1999/169/EC: Council Decision of 25 January 1999 adopting a specific programme for research, technological development and demonstration on competitive and sustainable growth (1998 to 2002)
Date: 1999-01-25
Institutions: Council of the European Union
Subjects: EU programme, competitiveness, economic growth, research programme, sustainable development, technological change

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COUNCIL DECISION

of 25 January 1999

adopting a specific programme for research, technological development and demonstration
on competitive and sustainable growth (1998 to 2002)

(1999/169/EC)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European
Community, and in particular Article 130i(4) thereof,

Having
regard
Commission (1),

to

the

proposal

from the

Having regard to the opinion of
Parliament (2),

the European

Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and
Social Committee (3),

of

fifth

framework

programme

(1) Whereas by Decision No 182/1999/EC (4), the
European Parliament and the Council adopted
the
the
European Community (hereinafter referred to as
the fifth framework programme) for research,
technological development and demonstration
(hereinafter
activities
for the period 1998 to 20002 setting out the
general outlines and scientific and technological
objectives of the activities to be carried out in
the field of competitive and sustainable growth;

referred to as RTD)

the

framework
through

programme
specific

(2) Whereas Article 130i(3) of the Treaty stipulates
be
shall
that
programmes
implemented
developed within each activity under
the
framework programme, and that each specific
programme shall define the detailed rules for
implementing it, fix its duration and provide for
the means deemed necessary;

(3) Whereas,

Decision No 1110/94/EC of

in accordance with Article 4(2) of
the European

(1) OJ C 260, 18.8.1998, p. 33.
(2) Opinion delivered on 15 December 1998 (not yet

published in the Official Journal).

(3) OJ C 407, 28.12.1998, p. 123.
(4) OJ L 26, 1.2.1999, p. 1.

research,

technological development

the Council Decisions on the

Parliament and of the Council of 26 April 1994
concerning the fourth framework programme of
the European Community activities in the field
of
and
demonstration (1994 to 1998) (5) and Article 4(2)
of
specific
programmes implementing the fourth framework
programme, the Commission has arranged for an
external assessment to be conducted which it has
transmitted to the European Parliament,
the
Council,
the Economic and Social Committee
and the Committee of the Regions together with
its conclusions and comments;

(4) Whereas, in accordance with Article 130j of the
1999/65/EC of
Treaty, Council Decision
22 December 1998 concerning the rules for the
participation of undertakings, research centres
and universities and for the dissemination of
research results for the implementation of the
the European
fifth framework programme of
(hereinafter
Community
for participation
referred to as
rules
to this
and dissemination’) applies
specific
rules allow the
these
programme; whereas
participation of the Joint Research Centre in the
indirect
specific
covered
programme;

(1998 to 2002) (6)

actions

(cid:28)the

this

by

(5) Whereas, for the purpose of implementing this
programme, in addition to cooperation covered
by the Agreement on the European Economic
Area or by an Association Agreement, it may be
appropriate
international
engage
cooperation activities, in particular on the basis
of Article 130m of
the Treaty, with third
countries or international organisations;

to

in

(6) Whereas implementation of this programme will
also comprise activities and mechanisms aimed
stimulating, disseminating and exploiting
at
in particular vis-a` -vis small and
RTD results,
medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and activities
to stimulate
the mobility and training of
researchers;

(5) OJ L 126, 18.5.1994, p. 1. Decision as last amended by

Decision No 2535/97/EC (OJ L 347, 18.12.1997, p. 1).

(6) OJ L 26, 1.2.1999, p. 46.

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it

that

is
and

important
user

the scientific,
(7) Whereas
industrial
should
contribute substantially to the definition of
activities
to be undertaken and should be
involved, as appropriate, in the implementation
of this programme;

communities

(8) Whereas

fifth
research activities under
framework programme should also be geared
towards innovation in order to contribute, inter
alia, to the objectives of the first action plan for
innovation;

the

Article 2

In accordance with Annex III

1.
to the fifth
framework programme, the amount deemed necessary
for carrying out the specific programme is EUR 2 705
million,
the
Commission’s administrative expenditure.

including a maximum of 6,5 % for

An indicative breakdown of this amount is given in
Annex I.

2. Of the amount in paragraph 1

(9) Whereas special emphasis should be placed on

encouraging the participation of SMEs;

— EUR 646 million is for the period 1998 to 1999,

(10) Whereas the equal opportunities policy of the
Community must be taken into account in the
implementation of this programme;

(11) Whereas efficient and transparent management
contributes to a more effective and user-friendly
programme;

(12) Whereas administrative expenditure should be
in a
included in the Community budget
transparent fashion;

and

— EUR 2 059 million is for the period 2000 to 2002.

In the case referred to in Article 2(1)(c) of the fifth
framework programme, the Council shall adapt the
latter figure in accordance with Article 2(1)(c), second
indent of the fifth framework programme. Pending a
decision by the Council, this specific programme shall
not be implemented beyond the provision of the first
indent.

(13) Whereas the implementation of this programme
should be monitored with a view to adapting it,
where appropriate, to scientific and technological
developments; whereas
there
should also be an assessment of progress with
the programme by independent experts;

in due

course

The budgetary authority shall,

3.
in compliance
with the scientific and technological objectives and
the
laid down in this Decision,
priorities
appropriations for each financial year taking into
account
resources within the
multiannual financial perspective.

the availability of

set

Article 3

(14) Whereas the Scientific and Technical Research
Committee has been consulted on the scientific
specific
content
and
programmes,

technological

the

of

the

The

general

outlines,

and
1.
technological objectives and the priorities
for the
specific programme are set out in Annex II. They are
consistent with the principles and the three categories
of selection criteria indicated in Annex I to the fifth
framework programme.

scientific

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

2.
In accordance with these principles and criteria
the selection criteria indicated in Article 10 of the
rules for participation and dissemination shall be
applied for the selection of the RTD activities to be
carried out.

In accordance with Article 3(1) of the fifth framework
programme on competitive and sustainable growth
(hereinafter referred to as the specific programme) is
adopted for the period from 25 January 1999 to
31 December 2002.

In addition, any participation of industrial entities in
industrially-orientated shared-cost actions should, as a
general rule, be appropriate to the nature and purpose
of the activity.

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All
these criteria shall be complied with in the
implementation of the programme, including the work
programme referred to in Article 5(1), although they
may be weighted differently.

(d) where necessary,

the selection criteria and the
arrangements for applying them for each type of
indirect RTD action.

The rules for participation and dissemination

3.
shall apply to the specific programme.

4.
The detailed rules for financial participation by
the Community in the specific programme are those
referred to in Article 4 of
the fifth framework
programme.

indirect RTD actions

The
specific
programme are defined in Annexes II and IV to the
fifth framework programme.

under

the

The work programme shall

2.
take account of
relevant interests, in particular the scientific, industrial
and user communities. It shall serve as a basis for
implementing the indirect RTD actions according to
the procedures set out in the rules for participation
and dissemination.

3.
The work programme shall be updated where
appropriate and be made available by the Commission
to all
in a user-friendly form,
including in electronic form.

interested parties

Specific rules for implementing the programme are set
out in Annex III to this Decision.

Article 6

Article 4

In the light of the criteria referred to in Article 3, and
and
the
priorities set out in Annex II, the Commission:

technological

objectives

scientific

and

(a) shall monitor, with appropriate assistance from
independent external experts, the implementation
of the specific programme and, where appopriate,
for adapting it,
submit proposals
to Council
in accordance with Article 5(1) of
the fifth
framework programme;

in Article 5(2) of

(b) shall arrange for the external assessment provided
fifth framework
conducted concerning the
in the fields covered by

for
programme
activities carried out
the specific programme.

to be

the

Article 5

The Commission shall draw up a work

1.
programme specifiying:

The Commission shall be responsible for the

1.
implementation of this specific programme.

The procedure laid down in Article 7 shall apply

2.
for the adopting of the following measures:

— the drawing-up and updating of

the work
programme referred to in Article 5(1), including
regarding the content of calls for proposals,

— approval of RTD actions proposed for funding,
including participation by entities
from third
the
countries, where the estimated amount of
Community contribution under this programme is
equal to or more than:

— in the case of key actions (i), (iii) and (iv) EUR

1,5 million,

— for all other actions EUR 0,75 million,

— the drawing-up of the terms of reference for the
external assessment provided for in Article 5(2) of
the fifth framework programme,

(a) in greater detail, the objectives and RTD priorities

of Annex II;

— any adjustment to the indicative breakdown of the

amount as set out in Annex I.

(b) the indicative timetable for the implementation of

the specific programme;

Article 7

(c) the coordination arrangements set out in Annex III
and arrangements to secure the objectives, related
to innovation and the participation of SMEs,
of
the fifth framework
programme;

the third activity of

shall

The Commission

a
1.
programme committee (hereinafter referred to as (cid:28)the
committee’)
the
of
Member States and chaired by the representative of
the Commission.

reprsentatives

composed

assisted

by

be

of

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In the cases referred to in Article 6(2),
the Commission shall submit

the
2.
representative of
to
the committee a draft of measures to be taken. The
committee shall deliver
its opinion on the draft
measures referred to above within a time limit which
the Chairman may lay down according to the urgency
of the matter. The opinion shall be delivered by the
majority laid down 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 representatives of the Member States within the
committee shall be weighted in the manner set out in
that Article. The Chairman shall not vote.

3 (a) The Commission shall adopt

the measures
envisaged if they are in accordance with the
opinion of the committee.

(b) If the measures envisaged are not in accordance
with the opinion of the committee, or if no
opinion is delivered,
the Commission shall,
without delay, submit to the Council a proposal
relating to the measures
to be taken. The
Council shall act by a qualified majority.

If, on expiry of a period of nine weeks from the
referral of the matter to the Council, the Council
has not acted, the proposed measures shall be
adopted by the Commission.

of

the

The Commission shall

regularly inform the
4.
committee
the
overall
implementation of the specific programme, and shall
in particular provide it with information about the
this
progress of all RTD actions
programme.

funded under

progress

of

Article 8

In accordance with Article 5(4) of the fifth framework
programme, the Commission shall regularly inform
the Council and the European Parliament of
the
the
implementation of
the
overall progress of
programme, including on the participation of SMEs
and the simplification of admininistrative procedures.

Article 9

This Decision is addressed to the Member States.

Done at Brussels, 25 January 1999.

For the Council

The President

J. FISCHER

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ANNEX I

INDICATIVE BREAKDOWN OF THE AMOUNT DEEMED NECESSARY

Type of activity

(a) Key actions

(i)

Innovative products, processes and organisation

(ii) Sustainable mobility and intermodality

(iii) Land transport and marine technologies

(iv) New perspectives for aeronautics

(b) Research and technological development activities of a generic nature

(c) Support for research infrastructures

(million EUR)

Amount

731

371

320

700

546

37

Total

2 705

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ANNEX II

THE GENERAL OUTLINES, THE SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL OBJECTIVES AND
THE PRIORITIES

INTRODUCTION

Competitiveness and sustainability are the keys to the long-term future of the Union’s economy:
creation of wealth and jobs, enhancement of the quality of life, and preservation of the environment
and the natural resource base. They depend on the capacity of citizens, enterprises, regions, nations
and the Community to generate and use the knowledge, science and technology of tomorrow, in
high-quality goods, processes and services, and in new and more efficient organisational forms.
Research activities are clearly crucial in generating a more competitive technologal base for European
industry and in fostering the transition to a sustainable world, which will
involve both a
transformation of working practices and an optimised use of resources.

Competitiveness and sustainability can no longer be considered an exclusive matter for individual
organisations or sectors alone. In the context of an increasingly interlinked and globalising economy a
in which research activities support the development of coherent,
systems approach is necessary,
interconnected and eco-efficient industrial and social systems, responding not only to market but also
to societal needs. At the heart of these systems will be efficient and quality-based production systems,
embedded in agile organisations and producing high-quality eco-friendly products and services (in
Europe there are more than 2 million industrial enterprises employing more than 40 million people,
in turn, be
with 80 million working in related services). These wealth-creating activities should,
supported by key products and services,
including efficient transport systems and clean and safe
vehicles, promoting trade and the sustainable mobility of goods and people. Competitive and
sustainable growth also depends on the development of quality materials and reliable measurement
and testing methods, as well as the optimal use of specific research infrastructures, whether physical or
virtual. Such a holistic approach is the best way to improve the long-term efficiency and sustainability
of Europe’s economic system in the face of world-wide evolving market constraints and
socio-environmental responsibility.

Strategic objective of the programme

The objective of this specific programme must be to support research activities contributing to
competitiveness and sustainability, particularly where these two objectives interact. In this context,
industry’s role will be not only to identify areas for collaboration but also to bring together and
integrate projects, especially cross-sectoral projects along the value chain, so that technology uptake
and innovation are more efficiently ensured across Europe. The development of new concepts such as
eco-industry, intermodality, new generations of aircraft and other means of transport, and innovative
approaches to the integration of new technologies will help to prepare industrial sectors for the
challenges of the new millennium, and to generate a strategic vision of research in all industrial sectors
throughout Europe. Research, technological development and demonstration activities will focus on
clearly identified needs and on improving the information available to policy-makers about the
implications of technological and organisational change. The approach to all these activities will also
pay particular attention to the (cid:28)innovation’ dimension and to stimulating and supporting the
involvement of SMEs so as to reduce the gap between the achievement of the research results and their
effective use by the economy and society.

Answering socioeconomic needs. By stimulating holistic approaches, by strengthening the innovative
capacity of the European industrial system and by fostering the creation of businesses and services
built on emerging technologies and new market opportunities, the programme will help face the major
challenges of society, in particular employment. In parallel, research into sustainable mobility and
environmentally and consumer friendly processes, products and services will contribute to improving
quality of life and working conditions.

Stimulating European added-value. Activities to solve the cross-border problems rising in connection
with the various key actions have a clear European dimension, as does the development of norms and

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standards in support of Community policies. Achieving the critical mass needed to attain concrete and
tangible results in cost-intensive technologies will also necessitate mobilising national and other RTD
Community resources.

Supporting European competitiveness. Europe suffers from a recognised gap compared with its major
competitors, inasmuch as it is less able to translate its scientific knowledge into innovation. Not only
research but also innovation in respect of new concepts of products and services, production systems
and organisational concepts (e.g. eco-industries) should be fostered to boost competitiveness and
productivity.

Ethical framework. Full respect of human rights and fundamental ethical principles will be ensured
throughout all activities in the specific programme in accordance with Article 6 of the fifth framework
programme.

LINKS AND COMPLEMENTARITY WITH OTHER PROGRAMMES

RTD activities will be integrated and coordinated as necessary, within and between the different key
actions and programmes, as well as with the JRC. Appropriate links will be established between these
activities. This should provide mechanisms by which industry, public authorities, users and the
research community can work jointly on the resolution of common problems, particularly in fields
such as intelligent production systems, microsystems, next generation of aircraft and other means of
transport or traffic management.

The economic and technological challenge of deploying, adapting and integrating life sciences and
technologies related to energy, the environment or the information society is crucial for promoting
competitive and sustainable growth. The specific applications meeting this challenge form an integral
part of the various activities of this programme and will be conducted in close coordination with the
specific programmes concerned.

Particular effort will be undertaken to ensure coordination within this thematic programme and with
other thematic programmes, in particular on transport research topics. Coordination with the specific
programme on the user-friendly information society is based on the following principle: activities
related to information society technologies as
such (including development and technology
demonstration and assimilation activities) will be concentrated in the user-friendly information society
programme, while activities linked to the deployment and integration of these technologies and their
adaptation to applications relating to competitive and sustainable growth will be conducted under this
programme.

Aspects related with the horizontal programmes are outlined below:

— many of the problems addressed by this programme can only be dealt with effectively in a broader
international context. For this reason close coordination will be developed with the programme on
confirming the international role of Community research, in particular on issues where world
competition is stiff and where major geo-economic challenges are at stake. This is clearly the case
for production, transport, maritime, materials and standardisation related research activities,
where collaboration with international initiatives (e.g. the Intelligent Manufacturing Systems (IMS)
initiative) would bring added-value to European research work. Full use will be made of the
possibilities offered by COST and Eureka and by cooperation with international organisations to
foster synergy between actions and projects in this programme and nationally funded research
activities. In the case of cooperation with Eureka, projects corresponding to themes of common
interest with the framework programme may be developed in the context of the key actions in
conformity with the selection criteria and procedures of the framework programme. Specific
activities aimed at facilitating the involvement of entities in third countries and maintaining links
with specialists from third countries trained in Europe will be carried out, which will also
contribute to the international dimension of the programme,

— in view of the increasing need to bridge the gap between research results and their potential
applications, and of the large number of companies which could be interested in the potential
results, particular attention should be paid to activities related to innovation and the participation
of SMEs. This will be the case for all activities in this programme (e.g. cooperative research, large
industrial projects, support to research infrastructures), and it will be closely coordinated with the

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programme on the promotion of innovation and encouragement of participation of SMEs. An
innovation cell will centralise promotion activities with a view to the deployment and use of the
results of this programme; it will also help ensure complementarity and an interface with the
innovation activities pursued under the programme (cid:28)Promotion of innovation and encouragement
of SMEs participation’,

— improving the know-how, skills and qualifications of European researchers and the understanding
of the socioeconomic impact of research in the fields covered by this programme is essential to
ensure sufficient availability of appropriate expertise and to establish tangible and lasting impacts.
Training and socioeconomic research will therefore form an integral part of this programme
complemented by appropriate links with the horizontal programme (cid:28)Improving the human
research potential and the socioeconomic knowledge base’. Training activities in this programme
will include support to fellowships, which will take the form of Marie Curie fellowships following
the definitions and rules set out in the horizontal programme.

(a) KEY ACTIONS

(i)

Innovative products, processes and organisation

O b j e c t i v e s a n d R T D p r i o r i t i e s

The overall goal of this key action is to develop new and improved methods of design, advanced
equipment and process technologies for production (1), including innovation in and modernisation of
traditional industries, that improve the quality and reduce the costs of processes for services and
products (aiming for a substantial improvement in these factors in the medium term), reduce overall
life-cycle impacts,
improve understanding of (cid:28)soft technology’ aspects (organisation, management,
logistics, teleworking, etc.), so as to integrate them fully into relevant industrial processes, and
ultimately contribute to employment growth (aiming at creating and maintaining in Europe a number
of jobs comparable, in percentage terms, to those of Europe’s major competitors). Implementation of
the key action will focus on systemic approaches to production (products, production facilities,
processes and organisation) and on clustering and integrating projects into targeted groups, which will
make it easier to take account of socioeconomic, ecological and competition aspects. Particular
attention will be paid to the involvement of SMEs, taking account of their specific needs and their
roles in the supply chain. Where appropriate, research activities will be coordinated with the activities
of other programmes in particular the specific programme (cid:28)User-friendly information society’, and/or
implemented in cooperation with international initiatives (IMS, Eureka).

— Efficient production including design, manufacturing, and control for improved product/service

combinations including micro- and nano-scale technologies and engineering

The aim is to improve competitiveness through increased industrial added-value, quality and
responsiveness to market, reduced time-to-market and material intensity.

for

integrated

technologies

RTD priorities:
development,
multi-technology integrated products (including production equipment and facilities) and related
manufacturing and production processes; advanced production and construction techniques and
equipment for higher process accuracy and reliability; manufacturing and processing technologies
including the
and equipment for optimal use of resources and for product miniaturisation,
manufacture and assembly of microsystems; methods to overcome the barriers between designers
and consumers,

product-service

design

and

— Intelligent production

The aim is to optimise the level of performance of all elements of the industrial environment
through the development,
integration and application of information society technologies in
production and related logistic systems.

(1) The term (cid:28)production’ encompasses all industrial activities from extraction of raw or recycled materials to the
processing and manufacture of components and end-products. It covers all industrial sectors and associated
services, including construction.

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RTD priorities:
intelligent and reconfigurable production systems, machinery, and equipment;
on-line control using advanced actuators and sensors; extended life and optimal use of production
facilities;
including self-repair; application of
advanced technologies for flexible and interoperable supply/production/distribution systems and
networks,

intelligent operation and maintenance systems,

— Eco-efficient processes and design

The goal is to minimise (cid:28)full life-cycle’ impacts on the environment, taking account of all essential
elements of
system ranging from extraction through production to waste
management, with emphasis on resource-intensive processes and reduction and valorisation of
waste.

the industrial

RTD priorities: clean and eco-efficient processing technologies including, where appropriate, use of
renewable raw materials; research aimed at mastering basic phenomena such as synthesis,
catalysis,
impact
separation and reaction mechanisms, process modelling and simulation;
monitoring and assessment of risks; in situ and on-line recovery of unused resources and waste;
novel processes for treatment, reuse and safe disposal of waste and for upgrading, reusing or
dismantling products and production systems,

— Organisation of production and work

is to move towards high performance industrial systems, virtual networks, agile
The goal
customer-driven networked industrial and related service enterprises,
including SMEs, with
multi-skilled highly motivated labour force, working in efficient, safe and pleasant workplaces and
taking into consideration the diversity and specificity of European society and manufacturing
tradition.

RTD priorities: study of human, organisational, socioeconomic and regulatory determinants for a
smooth transition of enterprises towards efficient and sustainable production and consumption;
new decision-making tools and new approaches to the management of change and human
resources covering also work organisation, skill needs and worker’s protection; studies on the
impact and acceptance of new business ideas, new forms of work and new industrial production
patterns, compatible with the concept of sustainability including the interface between society and
enterprises.

(ii)

Sustainable mobility and intermodality

O b j e c t i v e s a n d R T D p r i o r i t i e s

The overall aim of this key action is to achieve a better reconciliation of the growing demand for
mobility with the need to respect sustainable use of resources and environmental, social, economic and
safety constraints. It will help to break the link between economic growth and increased traffic
volumes; reduce the negative impact of transport modes, and encourage their more sustainable use.
Particular attention will be paid to intermodality and how best to integrate the respective strengths of
the various modes of transport in order to provide user-oriented door-to-door services for both
passengers and freight. This should result in a better management of mobility. Activities supported in
this key action will be coordinated with activities carried out within other transport-related key
actions.

— Modal and intermodal transport management systems

to develop, validate, demonstrate and facilitate the deployment of

The aim is
rational,
high-performance transport management systems for air, sea, inland waterway, rail, road and
urban transport, both on a modal basis and for integrated intermodal transport, interfacing, inter
alia, with the possibilities offered by the programme for a user-friendly information society,
including the application and validation of related information and related integrated systems to
facilitate their deployment.

RTD priorities: development, validation and demonstration of modal and intermodal traffic and
transport management systems, including operational, regulatory, administrative and structural

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solutions for their deployment, and pricing systems; integration of information and data exchange
systems across modes including real-time user information, electronic documentation and user
services with transport management and logistics; second generation satellite navigation (1) and
positioning systems; improvements to satellite-supported haulage; integration of services such as
traffic management, vehicle and freight unit identification, location and guidance, pricing, freight
planning, travel information and passenger services within the transport system,

— Infrastructures and their interfaces with transport means and systems

The goal is to enhance interconnectivity and interoperability and to promote intermodality in the
transport system, through integration of all its components across the modes at the levels of
infrastructure, transfer points, transport means, equipment, operations, services and the regulatory
framework.

RTD priorities: more efficient use and reduced operating, development and maintenance costs of
existing infrastructure; effective interchanges; interconnection between trans-European, national,
regional and local networks;
innovative infrastructure concepts and operations; relationship
land use, regional planning, environment and health; reduced congestion,
between transport,
resource and energy consumption, pollution, and infrastructure degradation; integration of vehicles
and public transport in the transport system;
innovative concepts and operations for urban,
interurban and rural mobility and intermodality; safety covering all modes of transport, including
for the transport of dangerous goods; accessibility, safety, security and comfort of transport,
including for people with special needs; human factors such as human/machine interface, human
behaviour, user and operator acceptance of new (cid:28)intelligent’ systems, optimal training methods and
use of simulators,

— Socioeconomic scenarios for the mobility of people and goods

The aim is to develop strategies and tools for managing the impact of economic and social
developments, including deregulation and liberalisation of transport services and globalisation of
economic and commercial activities, on mobility demand and transport policies.

RTD priorities: scenarios on travel supply and demand and policy options for mobility demand,
market organisation and accessibility; legal, institutional, organisational and financing aspects of
transport systems and infrastructures; understanding of the role and constraints of logistics with a
view to optimisation; benchmarking tools; methods for enforcement of regulations; methodologies
to measure costs and benefits, safety, performance and impacts of different transport systems,
networks and their operations; assessment of new technologies and concepts,
including their
impact on employment, users, the environment, work organisation, social conditions, and safety
and security.

(iii) Land transport and marine technologies

O b j e c t i v e s a n d R T D p r i o r i t i e s

The aim is to encourage, while preserving the environment and improving safety, the development and
integration of knowledge and technologies for products, vehicles and vessels, specific to land transport
and sea-based activities taking also into account human and operational factors. The aim is also to
meet the technological challenges needed to develop efficient interfaces for logistic infrastructures,
including loading units.

Research, technological development and demonstration activities should lead to validated advanced
concepts capable of meeting all public and user demands for sustainable mobility and improved safety,
while reducing the environmental
improving sustainable use of resources and reinforcing
Europe’s economic strength. The activities under this key action will be closely coordinated with the
activities on land and maritime transport under the key actions on sustainable mobility and
intermodality, systems and services for the citizen, economic and efficient energy for a competitive

impact,

(1) Space-related activities are subject to an overall coordination across the various programmes.

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Europe, cleaner energy systems, including renewables, city of tomorrow and cultural heritage and
sustainable marine ecosystems,

— Critical technologies for road and rail vehicles

The aim is the acquisition of technologies to support the improvement of transport vehicles,
equipment and major infrastructure components. Such technologies must be economical, safe,
intelligent, clean, efficient, reliable and responsive to new social and economic needs and the
expectations of Europeans.

technologies

RTD priorities:
for advanced powertrain concepts and auxiliary systems,
characterised by high efficiency, reliability, reduced emissions, environmental friendliness and cost
lightweight components and
effectiveness; for noise, vibration and electromagnetic reduction;
structures; application of microtechnologies and sensor technologies for advanced components and
systems; technologies for improved safety,

— Innovative road and rail vehicle concepts

The aim is the development and demonstration of new vehicle concepts using new construction
techniques and materials and fulfilling all
social and economic
constraints. This should contribute to the development of improved transport systems, with
increased efficiency and comfort, enhanced safety and environmental friendliness, and improving
availability, maintainability, manufacturability and recyclability of vehicles. Priority will be given
to concepts for urban and the long-distance transport of passengers and/or goods. The activities
will be closely coordinated with the (cid:28)City of tomorrow and cultural heritage’ key action.

technological,

functional,

RTD priorities: integration of new systems, structures, and power trains supported by parallel
research into specific technologies for vehicle design, engineering and manufacturing operations;
integration of on-board systems for intelligent and safe vehicles;
integration of technologies,
including alternative fuel technologies, for cost-effective vehicle design, manufacturing and use,
within a whole life-cycle approach,

— Human-vehicle interaction

The aim is to develop cost-effective routes for the upgrading and industrial deployment of
on-board components and systems, to be translated into enhanced operability of the various land
transport means, proving their
robustness, and breadth of
applicability. The work will focus on the incorporation of human-vehicle interaction systems
within the overall production chain and vehicle concept.

reconfigurability,

flexibility,

RTD priorities: methodologies supporting the incorporation of human-vehicle interaction elements
within the overall vehicle design and prototyping processes; effective architecture for intelligent
vehicle monitoring using fault-tolerant, modular, plug-in technologies; ergonomic vehicle design;
cognitive engineering technologies for effective driver-vehicle or occupant-vehicle interaction;
technologies for improved cabin environment,

— Advanced technologies for the development of ships and vessels

The aim is the validation and demonstration of advanced technologies for the development of
vessels and offshore structures complying with safety of persons and installations, efficiency and
environmental friendliness principles. The acquisition and integration of critical technologies
meeting these three objectives will cover all aspects of design, production, operation and
decommissioning or dismantling.

RTD priorities: development of critical technologies for vessels, systems and subsystems, covering
safety concepts, environmental protection, efficiency, design, production, dismantling and
recycling. Research will also cover the development of the new generation of on-board systems,
application of new materials, structures and components, and new, optimised and alternative
power train concepts,

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— Use of the sea and inland waterways to transport goods and passengers

The aim is to develop and validate innovative vessel and port infrastructure concepts with
maximised performances and interoperability, guided by safety, environmental and economic
aspects while fulfilling user requirements. This will include new technological solutions for cargo
handling, fast intermodal facilities, for port, inland waterways and marine infrastructures.

RTD priorities: integration of technologies, advanced equipment and systems for innovative vessel
concepts and for port
safe and
integration of
environmentally friendly transhipment facilities and operations; research to support concurrent
development of technical standards, guided by life cycle approaches and performance-based
criteria,

infrastructure;

for efficient,

technologies

— Technologies for the rational and sustainable management of the sea

The aim is the development of technologies intended for the study and observation of the seas and
the sustainable exploitation of the energy and mineral resources of the sea, including offshore and
submarine technologies, unmanned vehicles and submarine acoustics, promoted by a coherent
approach to the exploitation of the sea as a source of minerals and energy, improvement of coastal
zone management and minimisation of the environmental impact of sea-based activities.

RTD priorities: application of innovative technologies to monitor and forecast the state of the sea,
the environment and the sea floor, especially in the deep sea. Development of critical technologies
which are safe, efficient and competitive in order to increase the accessibility and exploitation of
the marine energy and mineral resources. These activities will be focused on: autonomous and
remote-controlled vehicles; safe and efficient submarine technologies for sensing, control, and data
transfer; offshore structures and floating production units.

Specific coordination activities with other key actions and with Eureka are planned in order to
maximise the effectiveness of Community research.

(iv) New perspectives for aeronautics

O b j e c t i v e s a n d R T D p r i o r i t i e s

The overall goal of this key action is to facilitate the development of aircraft and their subsystems and
components in order to foster the competitiveness of the European industry, including SMEs, while
assuring the sustainable growth of air transportation. In this context, enabling technologies will be
developed and integrated for new generation aircraft. The medium-term targets of
research,
involving all research actors including
technological development and demonstration activities,
universities and research centres, are to substantially reduce development time and costs of new
aircraft,
longer life cycles) and reduce
environmental impacts (pollutant emissions and perceived external noise) and accident rates (by at
least the same factor as the growth of traffic volume).

improve efficiency (fuel consumption, maintenance costs,

— Acquisition of critical technologies

The aim is to contribute to the long-term competitiveness of the European aeronautics industry,
including its supply chain, from a strategic perspective by stimulating the development of enabling
technologies. Critical technologies will, in particular, address design and manufacturing of new
generation of aircraft, including aircraft concepts more respectful of the environment.

RTD priorities: innovative approaches and evolutionary advances in aerodynamics, structures and
application of new materials, propulsion, noise, equipment and systems, advanced sensors and
avionics; development of multidisciplinary technologies, such as aeroelasticity, flight mechanics
and airframe-propulsion integration; methods and processes for aircraft design and manufacture,

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— Technology integration for new-generation aircraft

The aim is to facilitate the introduction and combination of the newest technologies and to
demonstrate their economic and operational feasibility for new aeronautic products over their long
lifetime. This will involve a multidisciplinary approach, including technology platforms and the
required validation activities,
focusing on lower design, production and operational costs,
reduction of consumption, aircraft performance, and environmental aspects.

RTD priorities: advanced design tools and concurrent engineering for reconfigurable, flexible,
distributed and multisite production systems; advanced developments in propulsion, structural and
aerodynamic efficiency and systems performance and integration; airframe, engine and systems
technologies and operational procedures to reduce significantly emissions and engine noise, and
improve cabin environment,

— Operational efficiency and safety

The aim, with the integration of on-board systems, is to help alleviate congestion in airports,
increase air traffic management (ATM) system capacity, and improve the safety performance of
aviation, to accommodate the threefold increase in air traffic which is expected over the next 15
years. This work will be closely coordinated with the air-transport-related activities carried out
under the key actions (cid:28)Sustainable mobility and intermodality’ and (cid:28)Systems and services for the
citizen’. Particular attention will be paid to the development and validation of on-board
technologies and their incorporation into vehicles in an operational setting.

RTD priorities: validation and integration of on-board systems for improving the operational
capabilities of aircraft and supporting their
integration within the future ATM system;
maintenance and repair techniques and condition monitoring for improved aircraft reliability and
dispatch availability; technologies and methodologies, including the study of human-factor aspects
and flight simulation, for more effective accident prevention and improved aircraft design for
passenger survivability.

(b) RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES OF A GENERIC
NATURE

These activities, with potential multisectoral applications, will help the development of European
technological capacity and stimulate the flow of ideas, knowledge and applications to complement and
support the key actions.

— New and improved materials and their production and transformation

O b j e c t i v e s a n d R T D a c t i v i t i e s

Efforts will be made to support and network RTD projects leading to the optimisation of
collaboration, information exchange, and Community added-value. These networks will form the
backbone of the structure of the research activities. They will also play an important role in
stimulating international collaboration between Member States and with third countries (e.g.
CEECs, United States of America, China) and developing foresight, socioeconomic and strategic
studies and impact and risk assessment.

— Materials with a wide range of applications

The aim is to promote research on the most promising avenues for improving the functionality
and performance of existing materials, and the development of new materials with distinctly
new or radically improved characteristics.

RTD priorities:
innovative approaches such as nanostructured materials, supramolecular
chemistry, colloidal systems and biomimetic materials; catalysts; new and improved structural
and light materials, for instance used in extreme conditions, in particular for construction,
transport
particular
opto-electronics and sensor-related materials, whose properties allow reliable operation; new
and improved biomaterials
research improving
understanding of deterioration and failure mechanisms,

implants and hybrid tissues;

functional materials,

high-temperature

applications;

such as

and

in

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— Materials production and transformation processes

Research will focus on technologies which can ensure quality (especially in the context of the
trend towards shorter production cycles), reliability and cost-effectiveness of materials,
including natural materials, to allow optimum exploitation.

RTD priorities: materials production technologies for high value-added sectors, especially fine
chemistry, minerals, metals, polymers, composites, and ceramics; micro- and nanopowder
processing technologies; surface, coating and interfacial technologies for advanced materials
and functional applications,

— Sustainable use of materials

Research will focus on the environmental and safety impact of new materials and the reuse of
materials, with the aim of increasing the flow of secondary raw materials with reliable
material properties, reducing life-cycle impacts and overcoming barriers with customers.

RTD priorities: research supporting the development of materials which are easy to recycle;
recycling processes guaranteeing reliable properties and cost-effectiveness of recycled materials;
finding uses for unavoidable waste; research supporting new applications of renewable raw
materials, for example for the production of organic chemicals,

— New and improved materials and production technologies in the steel field

O b j e c t i v e s a n d R T D a c t i v i t i e s

In view of the expiry of the ECSC Treaty in 2002, and the conclusions of the Amsterdam
European Council (June 1997), there is an urgent need to speed up the progressive insertion of
coal and steel research into the framework programme. The objective is to reduce costs, improve
user satisfaction, and increase value-added, to the benefit of both the iron and steel industry and
suppliers, end users and other research partners.

Steel research will be focused on the development of flexible, compact and safe production lines,
cleaner processes, innovative steel products, and improved recycling.

RTD priorities: coke production for metal-working industries, research to reduce the costs and
improve the quality of coke, to improve production of reducing gases, reduce emissions, and
improve the safety and health of workers in industrial
iron and steel making
technologies for flexible and cost-effective production; technologies to reduce energy consumption
and CO2 emission, improve steel cleanliness, and increase recycling rates; casting, rolling and
downstream treatment, reduction of weight, and coating and surface techniques; development of
improved and high-strength steel grades for higher performance and use in extreme conditions;
cost-effective application of by-products,

installations;

— Measurements and testing

O b j e c t i v e s a n d R T D a c t i v i t i e s

Activities will focus on the development of instrumentation, methodologies for measurements and
testing and certified reference materials to help achieving the three objectives described below (1):

— Prenormative research and technical support for standardisation

Research will focus on the development and validation of measurement and testing methods,
and the production of scientific and metrological data needed to define performance and safety
criteria for products and services. The goal will be to strengthen Europe’s overall competitive
position and to promote the implementation of the key actions and of Community policies in
collaboration with standardisation bodies and other stakeholders.

(1) Research on certified reference materials will give support to the other specific programmes implementing the

fifth framework programme.

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RTD priorities: development of new standards and improvement of existing standards over the
range of industrial requirements; support for the development of performance standards and
directives to facilitate trade, to protect consumers and the work environment and to favour
mutual recognition agreements,

— The fight against fraud

Research will focus on developing measurement and testing systems to detect and prevent
fraud, in order to better protect the economic interests of enterprises and society and the
health of consumers. The long-term aim will be to keep know-how and technology ahead of
the defrauder.

RTD priorities: to combat counterfeited or falsely labelled industrial and agricultural products;
avoidance of circumvention of trade regulations and Community legislation, including customs
tariffs, quotas, and waste disposal; new methods for the detection of drugs and doping,
detecting false banknotes and value certificates; identification of the provenance of cultural
artefacts,

— Improvement of quality

support

the development of generic measurement and testing methods,
Research will
instruments and measuring systems,
including software, and this will also strengthen the
SME-intensive instrumentation sector. Research will focus further on the development of
quality assessment systems for private and public enterprises and on identifying measurable
attributes that users perceive to be present in quality products and services. Research needed to
remove technical barriers to trade within Europe and with third countries will also be
included. The activities are to be developed in conjunction with the relevant activities in the
other programmes.

instruments

reference substances

RTD priorities: calibration and transfer standards, feasibility studies for certified reference
to assure reliability and traceability of
materials and banks of
robust and portable
measurements;
instruments for in situ and reference measurements, models and software tools for the
validation of measurement methods; tools to support mutual recognition agreements, for
improving quality within organisations and enterprises, including SMEs, and for measuring
user satisfaction; methodologies to support certification and accreditation in metrologically less
developed fields.

for high-performance measurements;

(c)

SUPPORT FOR RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURES

level. To bring competitive advantages,

converted into successful applications. Apart

Industrial research in Europe is widely recognised for its excellence, with well-established strongholds
scientific and technological RTD results
at national
must, however, be
from the development of
exploitation-oriented projects, there is a real need to share facilities effectively and to exchange data
and experience more efficiently, for example for testing new machines, vehicles, or processes. In
addition, research constantly generates new data and in increasing quantities. Collecting and
organising such data at European level will benefit industry and the whole user community. Not only
will research efficiency be improved by reducing duplication but, more importantly, focusing the whole
fabric of research infrastructure in Europe on common goals will enable a strategic approach to be put
in place.

Objective and activities

Action is needed to encourage the optimum utilisation of existing research infrastructures and large
installations of high scientific and technological standard and in very close relation to the key actions.
Pooling of resources and transnational access for example for research manufacturing centres,
transport test facilities, high-power wind tunnels, industrial design computing centres, or materials and
structures test facilities, are needed to better exploit new techniques based on fixed major equipment
and associated instrumentation. The existing facilities must be encouraged to cooperate for the mutual
benefit of their operators and the European RTD and user communities in order to avoid duplication

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of work, increase complementarity and ensure interoperability of data exchanges. As the stages of
development of the various national institutions vary across the Community, there is also a need to
reinforce collaboration, in areas such as conformity assessments, training activities and transfer of
know-how. In summary, support is aimed at improving the information about the existing possibilities
and improving transnational access to research infrastructures for the benefit of:

(i)

the optimum utilisation of geographically dispersed medium- and large-scale research facilities,

(ii)

the rapid transfer of existing and complementary RTD results to industrial applications,

(iii) and the improvement and interoperability of common protocols and data exchanges.

— The support activities for research infrastructures are aimed at improving the information flow
towards European researchers and at facilitating transnational access to facilities to which
researchers would not normally have access. This will also encourage and facilitate transnational
cooperation in the rational and cost-effective development of research infrastructures in response
to emergency needs.

Support activities will stimulate access to facilities related to the various key actions, in particular
to computing centres and large scale experimental facilities for industrial research, transport test
facilities and high-power wind tunnels,

— The setting up of virtual institutes will promote the coordination and the pooling of resources
between research centres, organisations and users (including SMEs) to achieve synergy and reap
wider benefits around the objectives of the key actions and generic technologies. This activity will
facilitate the creation of virtual facilities generating sufficient critical mass for research into higher
performance techniques, instrumentation and technologies. Community support will be limited in
time.

Support activities would be meant as an incentive to speed up cooperation and the use of
information and communications technologies for geographically dispersed facilities leading to
improved transfer and exploitation of results, in particular for SMEs, in the field of materials,
production technologies, and measurement and testing,

— Support for European metrological infrastructure will reinforce cohesion between Member States
and third countries. This will benefit mutual recognition and conformity agreements. Particular
attention will be paid to the impact of these agreements on SMEs.

Community funding will be directed towards intercomparisons and inter-laboratory performance
analyses, support for interoperable database structures, the production of certified reference
the
materials;
abovementioned agreements and quality standards,

the improved use by SMEs and for

the implementation of

support

for

— Reference databases have been identified as one of the means of strengthening the European
research fabric. Efforts will focus on ensuring that the data generated are of acceptable quality
and comparability and on bringing together sectorial and local activities in support of European
research. Such activities will preserve the property rights of individual organisations.

Support activities, in particular for materials and aeronautics research, will help to catalogue and
compare RTD actions at national and international level and the output of different research
facilities.

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ANNEX III

SPECIFIC RULES FOR IMPLEMENTING THE PROGRAMME

The specific programme will be implemented through the indirect RTD actions provided for in
Annexes II and IV to the fifth framework programme. In addition, the following rules specific to this
programme will apply:

1. Accompanying measures

The accompanying measures will comprise in particular:

— studies in support of the specific programme, including the preparation of future activities,

— take-up measures,

first user actions, assessment and
qualification actions and other actions aimed at stimulating broad take-up, particularly in SMEs,
and encouraging innovation,

including trials, best practice actions,

— the exchange of information, conferences, seminars, workshops or other scientific and technical

meetings, including for international cooperation schemes,

— recourse to external expertise,

in particular for the
purposes of the monitoring of the specific programme provided for in Article 5(1) of the fifth
framework programme, the external assessment provided for in Article 5(2) of the fifth framework
their
programme and the
implementation,

indirect RTD actions and the monitoring of

including access to scientific databases,

evaluation of

— dissemination,

including scientific publications,
activities for the exploitation of results and the transfer of technologies; encouragement of
innovation financing and assistance with the protection of intellectual property,

information and communication activities,

— training schemes related to RTD activities covered by the specific programme other than Marie

Curie fellowships,

— support for schemes to provide information and assistance for research players, including SMEs,

— recourse to external expertise in setting up and providing access to information, assistance and

research and innovation promoting services and networks.

2. Coordination arrangements

The Commission will endeavour to ensure complementarity between the indirect RTD actions under
the programme, in particular by grouping them around a common objective, and to avoid duplication,
while respecting the legitimate interests of proposers of indirect RTD actions.

As far as possible, coordination will also be ensured between actions under the specific programme
and those carried out in:

— other specific programmes implementing the fifth framework programme,

— the research and training programmes implementing Council Decision 1999/64/Euratom of
22 December 1998 concerning the fifth framework programme of the European Atomic Energy
Community (Euratom) for research and training activities (1998 to 2002) (1),

— other European research frameworks including Eureka and COST,

— other Community research-related instruments.

(1) OJ L 26, 1.2.1999, p. 34.

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It will comprise:

(i)

the identification of common themes or priorities, resulting in particular in:

— the exchange of information,

— the carrying out of work decided on jointly, entailing in particular the joint initiation of one of

the procedures referred to in Article 9 of the rules for participation and dissemination,

(ii) the reassignment of proposals for indirect RTD actions between specific programmes or between a

specific programme and a research and training programme.