WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2589/96 by Amedeo AMADEO to the Commission. Framework programme for research and technological development
Date: 1996-10-11
Institutions: AMADEO, European Parliament
Subjects: EU programme, access to information, research and development, research programme, small and medium-sized enterprises, technological change













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91996E2589

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2589/96 by Amedeo AMADEO to the Commission. Framework programme for research and technological development  


Official Journal C 072 , 07/03/1997 P. 0059 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-2589/96 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (11 October 1996)Subject: Framework programme for research and technological developmentWith regard to the proposal for a European Parliament and Council Decision adapting for the second time Decision No 1110/94/EC concerning the fourth framework programme of activities in the field of research,technological development and demonstration (1994-98), as adapted by Decision No.../96/EC (COM(96)0012), ((OJ C 115, 19.4.1996, p. 1. )) the framework programme was finally adopted on 26 April 1994. It is disappointing that the latest proposals do not provide for any new measures to increase the involvement of SMUs, even though these firms contribute significantly to job creation in Europe. Will the Commission therefore set up a horizontal 'SMU' task force to coordinate all policies and resources employed to develop and strengthen the technological potential of SMUs and their capacity for innovation?Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission (15 November 1996)In the fourth framework programme of research and technological development (RTD), technology stimulation measures for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are implemented as part of ten research programmes. These measures aim to increase and facilitate the participation of SMEs in Community research projects. They consist of:- an exploratory award of up to ECU 45 000 to cover up to 75% of the cost of the preparatory phase of a research project (feasibility study, better definition of the project, verification of innovative nature, preliminary market research, search for partners);- cooperative research projects (Craft) to allow SMEs with non-existent or inadequate RDT facilities to 'subcontract' the research to entities with sufficient research facilities, the final results going back to the SMEs.There are specific rules for implementing these measures; for example, the call for proposals is permanently open, proposal submissions for all ten programmes are made through a one-stop office, and the same information brochures and simplified forms are used for all ten programmes. There are evaluations four times a year and replies are given within three months.The Commission has set up a horizontal unit to coordinate these measures (SME coordination unit). 'Task forces' are essentially conceived of as having a coordinating function. Given that a unit has been set up to coordinate SMEs, it is not necessary to create an SME task force.On the other hand, and in the spirit of the Honourable Member's suggestion, the document 'Inventing Tomorrow' envisages setting up a horizontal activity within the fifth framework programme to facilitate access to all research and research results by a larger number of SMEs through the introduction of a single, simplified framework and the development of technology transfer mechanisms.The Commission intends to develop this idea in the near future as part of a first action plan for innovation in Europe, as called for at the European Council meeting in Florence.