  application  feasibility  of  new  technology,  support 
standardisation  and  provide  the  basis  for  the  evaluation  of  the  economic  performance  of 
systems  and  services. 
It  will  cover  the  integration  of  access,  transport  and  switching 
functions  as  well  as  control,  management  and  signalling  functions.  Demonstrators  of  IBC 
terminals,  as  well  as  terminals  developed  elsewhere,  will  be  connected  in  order 
to 
illustrate  the  large  variety  of  services  and  applications  that  can  be  efficiently  supported. 

Verification  Tools 
Work  in  this  area  will  involve  the  development  of  the  necessary  tools  to  verify  functional 
specifications  and  interoperability,  and  to  ensure  that  verification  is  possible  in  the  IBC 
systems  and  design  concepts.  The  tools  will  consist  of  formalized  procedures  and 
facilities  for  physical  verification.  The  work  will  increase  confidence  in  the  emerging 
IBC  demonstrator  options  and  reduce  the  risks  of  investment  in  IBC  development  and 
implementation  for  industry,  operators,  service  providers  and  users. 

AREA  2:  Intelligence  in  Networks/Flexible  Communications  Resource  Management 

This  research  will  be  related  to  the  development  and  demonstration  of  techniques  needed 
It  will  include  the  development  of 
for  the  introduction  of  "programmable  networks". 
techniques  for  enhancing  intelligence  and  flexibility,  both  in  the  provision  of  network 
services  and  in  network  management  and  operations;  in  the  latter  case,  the  work  will 
cover  aspects  of  Operations  Support  Systems  (OSS)  and  Telecommunications  Management 
Networks  (TMN). 

AREA  3:  Mobile  and  Personal  Communications 

For  cost-efficient 

Research  in  this  area  will  contribute  to  the  development  of  third  generation  integrated 
mobile  communication  systems,  aiming  at  universal  mobile  communications,  mobile 
broadband  services  and  universal  personal  communications  covering  audio,  data  and 
image. 
third  generation  systems  will  require  a 
common  air-interface  exploiting  the  microwave  frequency  ranges  of  2  GHz;  mobile 
broadband  services  will  require  exploitation  of  the  60  GHz  range.  The  work  will  focus 
on  the  development  of  advanced  functionality  for  the  enhanced  and  integrated  use  of 
IBC  and  radio  networks  (e.g.  interconnection  standards  and  mobility  management)  and 
the  miniaturisation  of  terminal  technology,  with  particular  emphasis  on  low  power 
consumption.  Close  attention  will  be  given  to  the  needs  of  different  kinds  of  users. 

implementation 

AREA 4:  Image  and  Data  Communications 

The  research  will  involve  the  development  of  the  technologies  needed  for  the  successful 
introduction  and  exploitation  of  advanced, 
image  and  data 
communication  services,  for  both  domestic  and  business  needs. 
It  will  build  on  the 
foundations  established  by  RACE,  addressing  in  particular  the  impact  of  new  transfer 
fast  packet  data 
modes  (such  as  ATM)  on  high-resolution  visual  services  and 
It  will  include  coding  and  presentation  techniques  for 
transmission  at  Megabit  rates. 
still,  moving  and 
the 
interworking  between  an  IBC  system  and  other  interactive  and  distributive  networks  with 
which  it  will  co-exist. 

in  HDTV.  It  will  cover 

low-cost  and  flexible 

three-dimensional 

images,  notably 

AREA  5:  Integrated  Services  Technologies 

-  13  -

The  demand  for  different  services  will  develop  according 
to  user  preferences  and 
requirements.  The  communications  system  must  therefore  be  able  to  evolve  with  demand 
and  respond  dynamically  to  the  specific  service  features  users  want.  The  associated 
techniques  are  addressed  under  this  area,  which  focuses  on  the  subjects  indicated  below. 

IBC  Service  Infrastructure  Engineering/Modular  Standardisation 
This  work  will  contribute  to  the  harmonisation  of  architectures  and  specifications  for  the 
flexible  integration  of  telematic  services  under  user  control.  Due  account  will  be  taken 
technical 
of  the  trans-national  scale  of  communication  needs  and  the  heterogeneous 
environment. 

Service  engineering  will  focus  on  modular  standardisation  in  the  areas  of  architectures, 
service-user  components,  service-provider  components  and  service-creator  components. 
It  will  also  cover  service  harmonisation  and  usage  modelling. 
It  will  address  the 
functional  architecture  of  an  integrated-services  environment  and  the  specification  of  the 
components  and  primitives  for  end-user  applications.  Research  into  usability  will  focus 
for 
include 
the  human-service 
on 
integrated  services  access. 
The  work  on  service-provider  components  will  cover 
specifications  for  service  management,  while  that  on  service-creator  components  will 
develop  specifications  of  common  tools  for  service  creation.  The  harmonisation  efforts 
will  include  a  concerted  approach  to  specifications  for  usability,  quality  of  service, 
service  evolution,  security  requirements  and  for  mobile  services. 

the  design  of  generic  metaphors 

interface  and 

Integrated  Service  Technologies 
This  research  will  build  on  system  engineering  activities,  and  the  results  will  contribute 
It  will  address  techniques  for  architecture 
to  the  specification  and  harmonisation  work. 
realisation,  user  components  technologies,  metaphors  and  user  interface  technologies,  and 
service  management  systems. 

Service  Technology  Verification 
The  research  will  involve  the  development  of  prototype  facilities  for  flexible  integration 
of  services  responding  to  the  requirements  of  operators,  service  providers  and  users. 

AREA  6:  Information  Security 

The  accuracy,  security  and  overall  "trustworthiness"  of  electronically-communicated 
individuals  and  public 
information  are  evidently  of  great 
importance 
that 
administrations  as  to  commerce  and  industry.  Work  in  this  area  will  ensure 
in 
considerations  of  quality-of-service,  security  and 
the 
development  and 
It  will 
provide  validated  specifications,  guidelines  and  technology  for  practical  and  effective 
information  security  at  a  pan-European 
level.  This  area  focuses  on  the  following 
subjects: 

implementation  strategies  for  advanced  communications. 

reliability  are 

to  private 

included 

Service  Quality,  Security  and  Reliability  Engineering 
The  research  will  cover  risk  management,  coherent  security  solutions  and  the  creation  of 
a  favourable  environment  for  secure  information  management. 

Risk  management:  A  common  strategy  will  be  developed 
management  of  risks. 
risks. 

rational 
It  will  provide  the  scientific  basis  for  legal  measures  to  reduce 

to  allow 

the 

-  14  -

Coherent  security  solutions:  Coordinated  strategies  will  be  developed  to  guarantee  the 
They  will  allow  shared 
interworking  of  separate  security  mechanisms/procedures. 
scenarios  for  transition  and  investment  to  be  developed,  especially  in  public  security 
infrastructures.  The  work  will  provide  the  basis  for  collaboration  between  organisations 
on  the  security  of  information  exchanged  between  them. 

Creation  of  a  favourable  environment:  Options  for  the  diffusion  of  information  security 
techniques  and  related  measures  will  be  identified.  The  actual  diffusion  of  solutions 
amongst  end  users  is outside  the  scope  of  this  programme. 

Information  Security  Technologies 
Technologies  for  security  mechanisms  and  technologies  for  the  integration  of  secure 
systems  will  be  investigated,  especially  for  distributed  systems.  They  will  be  addressed 
under  the  following  major  headings: 

Systems 
applications  software,  hardware  and  operating  systems. 

technologies 

information 

for 

security:  addressing  usability,  auditability, 

Network  technologies  for  information  security:  covering  telecommunications  links  and 
switches  and  those  features  of  single-node  systems  which  enable  them  to  participate  in 
networks. 

tools  incorporating  formal  methods  for 

Tools  for  the  administration  of  information  security:  involving  the  development  of 
software 
information 
security. 
the  formulation  and 
implementation  of  security  policies,  and 
the  on-going  administration  and  quality-
assurance  of  security  systems. 

research  will  address 

the  administration  of 

the  analysis  of 

risks, 

The 

Information  Security  Verification 
The  security  of  any  system  can  only  be  as  good  as  its  weakest  link.  The  systems 
required  are  complex  and  need  to  be  checked.  Strategies,  specifications  and  technologies 
developed  in  the  specific  programme  will  therefore  be  verified  by  building  a  series  of 
small-scale  demonstrators.  The  work  will  fall  under  the  following  major  headings  : 

Integration  of  information  security  technologies:  addressing  the  use  of  a  mix  of  several 
technologies  for  achieving  optimal  information  security  (ranging  from  electronics  to 
suppress  unwanted  radiation  of  signals  to  protocol  designs).  These  cover  many  functions 
and  will  form  only  part  of  the  total  systems  in  which  they  are  used. 

Verification  of  common  tools  for  information  security:  covering  three  classes  of  tools; 
risk  analysis  tools,  assurance  criteria  tools  and  tools  for  voluntary  regulation  of  security. 

Establishment  of  common  infrastructure  for  information  security:  covering  four  areas: 
certification  services  for  security  products;  accreditation  services  for  secure  systems; 
In  all  areas, 
gateways  for  secure  international  traffic;  and  third-party  security  services. 
the  work  will  involve  pilot  implementations  of  secure  systems  with  live  traffic.  These 
will  be  adapted  to  the  needs  of  different  branches  of  the  economy,  including  public 
administrations,  and  directly  supported  by  those  who  have  developed  the  technologies 
elsewhere,  within  the  corresponding  R&D  projects,  or  outside. 

AREA!:  Advanced  Communication  Experiments 

-  15  -

This  work  is  designed  to  prepare  the  ground  for,  and  minimize  the  risks  of  investments 
in,  advanced  communications.  It  will  identify  generic  service  functions  which  are 
the  matching  of  different  user  needs  while  maintaining 
reusable  and  will  permit 
for  user 
universal  access  and 
organisations  to  take  up  new  technologies  and  exploit  the  opportunities  they  present.  By 
contributing  to  the  creation  of  demand  for  advanced  communications,  work  in  this  area 
is  also  in  the  interest  of  operators  and  equipment  manufacturers.  The  work  focuses  on 
the  following  subjects: 

interoperability.  The  research  will  make 

it  easier 

IBC  Generic Applications  Strategies 
The  research  will  focus  on  the  identification  of  "trigger"  applications  of  advanced 
communications  and  of  the  generic  applications  which  will  be  the  basis  for  a  spectrum  of 
It  will  cover  the  development  of  a  Usage  Reference  Model, 
future  universal  services. 
development  of  consensus-based  operational  specifications,  development  of  consensus-
based  common  functional  specifications  for  services,  consolidation  of  network  and 
technology  aspects  and  the  identification  of  criteria  and  guidelines  for  the  successful 
introduction  and  use  of  advanced  communications.  The  work  on  the  Usage  Reference 
Model  will  build  on  the  pre-existing  concepts,  but  with  a  new  focus  on  entry  strategies, 
generic  applications  and  the  relation  between  applications  (the  user/demand  viewpoint) 
and 
operational 
specifications,  taking  the  user's  viewpoint,  and  common  functional  specifications  for 
services  will  be  developed  where  they  are  "market  enabling".  The  identification  of 
criteria  and  guidelines 
advanced 
communications  will  build  on  application  experiments,  relating  to  techno-economic  and 
organisational 
identified: 
Some  generic  applications  have  been 
Examples  are  distributed  case  handling,  inter-personal  communications  and  remote 
delivery  of  expertise. 

introduction  and  use  of 

(the  provider/supplier 

Consensus-based 

viewpoint). 

tentatively 

successful 

services 

issues. 

the 

for 

technologies 

identification  of 

Techniques  for  Advanced  Communications  Experiments 
The  technology  and  techniques  necessary  for  experimentation  with  advanced  applications 
will  be  addressed  under  this  heading.  Three  themes  have  been  identified:  development 
and 
service 
to  support 
infrastructures;  development  of  resource  packages;  and  development  of  techniques  to 
support  the  elicitation  of  user  requirements  and  response.  The  work  will  include  the 
identification 
as 
translation/interpretation,  integrity,  multimedia  conferences,  multimedia  databases  and 
distribution.  The  development  of  resource  packages  will  cover  service  and  product 
terminal 
elements,  network  capabilities  (transport,  switching  and  management)  and 
facilities,  implemented  in  hardware  or  software.  Large-scale  field  experiments  will  be 
complemented  by  simulation  techniques.  Presentation  techniques,  including  animation 
and  graphics,  will  be  used  to  complement  detailed  technical  reporting. 

the  development  of 

applications 

required 

modules 

server 

such 

the 

for 

of 

Application  Experiments 
The  technical  and  operational  feasibility  of  applications  of  advanced  communications  will 
be  established 
in  a  process  of  structured  and  coordinated  experiments.  They  will 
identify,  describe,  model  and  define  generic  applications  of  advanced  communications 
that  cross  business  sectors  and  functions.  Telecommunications  operators  and  users  will 
be  able  to  draw  on  the  results  of  these  experiments  to  put  together  marketing  and 
exploitation  plans.  Pre-competitive  prototype  resource  packages  (including  service  and 
product  elements)  will  be  developed  for  generic  applications,  allowing  sector-specific 
application  experiments  to  be  undertaken. 

-  16  -

There  will  be  particular  emphasis  on  defining  generic  applications,  adapted  where 
necessary  to  specific  user  circumstances.  The  work  will  confirm  the  identity  of  these 
generic  applications  and  clarify 
The 
their  characteristics 
resulting  experience  will  form  a  basis  for 
telecommunications  sector 
organisations  in  planning  the  standardisation,  implementation  and  operation  of  Integrated 
Broadband  Communications. 

in  field  experimentation. 

the  relevant 

introduction  of  IBC  services 

T4REA 8:  Test  Infrastructure  &  Interworking 
The  successful 
to  be  preceded  by 
experimentation  and  trials.  A  test  infrastructure  is  therefore  necessary,  connecting  those 
involved.  It  is  needed  to  validate  standards  and  functional  specifications.  The  provision 
and  operation  of  the  test  infrastructure  is  expected  to  be  based  on  the  Memorandum  of 
Understanding  with  operators  on  EBIT  (European  Broadband  Interconnection  Trial)  and 
its  future  evolution.  The  work  included  in  this  programme  addresses  the  experimental 
use  of  EBIT,  not  its  development  or  operation. 

in  Europe  needs 

-  17  -

Annex  II 

Indicative  Breakdown  of  Expenditures 

in  %, for  the  period  1990-1994. 

AREA  1 

IBC (Integrated  Broadband  Communication)  R&D 

20  -  24 

AREA 2 

Intelligence  in  Networks/Flexible  Communications 
Resource  Management 

AREA  3 

Mobile  and  Personal  Communications 

AREA 4 

Image  and  Data  Communications 

AREA 5 

Integrated  Services  Technologies 

AREA 6 

Information  Security  Technologies 

6 -8 

8 - 10 

11 -  16 

6 -8 

6 -8 

AREA 7 

Advanced  Communications  Experiments 

20  -  25 

AREA 8 

Test  Infrastructures  and  Interworking 
(horizontal  R&D  area  supporting  the  other  priority  areas) 

1  -  3 

The  breakdown  between  different  areas  does  not  exclude  the  possibility  that  projects 

could  cover  several  areas. 

-  18  -

Annex  HI 

Rules  for  Implementing  the  Programme 

and Activities for  Dissemination  and ExpMUMpn fff the  Results 

1.  The  Commission  shall  implement  the  programme  on  the  basis  of  the  scientific  and 

technical  content  described  in  Annex  I. 

2.  The  rules  for  implementing  the  programme,  referred  to  in  Article  3,  comprise 
technological  development  projects,  accompanying  measures  and 

research  and 
concerted  actions. 

The  projects  shall  be  the  subject  of  shared-cost  research  and 

technological 

development  contracts. 

The  accompanying  measures  consist  of  applying  the  means  to  ensure  proper 
technical  execution,  management  and  evaluation  of  the  programme,  as  well  as 
adequate  dissemination  and  accessibility  of  the  results,  and  coordination,  training 
and  consciousness-raising  of  the  participants  in  the  programme. 

The concerted  actions are  those defined  in  the  Financial  Regulation. 

3.  The  participants  in  the  projects  must  be  natural  or  legal  persons  established  in  the 
Community*6),  such  as  universities,  research  organizations  and  industrial  firms, 
including  small  and  medium-sized  enterprises,  or  associations  thereof,  in  particular 
European  Economic  Interest  Groupings (EEIGs). 

Natural  or  legal  persons  established  in  countries  which  have  concluded  agreements 
with  the  Community  foreseeing  scientific  and  technical  research,  may,  based  on  the 
criterion  of  mutual  advantage,  take  part  in  the projects  undertaken  in  the context of 
this  programme.  The  contracting  parties  under  such  arrangements  shall  not  benefit 
from  Community  funding.  They  shall contribute  to the  general  administrative costs. 

4.  The  choice  of  projects  shall  be  carried  out  according  to  the  following  order  of 

priority,  the  first  method  being  the  rule, the second  the  exception: 

(6)  For the purposes of this programme, the European  Centre for Nuclear Research (CERN), whose headquarters 

are in Geneva and most of whose installations are on Community territory, may be a party to the contracts. 

-  19  -

The  participants  in  the  projects  shall  be  selected  on  the  basis  of  the  ordinary 

procedure  of  calls  for  proposals  referred  to  in  Article  6  (3)  and  published  in  the 

Official  Journal  of  the  European  Communities. 

The  Commission  may  also  accept  proposals  according  to  an  exceptional  procedure 

and  under 

the  conditions  mentioned  below,  when 

they  make  a  particularly 

promising  and  significant  contribution  as  regards  the  originality  of  the 

theme 

proposed,  the  novelty  of  the  scientific  and  technical  approach  and  the  methodology 

of  execution,  also  taking  into  account  the  particular  nature  of  the  proposers. 

A  favourable 

technical  evaluation  of  such  proposals  shall  not  by  itself  be  a 

sufficient  justification  for  accepting  a  project;  this  exceptional  procedure  may  only 

apply  after  verification  that  the  nature  of  the  project,  as  defined  above,  does  not 

justify  the  use  of  the  normal  procedure  for  calls  for  proposals. 

The  exceptional  procedure  must  be  completed  before  the  ordinary  procedure  in  such 

a  way  that  the  available  amount  for  the  Community's  financial  participation  in 

projects  retained  by  the  ordinary  procedure  can  be  determined  precisely.  The 

closing  date  for  the  exceptional  procedure  shall  be  published  each  year  in  the 

Official  Journal. 

The  amount  of  the  financial  participation  of  the  Community  for  all  the  projects 

retained  by  the  exceptional  procedure  will  be  decided  each  year,  in  relation  to  the 

projects  selected  according  to  particularly  strict  criteria  of  excellence. 

In  any  case, 

this  amount  may  not  exceed  15%;  it  may  be  revised  each  year  in  the  light  of 

experience. 

The  Commission  shall  draw  up  a  vade  mecum  setting  out  all  the  rules  applicable  to 

this  exceptional  procedure  in  order  to  guarantee  full  transparency. 

5.  The  projects  must  involve  at  least  two  mutually  independent  partners  established  in 

different  Member  States. 

6.  The  Commission  may  encourage  the  participants  to  form  a  European  Economic 

Interest  Grouping  (EEIG)  or  make  other  arrangements  for  carrying  out  projects, 

such  as  those  on  a  large  scale,  permitting  decentralized  management  adapted  to  the 

specific  requirements  of  the  project. 

7.  The  knowledge  acquired  during  the  course  of  the  projects  shall  be  disseminated  on 

the  one  hand  within  the  specific  programme  and  on  the  other  hand  by  means  of  a 

-  20  -

centralized  activity,  pursuant  to  the  decision  referred  to  in  the  third  paragraph  of 

Article  4  in  Decision  90/221/Euratom,  EEC. 

FINANCIAL  STATEMENT 

1.  BUDGET  HEADING  AND TITLE 

Subsection  6,  item  B 6112 

Specific  programme  of  Community  RTD  activities  in  the  field  of  Communications 
Technologies  (1990-1994) 

2.  LEGAL  BASE 

Article  130 Q(2)  of  the  Treaty 

3.  OBJECTIVES  AND  DESCRIPTION 

See  Annex  I  of  the  proposal 

4.  FINANCIAL  IMPLICATIONS 

Amounts  in  Mio  ECU: 

Programme  implementation 
Centralised  action  for  dissemination  and  valorisation 
TOTAL 

484.11 
4.89 
489.00 

The  indicative  internal  breakdown  of  the  484.11  Mio  ECU  for  the  programme 
implementation  is  given  in  Annex  II  of  the  proposal. 

Indicative  multiannual  schedules 

in Mio ECU 

199o 

1 9 91 

I 9 92 

i9 93 

1994* 

TOTAL 

Commitments 
Payments 

- 
- 

109.00 
32.00 

87.00 
80.00 

180.00 
125.00 

108.11 
247.11 

484.11 
484.11 

*  for  the  payment  appropriations:  1994  and  beyond 

The  definitive  yearly  amounts  will  be  determined  by  the  budgetary  authority  in 
accordance  with  the  financial  perspectives  for  the  period  1990-1992  (annexed  to  the 
Interinstitutional  Agreement  of  29  June  1988)  and  with  subsequent 
financial 
perspectives  which  may  be  adopted  for  1993 and  1994. 

5.  STAFF  AND  ADMINISTRATIVE  EXPENDITURE 

In  addition  to  the  principal  means  of  action,  which  are  contracts  (annex  HI),  the 
include  programme-related  staff  and  administrative  expenditure 
above  amounts 
estimated  at  no  more  than  41  Mio  ECU. 

The  expenditure  on  staff  will  not  exceed  4%  of  the  amount  deemed  necessary  for 
the  programme  implementation.  This  implies  a  maximum  of  99  statutory  posts  (A,  B 
and/or  C)  at  any  given  time  during  the  life  of  the  programme.  The  infrastructure 
costs  related  to  statutory  staff  will  be  borne  by  Part  A  of  the  budget. 

6. 

IMPLICATIONS  FOR  REVENUE 

The  contributions  by  third  country  contractors  towards  the  cost  of  administration  of 
the  programme  will  be  reused  pursuant  to  articles  27.2  and  96  of  the  Financial 
Regulations^). 

7.  TYPES OF  CONTROL 

Control  will  be  exercised  by: 

the  Programme  Management  Committee  (scientific  control) 

the  services  of  the  DG  responsible  for  the  execution  of  the  programme,  possibly 
assisted  by  independent  experts 

the  Commission's  Financial  Controller 

In  accordance  with  Article  2  of 
the  use  of 
appropriations  will  be  subject  to  analyses  of  cost-effectiveness  and  the  realization  of 
quantified  objectives  will  be  monitored. 

the  Financial  Regulation^1), 

External  audits  may  be  carried  out  by  the  Court  of  Auditors  in  accordance  with  the 
Treaty. 

(1)  Financial Regulation of 21 December 1977, as last amended by Regulation 610/90 of 13 March 1990. 

C o m p e t i t i v e n e ss  and  E m p l o y m e nt  Impact  S t a t e m e nt 

Subject  :  Proposal  for  a  Council  decision  concerning  the  Specific  Programme  of  Community 
activities  in the field of  communication  technologies (1990-1994). 

I.  ftçason  for Introducing measures 

The  proposal  is  being  submitted  in  order  to  implement  actions  on  communication 
technologies  within  the  thiid  Framework  .Programme  of  Community  research  and 
development (1990-1994) 

II.  futures  of  the businesses In Question 

The  proposal  concerns  the  télécommunications  sector  and  the  actions  will  involve 
telecommunication  network  operators,  equipment  manufacturers  and  telematic  service 
providers.  This sector includes a large proportion of SMEs, which already participate in the 
RACE Programme. 

The  businesses  in  question  are  spread  throughout  the  Member  States,  including  in  regions 
which are eligible for regional aid under the ERDF. 

HT.  Obligations directly Imposed on  businesses 

The  proposal  conforms  to  the  principles  of  existing  administrative  procedures  for 
participation  in  R&D  programme  and  will  encourage  industrial  actors  towards  further 
transnational co-operation. 

No  obligations  are  directly  imposed  on  businesses  ;  those  that  wish  to  participate  will  be 
expected to bear the costs, quite minimal, relating to the preparation of  proposals. 

IV. 

Indirect obligations  likelv  to  be Imposed oq businesses  bv local  authorities 

None are envisaged. 

V.  SPfcIM, measures jo  respect of ,SM£s 

All  signatories  to  contracts  are  treated  on  an  equal  footing,  so  that  even  those  with  t 
relatively  small  contribution  to  make  have  the  right  to  full  access  to  and  exploitation  of 
results.  SMEs participate  in  all  areas of  tbe  RACE  Programme,  in  both  large  pre-planned 
projects and smaller more speculative projects. 

In tbe new Specific  Programme,  increased emphasis  will  be  given  to service  engineering and 
applications  of  advanced  communications  : areas  which  are  particularly  Important  to SMEs 
because  of  their  large presence  and dynamism  in  these  areas.  Aside  from  the  R&D activity 
per se, accompanying  measures,  some aimed specifically  at SMEs, constitute  an integral part 
of  the current proposal. 

VI.  Likely  effects  on  competitiveness  of  businesses  and  on  employment 

The  actions  will  not  only  contribute  to  sustaining  tbe  international  competitiveness  of  the 
the  development  of 
European  Telecommunications 
competitive  telematic  service  providers  and  will  have  a  positive  effect  on  all  major  business 
sectors  which  depend  on  advanced  telecommunications. 

industry,  but  will  also  stimulate 

in 

to  effective 
Over  60%  of  new  employment 
.communications.  The  effects  on  competitiveness  and  employment  of  programmes  of 
precompeiitive  R&D  such  as this Specific  Programme  will  continue  to  be  very  positive.  The 
development  and  use  of  advanced  communications  systems  gives 
improved  access  to 
markets,  a  better  understanding  of  international  market  needs,  improved  stock  control, 
management,  corporate  image and acceptability  to  international  customers. 

tbe  EC  now  depends  on  access 

VII.  CoflSuMatipg  of Jn^ustTV 

The  proposal  is  the  result  of  a  broad  consultation  of  representatives  from  all  industrial 
sectors  concerned  in  tbe  Community.  The  proposal  will  be  submitted  to  the  Economic  and 
Social Committee  for  opinion. 

ISSN 0254-1475 

COM (90) 154 final 

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