Commission working document - Research and standardization - Greater consideration of the prenormative dimension in Community research programmes in order to foster the sustainable growth, competitiveness and interoperabitity of products and services to emerge from research
Date: 1998-01-27
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: EU programme, European standard, competitiveness, research programme, standardisation

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 

Brussels, 27.01.1998 
COM(1998)  31  final 

Commission  Working document 

RESEARCH AND STANDARDIZATION 

Greater consideration  of the 
prenormative  dimension 
in Community research programmes 
in order to  foster 
the sustainable growth, competitiveness and  interoperability 
of products and services to emerge from research 

CONTENTS. 

1. Introduction 

2. The need for  standards 

2.1  Economic and social  usefulness 
2.2 

International trade 

2.3  Economic impact of standards 

3.  Situation of prenormative research in the Commission's  specific programmes 

Information  technologies and  communications 
Industrial technologies and materials 
Standards, measurements and tests 

3.1 
3.2 
3.3 
3.4  Agriculture and fisheries 
3.5  Biotechnology 
3.6  Environment  and climate 
3.7 
4. Increasing the effectiveness  of Community prenormative research 

Prenormative  activities of the J.R.C 

4.1  Coordination between the specific  programmes of the 4th R&D framework 

programme 

Prenormative research and the environment 
Prenormative research and intellectnal property rights 

4.2  Research specifically  geared to standards 
4.3 
4.4 
4.5  Prenonnative research and innovation 
4.6  Transfer  ofresults  to standards bodies 
4.7 
4.8  Dedicated calls for proposals of the specific  SMT programme 
4.9 

International dimension of prenonnative  research 

"Key actions" of the 5th Research and Development Framework  Programme 

5. Conclusions 

1. 

I N T R O D U C T I ON 

in  a  strategic  position 

Being  one  of  the  tools  of  quality1 2 ,3  in  the  same  way  as  measurements,  testing,  management 
the 
techniques  and  quality  assurance,  standards  are 
competitiveness  and  interoperability  of products  and  services4. 
Standards  thus  provide  a  bridge  between  the  technical  domain  and  the  regulatory  and 
economic  framework. 
The  development  of  new  standards  and  their  implementation  depend  on  preliminary  research.  Their 
bridge  function  should  thus  be  taken  into  account  in  the  selection,  direction  and  content  of  research 
projects. 
This  bridge  function  is  a  two-way  affair:  one  the  one  hand,  prenormative  research5  promotes  the 
development  of  new  standards  while,  on  the  other  hand,  the  standards  create  the  conditions  for 
better  dissemination  of  the  results  of  the  research. 
In  both  cases  a  specific  strategy  is  needed  to 
make  the  results  usable  by the  standards  bodies. 

to  promote 

2. 

T HE  NEED  F OR  STANDARDS 

2.1 

Economic  and  social  usefulness 

The  advantages  of  standards  have  led to them  being  adopted  in  many  industrial  areas.  Standards  are 
indispensable  tools  in  providing  commerce  with  a  platform  for  good  working  practices.  They  are 
also  the  tool  of  choice  for  protecting  consumers  and  the  health,  safety  and  environment  of  citizens. 
They  make  for  economies  of  scale and  facilitate  the  interoperability  of products  and  services. 

General safety  of products 

The  framework  Directive  92/59/EEC  leaves  it  to  the  European  standards  to 
define  the  technical  specifications  applicable  to  the  products  in  question.  The 
establishment  of  these  specifications  and  the  implementation  of  the  standards 
require  prior 
fields:  ergonomics,  construction, 
research 
engineering, toxicology, biomechanics, etc. 

in  numerous 

Quality  is now recognized  as being a strategic  instrument/wr excellence.  As such,  it has become one of the key 
factors  in  the  competitiveness  of  companies  and  thus  their  capacity  to  innovate.  Quality  and  innovation  are 
inseparable.  Quality  is  also  a guarantee  of  the  competitiveness  of  services  closely  connected  the  health,  safety 
and environment  of European  citizens. 
European  quality promotion  policy for improving European competitiveness (SEC (96) 2000). 
Benchmarking the competitiveness  of European  industry (COM (96) 463 final, 9 October  1996). 
Services:  In this  document  this term  covers  all technical  services:  public  or private  services  with  the  exception 
of services  in banking, insurance, distribution, education and training. 
Prenormative  research:  All  R&D  activities  including  demonstration  projects  needed  to  establish  a  standard  plus 
the activities required  for  proper  implementation. 
Green  Paper on Innovation  (COM (95) 688 final, 20/12/95). 

Although  it is very difficult  to  quantify  their  economic  impact, the significance  of  standards  for  industry 
and services is undeniable.  For example: 

• 

the use  of  standardized  techniques  allows  manufacturers  to  save time  and  money  in  developing  their 
own techniques; 

•  standardization offers  a choice of many equally valid solutions which often  exist  side-by-side and,  as a 

result, it facilitates  the design and production of equipment; 

• 

the  fact  that  products  and  components  available  on  the  market  are  consistent  with  standards  gives 
potential  customers  exact knowledge of their technical  characteristics,  thereby  enabling  them  to  make 
the right choice in terms of quality and price; 

•  standardized  specifications  for  appliances  or  components  facilitate  "'interoperability".  i.e.  they  allow 

consumers to use appliances and equipment from different  sources. 

In  Europe  standards  have  mainly  been  developed  by  the  CEN,  CENELEC  and  ETSI1  l'.sing  different 
approaches: 

•  First  and  foremost,  standards  developed  at  the  request  of  industry  in  order  to  establish  a  coherent 
market  and  to  define  rules  and  a  common  framework  conducive  to  trade.  These  standards  enable 
manufacturers  to establish universally-recognized  specifications  for  design. performance.  composition. 
tolerances and other characteristics. 

Rational  use ofenersv  in  buildinss 

Between  1986 and 1993 twelve  national  buildings  rcsearch  centres 
joined  forces  in  a JOULE project  (non-nuclear  energy)  to  dewlop 
a  series  of  test  cells  for  innovative  building  components  (e.g. 
super-insulating  or  smart  glazing)  and  a  reliable  and  rapid 
procedure  ofmeasuring  the optical and thermal properties  of  these 
components. 

The  consortiuin  cooperated  actively  throughout  the  entire  period 
with  the  CEN's  Technical  Committee  89  in  order  to  establish 
standards  on 
thermal  performances  of  buildings  and 
components.  The cells  are  currently  operational  and  managed  by 
an EEIG. 

the 

JOULE! Joint  Opportumties for  Unconventional or Long-term Energy Supp'iy 
EEIG  European Economic  Jnterest Groupmg 

Secondly,  standards  mandated  by  the  Commission  which  have  been  developed  to  implement  new 
approach European Directives2. 

CEN 
CENELEC 
ETSI 
Council  Resolution:  "New  approach  to technical  harmonization  and  standardization"  (O.l  No  L  1  "i< 4 . 6 . 1 9 8 5 ). 

European  Committee  for 
European  Committee  for  Electrotechnical 
Standards 
European  Telecommunications 

Standardization 
Institute 

Standardization 

These  standards,  which  are principally performance  standards1,  enable manufacturers  to demonstrate 
that  their  products  are  consistent  with the  essential  requirements  set  out  in  the  directives.  Many  of 
them  have needed  prior  research  or post-research  work  to  solve implementing  problems.  Numerous 
examples illustrate these activities throughout this document. 

Food packasins 

In  1992 some 28 million tonnes ofplastics were used in the EC as packaging for foodstuffs 
which hadto  complywith the provisions ofDirective 89/109/EEC, namely: 

a)  not to containinatefoodstuffs through any transfer ofconstituents; 
b)  not to cause unacceptable changes to the composition of the foodstuffs; and 
c)  not to rob the foodstuffs of their organoleptic properties. 

The  CEN  is  currently  working  on  the  standardization of  33  analytical methods  of 
quantifying the level of  contaminants.  These methods are being developed  as part  of a 
research  project  in  the  Standards, Measurements  and  Testing  Programme  and  are 
supported via the preparation of certified reference materials. 

Thirdly,  ISO/EN 9000  and  EN 45000  standards  to  define  the  organization  of  quality  and  systems  of 
laboratory  accreditation.  These  standards  have  made  for  procedures  to  evaluate  the  conformity  of 
products  and services  which are mutually recognized by the Member States.  A  similar approach  was 
adopted for the standard ISO  14001 which implements an environmental impact assessment  procedure 
for  industrial activities and services. 

ISO  9000  standards  were  first  published  in  1987.  They  have  since  become  widely 
recognized by the industry and the services  sector and have been adopted  by  almost all 
the members of the International  Standards Organization (ISO). 
A survey run by Mobile Europe Ltd showed that at the end of  1995 more than  127 000 
certificates  had  been  issued  throughout  the  world  and  that  the  number  was  growing 
constantly. 
ISO 9000  certification  is often  required  for  major  public works  contracts  and many  of 
the big manufacturing  industries  have introduced  quality  systems  which  are  applicable 
to  all their  suppliers.  At present this  certification  of such  systems  is not  limited  solely 
to  big  companies,  it  also  includes  small  and  medium-sized  enterprises  and  is  rapidly 
being extended to the services sector. 
Another survey run by the Manchester  Business  School in  1995 showed that  ISO 9000-
certified  companies  had  a  higher turnover  than  the  national  average  and  a  four  times 
better chance of surviving the current economic recession. 

Finally,  standards  connected  to  the  development  of  high-technology  sectors  [information  society 
(including satellites2)  or biotechnology].  These standards  are very important to the competitiveness  of 
industry  and  services  in  that  they  give  preference  to  the  European  approach  at  world  level. 

Standards  which  establish  the  general  framework  of  a  system  arc  called  performance  standards  as 
opposed  to  product  standards  which  dcscribe  in  detail  a  product  or  a  proccss.  The  flexibility  of  the 
standards  allows  industry  to  producc  compctitive  products  and  services  at  world  levcl  while  fostering  an 
innovative  approach  in continually evolving areas and  inspiring confidence  in users  and  consumcrs. 
Preparatory  document  on "EU action  plan  : satellite communications  in  the  Information  Society"  (COM(97)  91 
final,  5/3/1997). 

Mobile  communications 

In  1993  the  value  of  output  in  the  EC  in  telecommunications  equipment  was 
ECU1S  425m,  16%  more  than  in  the  USA  and  53%  more  than  in  Japan.  This 
reflects  the  development  of  standards  such  as  ISDN  (Integrated  Services  Digital 
Network),  GSM  (Global  System for  Mobile  Communications)  and  DECT  (Digital 
European  Cordless Telecommunications), allo/European  origin. 

RACE  and  its  suecessor,  ACTS,  are  currently  working  on  the  development  of 
standards  for  the  Universal  Mobile  Telecommunications  System  (VMTS).  These 
should  integrate  domestic  and  prqfessional  services  whereby  individual  pieces  of 
equipment  will be capable ofproviding  multimedia mobile services. 

RACE  Research in Advanced Communications in Europe 
ACTS  Advanced Communications Technologies and Services 

2.2 

IpternatiQnal frade 

The  establishment  of  the  big  internal  market  in  Europe,  the  ratification  of  agreements  from  the 
Uruguay  Round  and  the  existence  of  the  World  Trade  Organization  (WTO)  are  accelerating  the 
removal of technical barriers to trade (TBT),1 in particular by way of the code of good practice. 
The Community has thus set two fundamental  objectives: 
• 

firstly,  to  reduce  or  prevent  the  establishment  of protectionist  standards  or technical  barriers  on 
markets outside the Union; 

•  secondly,  to  promote  the  development  and  adoption  of  standards  and  regulatory  approaches 

among its partners which are compatible with or even based on European practices. 

These  concerns  of  the  Community  are  coming  increasingly  to  the  forefront,  for  example,  in  the 
transatlantic  dialogue within  the  Transatlantic Advisory  Committee on  Standards,  Certification  and 
Regulatory Policy (TACS). 

EXTRACT  FROM THE TACS REPORT OF  JUNE1996 

The establishment  ofa  transatlantic  market needs the adoption ofa  multiple  strategy, 
including,  in  addition  to  the  mutual  recognition  of  agreements,  greater  use  of 
international  standards,  the  elimination  of  certification  procedures  and  double 
verification,  the  development  and  use  of  common  industrial  standards,  the  use  of 
functional 
transparency, 
participation  and cooperation in theprocess  ofdrafting  standards. 
To sum  up, theprinciple  to be adopted should be "once verified accepted by all". 

in  regulations  and  directives  and  greater 

standards 

Community external trade policy in the field of standards and conformity assessment (COM (96) 564 final). 

International  standards make for economies of scale not only for  nultinational  coinpanies but also for 
SMEs which export or supply parts incorporated in units for export. 
In  short,  standards  reduce  barriers  to  trade  and  assist  the  development  of  markets  in  the 
economic areas where they are applied. 

2.3  Economic impact of standards 

The  first  figure  shows  the  importance  that  European  organizations  attach  to 
standardization.1  This is reflected by the number of secretariats within the ISO. 
The  other  three  figures  show  the  progression  in  the  annual  production  of  standards  by  the  three 
European standards organizations to meet the needs of industry. 

international 

Secretariat  of  international  technical  groups 
by region (end of 1994) 

CEN - Annual prod. of standards 

Tapan 

Others 
7% 

Europe 
64% 

\ 

\ 

^\^ 

North 
/  America 

J  26% 

800 
700 
600 
500 
400 
300 
200 
100 
0 

CENELEC - Annual prod. of standards 

ETSI-Annual prod.of standards 

m  m 

mm 

The  economic  impact  of  adopting  a  standard  can  be  illustrated  by  numerous  examples,  one  of them 
being the mobile telephones now seen everywhere (see box on previous page). 
In  a  similar  area  connected  with  data  transmission  Japan  has  also  had  success  with  the  vehicle 
guidance  system.  Since the display panels  have been  standardized  some 400 000  vehicles  have been 
fitted with the system. 

The  ISO  secretariat  conducted  a  study  using the  PERINORM  database  (produced  by  AFNOR,  DIN 
and  BSI)  on the  significance  of normative work in certain technical  areas.2  This  study  compares  the 
number of standards produced between  1965 and  1994 in a given economic  sector  and the  import and 
export volume in US dollars.  The results, as presented in the following  examples, suggest that in some 
sectors the normative effort  is limited, in particular in the construction industry. 

1  Report on the progress of European standardization (SEC (95) 2104). 
2  R. Weissinger: ISO standards and international markets; a preliminary analysis of their correlative development. 

May 1995, ISO, Geneva. 

In contrast, in the services sector such as health and medicine where significant  normative work would 
not normally be expected the effort  is proportional to or greater than the increase in trade. 

Construction 

3 0 00 

l:.:.:.:v:::::.:.:.:v:.:::-^ 

Health and Safety 

co 

^- 

^ 

r^ 

32 
UJ  g 

E  = 

z 

ISO 

BPORT/I^PCRT 

Packaging and Distribution 

Mechanical Engineering. 

3000 

3000  T 

Ui  g 
«  .2 
13 
Z 

E« 

EE 

In Europe the 25 000 standards (adopted or in preparation - i.e. five new standards per working day) from 
the CEN, CENELEC and ETSI are a clear sign of harmonization and economic integration. 
This  effort  also  has  an  effect  on  harmonization  at  world  level,  given the  agreements  concluded  by  the 
European standards bodies with the ISO.  The final two graphs show the degree of transposition  between 
ISO/CEN and ISO/CENELEC. 

CEN 

CENELEC 

In conclusion,  it  can  be said that the  European  strategy  consists  of combating  protectionist  standards 
and  promoting  the  adoption  of  international  rules  and  standards,  thereby  providing  European 
manufacturers  with  access  to  the  world  market  without  barriers.  The  production  of  new,  specific 
standards requires prior research which the Community must support. 

3. 

SITUATION  OF  PRENORMATIVE  RESEARCH  IN  THE  COMMISSION'S  SPECIFIC 
PROGRAMMES 

One  of  the  principal  objectives  of  these  specific  programmes  is  to  strengthen  the  scientific  and 
technological bases of European industry, as enshrined in the Treaty on European Union. 
The  first  area  of  activity  of  the  4th  Research  and  Development  Framework  Programme  (1994-98) 
comprises  15 specific programmes.  All the specific programmes  refer to prenormative research.  That 
said,  the  way  in  which  this  research  is  carried  out  and  the  importance  actually  attached  to  it  vary 
considerably from one programme to another. 

3.1 

Information  technologies  and communications 

This  specific  programme  fully  integrates  prenonnative  research  in  its  strategy,  thus  making  for 
complete interoperability of products and services.  A series of consultation and exchange mechanisms 
witli the European standards bodies (CEN. CENELEC, ETSI) have been set up. 

INFORMATION  TECHNOLOGIES  AND  COMMUNICATIONS 

Advanced  Informatics  in Medicine  (AIM) 

By  setting  up  technical  committees  and  working  parties  with  the  CEN  and  EJVOS, AIM  has 
prepared  a work programme  and  initiated  the  development  of specifications  for  a  broadfield 
ofactivities  relating  to the  establishment,  protection  and  exchange  ofpatents. 

Technology  Initiative  for  the Disabled  andElderly  (TIDE) 

Preliminary  studies  have  been  undertaken  to  develop  TIDE  and  these  have  led  to  mandates 
for 
the  ETSI,  CEN  and  CENELEC  and  concerted  action  projects  as  part  of  the  COST 
organization. 

Advanced  Transport  Telematics 

(ATT/DRIl/EII) 

Ten  working  parties  have  been  set  up  to  identify  the  subjects  relating  to  this  programme  and 
these  working  parties  have prepared  the  requisite  documents  for  the  technical  committees  of 
CEN  and  CENELEC 

ESPRIT 

The  scientific  managers  responsible for  this  specific  programme  are  asked 
to  identify  the  possible  links  between  existing  projects  and  standards  in 
order  to  improve  the  utilization  of  resulis  or  the  development  of ne>v 
technologies.  Studies  are  therefore  undertaken  under  the  "Accompanying 
measures"  section  which  could  lead  to  the  defmition  of  new  priorities  for 
research,  changes  in  activities  for  the  standards  organizations  or,  via  the 
technological  coordination  groups  consisting  of  representatives  from 
the 
Member  States,  the  issue  of  new  standardization  remits.  In  the  STEP 
(Standard  for  the  Exchange  and  Representation  of  Product  Model  Data) 
and  CNMA  (Communications  Network  for  Manufacturing  Applications) 
programmes 
these  activities  apply  to  both  research  and  demonstration 
projects. 

3.2 

Industrial materials and technologies 

The  specific  BRITE-EURAM  III  programme  covers  broad  technological  and  industrial  sectors.  It 
does not specifically  finance  prenormative projects, but it includes prenormative aspects  in the criteria 
for  evaluating projects  for  selection  (optimization  and  dissemination).  During the  research  phase  the 
Commission's  scientific  follow-up  calls  for  a  check  of the  possible  impact  of the  work  in  progress, 
either  on the  creation  of  new  standards  or  on the  use  and  development  of  existing  ones.  All  in  all, 
some  26%  of  the  projects  financed  are  of  great  to  very  great  benefit  to  the  standards  needed  by 
industry, a quarter of them accounting for the specific programme's success stories. 

• ~i 

BRITE-EURAM  III:  Technical inspection  ofaircraft 

In  1992 the  cost  of servicing  the  undercarriages  ofthe  European fleet  exceeded  ECU15  000m, 
Thisfigure  will probably  be over ECU 24 000m in theyear  2000. 
The standardized  inspection  procedures  (for  big  as  well  as  small  aircraft)  recently  developed 
under the BRITEprogramme  will  minimize  human  error and maximize  reliability.  At  the  same 
time  they  will  make  for  more  efficient  use  of  resources  and,  consequently,  more  profiiable 
operating  ofthe  air fleet.  As  inspection  is a keypart  ofthe  cost of servicing  aircraft  andthus  an 
important  aspect  on purchase,  thefact  ofhaving  a standardized  and more  competitive  systemfor 
European  aircraft  should  lead airlines to purchase  entirely European  fleets. 

BRITE-EURAM  III:  Manufacture  ofcar  seats 

The  aim  of  the  project  initially  was  to  reduce  the  design  and 
development time of seats using a concurrent engineering method.  The 
specifications  for  seats developed in this project  now form the basis  for 
standards used for the comfort  and safety  of passengers.  The success of 
this  new  process  is  such  that  it  is  already  being  used  by  Lear 
Corporation to the benefit  of several car manufacturers. 

3.3 

Standards, Measurements and Testing 

The  specific  "Standards,  Measurements  and  Testing" (SMT) programme  is the  only one  designed  to 
develop tools to  support the  Commission's  quality promotion policy.  Being horizontal  in nature,  it is 
involved  in all physical,  chemical  and biological sectors where measurement  and test methods need to 
be developed.  It  promotes  activities  linked to prenormative  research  and has  also helped to  improve 
standards in various  important areas and, as such, the smooth operating ofthe  internal market, e.g.  in 
the  control  of  raw  materials  (break  resistance  of  metals),  the  characterization  of  manufactured 
products  (sound  insulation  of windows)  and  better  quality  of  services  (control  of the  microbiological 
quality  of  bathing  water).  This  programme  is  also  responsible  for  research  into  and  production  of 
Certified  Reference  Materials  (CRMs).  The aim of developing numerous  CRMs  is to  guarantee  the 
implementation of standards and directives  (see box). 

10 

SMTJ  CettiteàR*ferenùeM<*e*m (CRMs) 

Ihe  Standards,  Measurements  and  Testing  programmer m  conjunction  with  the  JRC>  has 
dëvetaped ctose to 400 CRMs in the sectors ofthe  environment,  health and safety at work,  agri~ 
fiHtfMffi,  mkwbiafygy* ttomtdtefae, properfiefùftmtria& ete, Mwe thm 90 àthet ÇMMs are 
cttrrentïyBewgprepareÂ 
These CRMs, i&ongwith tkose produced by the JRC m tkenuctear $ectar> are sold/distiiouied By 
thelRClRMMaskeyetementsfor: 
thecomparabtiuy ofthe results oftaboratory measurements; 
th» appUcatwn4>fnumetvusstandards; 
the imptmenta&ttn àfÇùmmtmty îmvm  health mdmvirmmentalprûtêction; 
the  mutuat recognuwn af  results and  the  applxcaûon  of  quality assurance and  laboratory 
açûTtditaÛûn systems. 

SMT:  Oualitv of bathing water 

The  microbiological  quality  of  water  is  the 
most important  parameter  taken  into  account 
by  the  EC  Directive  on  Bathing  Water  to 
determine  the  quality  of  bathing  zones 
throughout Europe.  A prqject launched by the 
specific  SMT  programme 
in  1992  has 
improved  the  methods  of  measuring  the 
microbiological  quality  of  water  and  made 
recommendations  in  conjunction  with  DGXI 
to improve the comparability of measurements. 
The  results  of  the  prqject  will  be  used  to 
develop  a  European 
the 
performance  of  methods  of  measuring  the 
microbiological quality of water. 

standard  on 

SMT:  Fire safety of upholstered seats 

Fires in homes involving upholstered  seats such 
as  settees  are particularly  dangerous  and  cause 
numerous deaths every year.  At the request of 
DGIII  (industry)  the  specific  SMT programme 
began a prqject in  1993 designed to develop test 
methods  for  measuring  the  fire  performance  of 
upholstered  seats.  The prqject  was  successfully 
terminated  at  the  end  of  1995,  and  DGIII 
believes  that  the  results  will  help  to  develop 
European  standards  on the  fire  performance  of 
upholstered  seats,  thereby  helping  to  improve 
the safety of consumers in Europe. 

The specific  SMT programme aecepts prenormative research projects in its annual calls for proposals. 
For the  4th  FWP  it has  also developed  a  svstem  of  dedicated  calls  for  proposals.  This  will  help  to 
meet the R&D needs required to implement European regulations  and directives  as well as to  develop 
standards.  The  subjects  to  aid  standardization  are  selected  in  conjunction  with the  standards  bodies 
(CEN,  CENELEC  and  ETSI).  To  this  end,  the  CEN  has  set  up  a  consultation  structure  of  its 
technical  committees  (CEN-STAR)  which will enable  it to  make  an  inventory  and  draw  up  a  list  of 
priority RTD  subjects. 

n 

CEN-STAR 

The  CEN/BT  WG 70 t(STAndardization  andResearch  (STAR)"  was set up  in  1992 in order  to: 

•  prepare  guidelines 

to  develop  a  more  efficient  link  between  cooperative  R&D  and  European 
standardization,  the  ultimate  aim  being  to  improve  the  speed  and  quality  of  the  standardization 
process; 

•  promote  these guidelines  by participating  in thepreliminary  consultations  of R&D  programmes. 

The  CEN-STAR  committee  is made  up  ofthe  chairman  of the  sectoral  committees  ofthe  CEN  and  of 
theplanning  committees,  assisted by the secretariats ofEFTA,  EUREKA,  EUROLAB  and  Commission 
representatives  (DGs III  and XII,  JRC)  and any otherparties  involved in  standardization. 

Dedicated  call: Sample  of subjects proposed  by the  CEN  and the  General  Directorates 
ofthe  Commission for  the dedicated call of  27.11.1997: 

Test method to  determine the action of disinfectants on organic materials in  contact with 

drinkingwater. 

Bite test for  cltildren 'sproducts, in particular toys. 
Fatigue  crack growth  rate qualifying criteria ofrails  for  railways : test conditions to  be 

optimised 

Assessment  ofexotic  quarantine pest risk to the European  Union plant  health : analytical 

methods 

3.4  Agriculture  and  fisheries 

A  certain number  of prenormative activities  can be found  in the  specific  "Agriculture  and  Fisheries" 
programme.  These  cover  in particular  the  areas  of foodstuffs,  use  of  agricultural  products  for  non-
food purposes, and determination of acceptable levels of impurities in food. 
Tlie increase  in the  number  of standards  for  analytical  methods  clearly illustrates  a need  and  can  be 
taken  as  a  sign  of progress.  Alternative  solutions  are nonetheless  necessary  to  establish  performance 
criteria in place of reference methods. 

AIR:  Biodiesel  - atiernative renewable fuel without  risk 

Biodiesel  is  made  up  of  vegetable  oils  and products  derived  therefrom, 
extracts  of  non-food  agricultural products.  It  may  be  used  as  such  or 
mixed  with  conventional  diesel to provide  a cleaner  renewable  source  of 
energy.  Despite  thefact  that in  1994 only  65 000 tonnes  were  produced 
the  AIR  demonstration  project  aints  at  establishing  platfornts  for  the 
future  exploration  ofthe  market.  It is in this  context  that  it also sets  out 
to  define  physico-chemical  parameters  for  mixtures  of  fuels  as  a 
contribution  to future  European standards,  to runfield  tests for  a  range 
of  cars,  to  study  the  impact  on  the  environment  and  to  define  a 
European  strategyfor  large-scale production  instdllations. 

12 

3.5  Biotechnology 

The  specific  "Biotechnology" programme includes a  sector  on prenormative  research  in bio-safety  to 
assist  the  regulation  of  biotechnology  at  European  level  (managed  by  the  Directorates-General  for 
Industry, Agriculture  and the Environment).  The regulation  of biotechnology  is generally  considered 
to be one of the most important factors  for the competitiveness of the biotechnology industry in Europe 
in the spirit of the precautionary principle. 

Biotechnoloev 
Prenormative  research  also  involves  the  development  of  new  in  vitro 
approaches  in pharmacotoxicoloev  which avoid animal experiments. 
This research  is  carried  out  in  conjunction with  the European  centres  for 
the 
the  validation  of  new  methods  (ECVAM:  European  Centres  for 
Validation  of Alternative  Methods)  of  the  JRC  in  Ispra  and  the  in  vitro 
testing  industrial  platform  (IVTIP)  with  about  20  companies  in  the 
toxicology  sector. 

3.6  Environment  and  climate 

The  specific  "Environrnent  and  climate"  (E&C)  programme  sets  out  to  foster  the  development  of 
environmentally  friendly  products,  technologies  and  services  and  to  promote  the  definition  of 
environmental  quality  criteria.  Its  research  activities  fall  Vvithin the  spirit  of  the  Commission's  5th 
programme  of  action  for  the  environment  and  sustainable  development  and  also  in  a  more  general 
framework  in  connection  with  certain  activities  of the  OECD  (tests  on  chemical  products).  Several 
fields of  activity  are  concemed,  in particular  the protection  and  improvement  of the  quality  of  water 
and air and the risk management of industrial activities. Prenormative research in the E&C programme 
is closely coordinated with the activities of the JRC and the specific  SMT programme. 

Incineration  ofhazardous  waste: 

The  European  directive  on  the  incineration  of  hazardous  waste  (94/67/EC)  sets 
maximum  emission  limits  for  several  toxic  substances  and,  among  other  things, 
from 
obliges  the  Member  States  to  control  the  rate  of  emission  of  dioxins 
incinerators.  Three  standards  prepared  by  CEN  lay  down  the  procedures 
for 
sampling  and  measuring  dioxins  and a set  ofnine  certified reference materials  is  in 
the process  ofbeing  produced  in conjunction with the specific SMT  programme. 

E&C: air  pualitv 

The results  ofthe  APHEA  and PEACEprojects  concerning limit values for  S02,  Nox 
and  suspended  particulates  in  air  indicate  a  correlation  between  the  level  of  these 
pollutants  in the atmosphere  oftowns  and cities and respiratory and  cardio-vascular 
diseases.  These limits  could be used to revise the values adopted by the  Commission 
(Directives 80/779/EEC  and 85/203/EEC) and the WHO. 

13 

3.7  Prenormative  activities of the JRC 

The  Commission  undertakes  direct  R&D  activities  by  way  of  its  Joint  Research  Centre.  The  latter 
contributes  to the  activities  of normative  research  in  several  fields,  including  advanced  materials  (in 
conjunction  with  the  specific  Industrial  Materials  and  Technologies  programme),  structure  stability 
and the environment.  The JRC has opened a dialogue with the CEN-STAR to improve the utilization 
of the results of its research through  standardization. 

JRC:  Seismic protection 

laboratories,  as  part  of 

Collapsing buildings, bridges and other structures due 
to  earthquakes  result  in  economic  and  human  loss. 
The JRC's  test  laboratory  ELSA  is  working  together 
with  18  European 
the 
networks  established  by  the  specific  mobility  and 
training  of  researchers  programme,  to  test  buildings 
(mock-ups or full-scale models) or other constructions. 
The  aim  is  to  develop  and  validate  improvements 
concerning  "Eurocodes"  (Directive  on  construction 
products). This installation is unique in Europe. 

4. 

INCREASING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF COMMUNITY PRENORMATIVE  RESEARCH 

4.1  Coordination  between the specific  programmes of the 4th  FWP 

The various specific programmes of the FWP do not have a coordinated policy where standards  bodies 
are concerned.  If all the normative needs required to develop a European quality promotion policy  for 
products  and  services are to be taken into account,  all the specific  programmes  and  JRC  should  have 
some  form  of  communication  structure  with  the  standard  bodies  and  the  users  of  standards.  This 
would  guarantee  the  harmonious  and  effective  inclusion  of  the  normative  dimension  in  research 
projects. 

RECOMMENDATION 

A  mechanism  to  improve  communication  and  coordination  between  the  specific  research  and 
innovation  programmes,  the JRC  and the economic  operators involved in  standardization. 

4.2  Research  specifically  geared  to  standards 

Many prenormative research projects in Europe are never submitted for the various programmes of the 
4th  FWP.  This  is  because  the  parties  in  question  do  not  know  that  these  projects  are  eligible  since 
there is not  sufficient  information  about the various  programmes.  Only the  specific  SMT  programme 
is  very  active  in  the  prenormative  sector.  However,  it  does  not  cover  all  needs  since  it  is  limited  to 
measurements  and  testing.  This  situation  will  only  get  worse  if  Community  research  does  not  give 
wholehearted  support  to  a  quality  policy  where  standards  are  an  essential  tool.  The  areas  of 
prenormative research eligible in the various programmes  should therefore be stressed. 

14 

RECOMMENDATIONS 

Make  programme  participants  not  or  barely  active  in  tlte  field  of  standardization  aware  of  the 
potential  ofstandards  where utilization ofresults  is concerned 

Make proposers  aware,  at the preliminary  evaluation stages,  ofthe  importance  of  the  normative 
dimension  (especially  inprojects  with quality objectives) for  utilization  ofresults. 

4.3  Prenormative  research and the environment 

According to the  objectives  ofthe  5th  programme  of action  for  the environment  "For  a  sustainable 
development",  prenormative  research  should  be promoted  in the  field  of  environmental  protection. 
This  applies  in  particular  to research  projects  on  industrial  materials  and  technologies.  Concern  for 
the environment  involves both the scientific  and technical aspects and the socio-economic  impact of 
projects. 

RECOMMENDATION 

The parties  and participants  involved in specific programmes  need to be made  aware  ofthe  need 
to take account  ofthe  environmental  dimension ofthe  results of research  projects. 

4.4  Prenormative  research and intellectual  property rights 

For the normative  dimension  to be  integrated  in specific  R&D programmes  the  fact  has to be  taken 
on  board that  prenormative  research  is not by definition  an obstacle  to the  protection  of  intellectual 
property  rights.  Early  dialogue  and  cooperation  between  researchers  and  standards  bodies  can 
remove  any  problems  of  intellectual  property.  The  implication  of  this  research  on  the  property  of 
results and their dissemination  needs to be spelt out during the negotiation  of research  contracts  and 
agreements  between  partners.  Conflicts  rarely  arise  for  performance  standards  or  standards 
providing a basis for the interoperability of new technologies. 

This  aspect  of  relations  between  research  and  standardization  was  covered  by  a  memorandum 
published  by  CEN/CENELEC  in  1992  (CEN/CENELEC  Memorandum  No  8,  1992/03).  A  major 
conclusion  of this  memorandum  was that potential  conflicts  are rare, given  the areas  and  objectives 
of standards. A procedure guaranteeing copyright was drawn up. 

RECOMMENDATIONS 

Improve  communication  between  researchers  and standards  bodies to fdcilitate  the protection  of 
intellectual property  rights  when the results of research are transferred to standards  bodies1. 

The First Action  Plan for  Innovation  in Europe (COM(96)589 final, 20/11/1996). 

15 

4.5  Prenormative research and innovation1 

Rather than acting as a brake, creating an environment which is conducive to innovation will promote 
performance  standards and voluntary agreements, improve the juxtaposition between tlie establishment 
of  standards  and  scientific  and technical  development  and  increase the  awareness  of the  authors  and 
users of standards, especially SMEs. 

RECOMMENDATION 

Member  States  are  asked 
manufacturers  and suppliers  andto  opt, wherever possible, for  performance  standards. 

the  adoption  of  voluntary  standards  between 

to  encourage 

4.6  Transfer  of results to standards  bodies 

The  results  of  Community  research  projects  (direct  action  by the  JRC  or  indirect)  can  be  optimized 
through  standardization.  This  will  depend  both  on the transfer  of the  results  to  the  standards  bodies 
(authors and users) and on the phasing of research with the various preparatory stages. 
Presentation  of  results  and  the  method  of  transfer  must  be  set  out  at  the  project  design  stage. 
Experience  with  the  specific  SMT  programme  has  shown  that  researchers  rarely  make  this 
presentation  effort,  either  as  regards  the  content, the  form  of information,  the  identification  of  CEN, 
CENELEC or ETSI committees, the inclusion of these committees in identification  or the utilization of 
research results. 
To  remedy  these  shortcomings,  proponents  have  been  asked  to  include,  at  the  proposal  stage 
(evaluation criterion), all the requisite information and all the means to be used. A clause has also been 
added to contracts to guarantee communication between researchers anti standards bodies. 

RECOMMENDATIONS 

Guarantee  that when projects  are evaluated  relations with  the standards  bodies and  an  expression 
oftheir  needs  are  recognized 

Guarantee  that  the  conditions  are included  in RTD  project  contracts for  the  transfer  of  results  to 
standards  bodies. 

Guarantee  that  as projects  unfold  purely  normative  activities are carried out  in parallel  with  the 
research. 

TJie JRC  must  guarantee  transfer  ofthe  results  ofits  research to the standards  bodies. 

4.7 

International  dimension  of prenormative  research 

Being  a  tool  to  improve  the  quality  of  products  and  services,  standardization,  as  mentioned  above, 
comes  witliin  the  framework  of  world  trade  rather  than  the  Community.  This  is  especially  so  of 
emerging and enabling technologies. In this case it is essential for  prenormative  research to be part  of 
a  supra-Community context. There should thus be collaboration with participants  from third  countries 
in  order  to  guarantee  the  acceptability  of  standards  to  emerge  from  this  research.  In  this  way, 
standardization,  while taking  account  of the  economic  and  socio-cultural  needs  of  the  partners,  can 
make for a European approach at world level. 

The First Action Plan for Innovation in Europe (COM(96)589 final, 20/11/1996). 

16 

RECOMMENDATION 

Examine  the possibility,  in  conjunction  with  the  economic  operators  (IRDAC,  CEN,  CENELEC, 
ETSI,  etc),  of  opening  up  prenormative  projects  to  non-European  partners  to  guarantee  their 
adaptation  and  acceptance,  as well as the transfer  ofresults,  at international  level 

4.8  Dedicated calls for  proposals  of the specific  SMT  programme 

Promoters  and  producers  are  rarely  enthusiastic  about  normative  research.  Furthermore,  in  the 
Commission's  conventional  mechanism  for  calls  for  proposals  the  rate  of  success  is  poor,  and  thus 
researchers are not encouraged to build projects  along these lines. The pilot project  for  dedicated  calls 
in the specific  SMT programme, on the other hand, meets the specific needs of prenormative research. 
The introduction of this system of calls has required standards bodies to set up  a  selection process  for 
their  topics  and  priorities  with  every  guarantee  of  fairness  and  transparency.  The  criteria  and 
mechanisms  for  selecting topics  are specific  to each body,  depending  on their  structures  and  rules  of 
operation.  The  Commission,  for  its part,  organizes an  evaluation independent  of the topic  submitted 
and the technical documents that accompany them.  In addition to the specific nature of the topics, this 
system  could  apply to  the  "urgencv" of  problems  to  be  tackled,  with  a  shortening  of  the  time  span 
between the selection of the topic and the commencement of research work. 
Being  entirely  horizontal  in  function,  the  specific  SMT  programme  could  assist  the  other  research 
programmes and provide a coordinating function  for prenormative activities. 

RECOMMENDATIONS 

Identify  prenormative  research  needs  in  the  specific  programmes  which  have  been  identified 
during  the  implementation  ofthe  4th FWPand  at JRC,  indicating  the urgency  of the  problems. 

Adapt  selection procedures  for  the  topics  and projects  ofthe  dedicated calls,  especially  in  urgent 
cases. 

4.9  Kev  actions1 ofthe  5th Research  and Development Framework  Programme 

Since standardization  is of strategic interest at the European level, prenormative research has  obvious 
added  value.  Consequently,  the  results  of  a  prenormative  research  project  in  one  of  the  thematic 
programmes ofthe  5th FWP could be of interest to other projects  or other programmes or structures. 
Similarly, other quality tools developed in the thematic programmes or at the JRC  (e.g. new measuring 
instruments,  new  methods  of  measurement  and  control  of  production,  results  of  impact  studies  on 
processes  or  products,  etc.)  should,  together  with  prenormative  research  projects,  form  part  of  a 
coherent whole which should be coordinated. 
Optimisation  of  approaches  and  investments  needs  global  coordination  of  resources  and  research 
projects  in  support  of  standardisation.  Given the  wide  subject  matter  of  standards,  this  coordination 
must transcend the structures of RTD programmes and integrate them in projects  geared to  regulations 
(directives,  etc). 

l  Commission working paper "Towards the Fifth Framework programme: scientific and technological objectives"', 

COM(97) 47 final,  12/02/97. 

17 

A  strategy of this kind should, for example, be put  in place in each thematic  programme  of the 5th 
FWP,  backed  up  if  needed  at  the  level  of  "key  actions",  so  as  to  take  account  of  the  needs  of 
prenormative research. 

RECOMMENDATIONS 

A  capability  should  be provided for  in  each thematic programme  ofthe  5th  FWP,  backed  up  if 
needed  at the  level  of  "key actions",  which ensures the monitoring  of prenormative  projects  and 
other projects  developing  tools in support  of quality such  as : measurements,  tests,  management 
and quality assurance  techniques...; 

Member  States  should  be prompted  to step  up tlteir  information  activities  to  make  the  economic 
operators  involved  in standardisation,  including SMEs,  aware  ofthe  role played  by standards  in 
optimising  and disseminating  results. 

5. 

CONCLUSIONS 

The approach  to and  investment  in community  RTD need to be optimized  and  coordinated  in  order 
to  promote  the  normative  impact.  The  measures  proposed  above  should  be  seen  as  priorities  for 
improving  prenormative  research  and  the  quality  of  structures  and  standards.  Some  of  these 
recommendations  require  fairly  significant  changes  whereas  others  could  be  put  into  effect  quite 
quickly. 

In order of priority, these are as follows: 

-  To  set  up  a  mechanism  to  improve  communication  and  coordination  between  research  and 

innovation programmes, the JRC, and the economic operators involved  in  standardization; 

-  A  capability  should  be  provided  for  in each  thematic  programme  of the  5th  FWP,  backed  up  if 
needed  at the  level  of "key  actions", which ensures the monitoring  of prenormative  prqjects  and 
other  prqjects  developing  tools  in  support  of quality  such  as: measurements.  tests,  management 
and quality assurance techniques...; 

-  Member  States  should  be prompted  to step up their  information  activities  to  make the  economic 
operators  involved  in  standardisation,  including  SMEs, aware ofthe  role  played  by  standards  in 
optimising and disseminating results. 

18 

ISSN 0254-1475 

COM(98) 31 final 

DOCUMENTS 

EN 

15  01  10 

Catalogue  number  :  CB-CO-98-024-EN-C 

ISBN 92-78-30235-X 

Office  for  Official  Publications of the European Communities 

L-2985 Luxembourg 

11