Proposal for a Council Decision adopting a specific programme 2002-2006 for research, technological development and demonstration aimed at structuring the European Research Area
Date: 2001-05-30
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: EAEC, EU programme, EU research policy, research and development, research programme, technological change

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for a Council Decision adopting a specific programme 2002-2006 for research,
Proposal
technological development and demonstration aimed at structuring the European Research Area

(2001/C 240 E/28)

(Text with EEA relevance)

COM(2001) 279 final (cid:151) 2001/0123(CNS)

(Submitted by the Commission on 1 June 2001)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European
Community, and in particular Article 166 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament,

Having regard to the opinion of
Committee,

the Economic and Social

Whereas:

concerning

the multi-annual

(1) In accordance with Article 166(3) of the Treaty Decision
No . . ./. . ./EC of [. . .] of the European Parliament and the
framework
Council
programme 2002-2006 of the European Community for
research,
technological development and demonstration
activities aimed at contributing towards the creation of
the European Research Area (hereinafter referred to as
implemented
(cid:145)the
through specific programmes that define detailed rules
for their implementation, fix their duration and provide
for the means deemed necessary.

framework programme(cid:146))

to be

is

(2) The framework-programme 2002-2006 is organised in
(cid:145)integrating research(cid:146),
three main blocks of activities,
(cid:145)structuring
and
the
(cid:145)strengthening the foundations of the European Research
Area(cid:146), the second of which should be implemented by this
specific programme.

European

Research

Area(cid:146)

(3) The rules for the participation of undertakings, research
centres and universities and for
the dissemination of
research results, for the framework programme, adopted
by the European Parliament and Council
in Decision
No . . ./. . ./EC (hereinafter referred to as (cid:145)the rules for
participation and dissemination(cid:146)) should apply to this
programme.

(4) New instruments,

involving simplified and decentralised
management, and the exploitation of external technical
fully exploited in this programme,
support should,
enable personnel and administrative expenses
to be
reduced to a maximum of 5,5 % of the overall amount
deemed necessary for its implementation.

if

(5) In implementing this programme, emphasis should be
given to the participation of SMEs, and it may be appro-
priate to engage in international co-operation activities
with third countries and international organisations.
Special attention should be paid to the Accession
countries.

(6) Research activities carried out within this programme
fundamental ethical principles, notably
in the Charter of Fundamental

should respect
those which appear
Rights of the European Union.

(7) Following the Commission Communication (cid:145)Women and
Science(cid:146) (1) and the Resolutions of the Council (2) and the
European Parliament (3) on this theme, an action plan is
being implemented in order to reinforce and increase the
place and role of women in science and research.

(8) This programme should be implemented in a flexible,
efficient and transparent manner,
taking account of
relevant interests, in particular of the scientific, industrial,
the research activities
user and policy communities;
carried out under it should be adapted where appropriate
to the needs of Community policies and to scientific and
technological developments.

(9) Since the measures

for

the implementation of

this
Decision are management measures within the meaning
of Article 2 of Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June
1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise of
implementing powers conferred on the Commission (4).
They should be adopted by the use of the management
procedure provided for in Article 4 of that Decision.

(10) The Commission should in due course arrange for an
independent assessment to be conducted concerning the
activities carried out
in the fields covered by this
programme.

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION

Article 1

1.
In accordance with the framework programme, a specific
programme on structuring the research area (hereinafter
referred to as (cid:145)the specific programme(cid:146)) is hereby adopted for
the period from [. . .] to 31 December 2006.

(1) COM(1999) 76.
(2) Resolution of 20 May 1999 (OJ C 201, 16.7.1999).
(3) Resolution of 3 February 2000, PE 284.656.
(4) OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23.

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The objectives and scientific and technological priorities

2.
for the specific programme are set out in Annex I.

The procedure laid down in Article 6 shall apply for the

2.
adoption of the following measures:

Article 2

In accordance with Annex II to the framework programme, the
amount deemed necessary for the execution of the specific
programme is EUR 3 050 million,
including a maximum of
5,5 % for the Commission’s administrative expenditure. An
indicative breakdown of this amount is given in Annex II.

(cid:151) the drawing up and updating of

the work programme

referred to in Article 4(1),

(cid:151) any adjustment to the indicative breakdown of the amount

as set out in Annex II.

Article 3

Article 6

The detailed rules

1.
financial participation by the
Community in the specific programme shall be those referred
to in Article 2(2) of the framework programme.

for

The Commission shall be assisted by a committee,
the Member States and

1.
representatives of
composed of
chaired by the representative of the Commission.

2.
Instruments for implementing the specific programme are
defined in Annexes I and III to the framework programme.and
described in Annex III.

The rules for participation and dissemination shall apply

3.
to the specific programme.

Article 4

1.
The Commission shall draw up a work programme for
the implementation of the specific programme, setting out in
greater detail the objectives and scientific and technological
priorities set out in Annex I, and the timetable for implemen-
tation.

The work programme shall

take account of relevant
2.
research activities carried out by the Member States, Associated
States and European and international organisations. It shall be
updated where appropriate.

reference

2. Where
the
management procedure laid down in Article 4 of Decision
1999/468/EC (1) shall apply,
in compliance with Article 7(3)
thereof.

to this paragraph,

is made

The period provided for in Article 4(3) of Decision

3.
1999/468/EC shall be two months.

Article 7

1.
The Commission shall regularly report on the overall
progress of the implementation of the specific programme, in
accordance with Article 4 of the framework programme.

The Commission shall arrange for

the independent
2.
assessment provided for
the framework
programme to be conducted concerning the activities carried
out in the fields covered by the specific programme.

in Article 5 of

Article 5

The Commission shall be responsible for the implemen-

1.
tation of the specific programme.

Article 8

This decision is addressed to the Member States.

(1) OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23.

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SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL OBJECTIVES AND BROAD LINES OF THE ACTIVITIES

ANNEX I

Introduction

This programme will attack a number of key structural weaknesses that are manifested across all fields of European
research and which are likely to have progressively more important effects on the EU’s capacity to meet the aspirations
of its citizens as its economies and societies become more knowledge-based. It will:

(cid:151) enhance the propensity, at all levels, to turn research into useful and commercially valuable innovations;

(cid:151) promote the development of human resources which constitute the underlying raw material on which research
capabilities must be built, as well as the mobility of researchers (cid:151) and of their knowledge and expertise (cid:151) between
European countries and to Europe from outside;

(cid:151) stimulate the development and upgrading of research infrastructures of the highest quality on a more rational and
cost-effective basis, and make facilities and associated resources more universally available to researchers throughout
Europe who are able to benefit from them;

(cid:151) develop the means for more constructive and effective communication and dialogue between research and citizens
in general, so as to enable society at large to have a better-informed and more constructive influence on the future
development and governance of science, technology and innovation.

By their nature and means of implementation, the activities carried out within this programme are applicable to all fields
of research and technology. They have specific vocations, distinct from, and complementary to, the activities imple-
mented within other parts of the framework programme, notably those within the (cid:145)Integrating and strengthening the
European Research Area(cid:146) programme in the priority thematic areas defined for EU research in that programme, and
attention will be given to ensure coherence with them.

This complementary relationship will be reflected in:

(cid:151) improved provisions for human resource development and knowledge transfer arising from the implementation of
the activities covered by this programme, which would apply, inter alia, to the thematic priority areas of research, as
well as research infrastructures of broad application, including those crossing the boundaries between priority areas;

(cid:151) the use, as appropriate, of consistent methods and tools to promote innovation through research and to reconcile
better research with the concerns of society, as well as consistent frameworks for the implementation of actions on
human resources, infrastructure support and ensuring the ethical conduct of research, which may be implemented,
inter alia, within the context of integrated projects and networks of excellence.

Participation of the candidate countries in this programme will be encouraged.

1. RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

O b j e c t i v e s

The overall aim is to make a tangible improvement in Europe’s innovation performance, in the short, medium and
long term, by stimulating a better integration between research and innovation, and by working towards a more
coherent and innovation-friendly policy and regulatory environment across the European Union.

To this end, and in accordance with the objectives of the communication (1) (cid:145)Innovation in a knowledge-driven
economy(cid:146), activities will be implemented in a number of specific areas that are complementary and mutually
supportive, within themselves and with the actions carried out under the heading (cid:145)Integrating and strengthening
the European Research Area(cid:146). They will focus on improving the knowledge, understanding and capabilities of the
actors involved (cid:151) researchers, industrialists, investors, public authorities at European, national and regional levels,
and others (cid:151) by encouraging more intensive and fruitful interactions between them, and by providing strategic
information and services, as well developing new methodologies and tools, to assist them in their particular
endeavours. A general principle underlying all these actions is that innovation cannot be separated from research;
the actions serve to reinforce the links between research and innovation, from the point of the conception of
research activities, right through the period of their realisation.

(1) COM(2000) 567, 20.9.2000.

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To strengthen their structuring effect in Europe, these activities will, where appropriate, be carried out in cooperation
with other forums or organisations at regional, national or European level, such as the Structural Funds or the EIB
and the EIF in the context of the (cid:145)Innovation 2000 Initiative(cid:146).

A c t i v i t i e s e n v i s a g e d

i) Networking the players and encouraging interaction between them

The effectiveness of innovation systems depends on the intensity of interactions and exchanges between the
players concerned. The European networks involved in this activity will, among other things, have the aim of
encouraging interfaces between research and industry and between business and funding. The activities will
concern the encouragement and validation of local and regional initiatives to promote the creation and devel-
opment of innovative businesses; exchanges of good practice and the implementation of transnational coop-
eration involving universities, incubators, risk capital funds, etc.; and the optimisation of practices with regard to
communication, training, transfer and sharing of knowledge between universities, businesses and the financial
world.

ii) Encouraging transregional cooperation

The regional level is the most appropriate for putting in place innovation strategies and programmes involving
the main local players. The purpose of this activity, to be carried out in close cooperation with activities in the
context of regional policy and the Structural Funds, will be to promote exchanges of information on specific
innovation-related themes; facilitate transfers of good practice and put in place innovation strategies in the
regions in countries due to join the EU; and encourage the carrying out at regional
level of schemes or
measures that have proved successful at European level.

iii) Experimenting with new tools and approaches

The purpose of these activities is to experiment with new innovation concepts and methods. These activities will
concern experimenting on a European scale with new concepts applied in a national or regional environment to
promote innovation and the setting-up of innovative businesses; analysis of the potential, for reproducing and/or
exploiting proven methods, tools or results in new contexts; and putting into place integrated platforms making it
possible to input and disseminate knowledge and know-how concerning the socio-technical processes of inno-
vation.

iv) Putting services in place and consolidating them

The establishment of the European Research Area and the gradual integration of innovation systems in Europe
will require a supply of information and services transcending the existing national fragmentation. The activities
to be carried out will concern the CORDIS research and innovation information service, which will be supple-
mented by other media in order to reach the various target populations; the network of innovation relay centres,
the geographical coverage of which will continue to be extended, and which will be supplemented by instruments
to encourage the transnational transfer of knowledge and technologies; and information and support services in
fields such as intellectual or industrial property and access to innovation funding.

v) Stepping up economic and technological intelligence

In the knowledge-based economy, economic and technological intelligence is a vital component of competitive
research and innovation strategies. The activities to be carried out will centre on the innovation players: SMEs,
researcher-entrepreneurs and investors. They will mainly involve intermediaries working with/for these players as
well as organisations with economic and technological intelligence expertise. They will concentrate on specific
S&T themes or industrial sectors and may concern: innovation promotion in SMEs, in particular by means of
activities aimed at facilitating their participation in the Community research programmes; support for activities
concerning the gathering, analysis and dissemination of information on S&T developments, applications and
markets which may be of assistance to the stakeholders; and identification and dissemination of best practice with
regard to economic and technological intelligence.

vi) Analysing and evaluating innovation in Community research projects

The research and innovation activities carried out in the context of Community projects, in particular within the
networks of excellence and the integrated projects, represent a plentiful source of information about obstacles to
innovation and the practices to be deployed in order to overcome them. The ex-post analysis of these practices
information about measures taken to promote innovation in
will concern the gathering and analysis of
Community projects, as well as the obstacles encountered and the actions needed to remove them;
the
comparison of experience derived from Community projects with the lessons learnt from other national or
intergovernmental programmes and the validation of the information obtained; and the active dissemination
of this information among businesses and other participants in the generation and exploitation of knowledge.

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2. HUMAN RESOURCES AND MOBILITY

Today’s knowledge-based societies are heavily dependent on their capacity to produce,
transfer and utilise
knowledge. This requires mobilising cognitive resources, beginning with the research community. The overall
strategic objective of the Human Resources and Mobility activity is to provide broad support for the development
of abundant and dynamic world-class human resources in the European research system, taking into account the
inherent international dimension of research.

This will involve a coherent set of actions, largely based on the financing of structured mobility schemes for
researchers. These will essentially be geared at the development and transfer of research competencies, the
consolidation and widening of researchers’ career prospects, and the promotion of excellence in European
research. The widely-recognised Marie Curie name will apply to all the actions concerned.

The activity will be open to all fields of scientific and technological research that contribute to the Community’s
RTD objectives. However, the possibility of refining priorities, as regards for example, scientific disciplines,
participating regions, types of research organisations, and the level of experience of the targeted researcher
populations, will be retained, in order to respond to the evolution of Europe’s requirements in the area.

Attention will be paid to:

(cid:151) the participation of women within all actions, and appropriate measures to promote a more equitable balance

between men and women in research.

(cid:151) the personal circumstances relating to mobility, particularly with respect to the family, career development

and languages.

(cid:151) the development of research activity in the less-favoured regions of the EU and Associated Countries, and to
the need for increased and more effective co-operation between research disciplines and between academia
and industry, including SMEs.

With a view to further reinforcing the human potential for European research, this activity will also aim to attract
the best and most promising researchers from third countries (1), promote the training of European researchers
abroad and stimulate the return of European scientists established outside Europe.

A c t i o n s t o b e p u r s u e d

Three main strands of actions will be implemented.

i) Host-driven actions

This first strand is aimed at supporting research networks, research organisations and enterprises in the
provision of structured global schemes for the training and mobility of researchers, and the development
and transfer of competencies in research. The actions concerned are intended to have a strong structuring
effect on the European research system, in particular by encouraging junior researchers to pursue a research
career. Training elements in this strand will be directed at researchers at the early stages (typically the first 4
years) of their research careers, such as those who are undertaking a doctoral degree, while the transfer of
competencies and knowledge will involve more experienced researchers.

(cid:151) Marie Curie Research Training Networks: These provide the means for research teams of recognised
international stature to link up, in the context of a well-defined collaborative research project, in order
to formulate and implement a structured training programme for researchers in a particular field of
research. Networks will provide a cohesive, but flexible framework for the training and professional
development of researchers, especially in the early stages of their research career. Networks also aim to
achieve a critical mass of qualified researchers, especially in areas that are highly-specialised and/or frag-
mented; and to contribute to overcoming institutional and disciplinary boundaries, notably through the
promotion of multidisciplinary research. They will also provide a straightforward and effective means to
involve the less-favoured regions of
the EU and Associated Countries in internationally-recognised
European research co-operation. Partners will be given significant autonomy and flexibility in the
detailed operation of the networks. The duration of a network will typically be 4 years, with associated
fellowships of up to 3 years, including short-term stays.

(1) Participation of researchers from third countries is foreseen in all of the host-driven mobility schemes (section i), as well as in one of
the individual-driven schemes (section ii). In such cases, account will be taken of any relevant arrangements between the EU and those
countries (cid:151) or groups of countries, as well as of the relevant Framework Programme participation and financing rules.

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(cid:151) Marie Curie Host Fellowships for Early Stage Research Training: These will be targeted at higher education
and research institutions, training centres and enterprises, with a view to reinforcing their training
capability. The scheme will be directed at researchers in the early stages of their professional career. It
will focus on the acquisition of specific scientific and technological competencies in research, as well as of
complementary skills such as those relating to research management and ethics. Hosts will be selected on
the basis of their area of specialisation in research training. The associated fellowships will allow for
fellows’ stays for up to a maximum duration of 3 years. The scheme will also work towards more
co-ordinated approaches to training among the organisations concerned, particularly between those
involved in international doctoral studies.

(cid:151) Marie Curie Host Fellowships for the Transfer of Knowledge: These will be directed at European organi-
sations (universities, research centres, enterprises, etc.) in need of developing new areas of competence, as
well as at furthering the development of research capabilities in the less-favoured regions of the EU and
Associated countries. Knowledge transfer fellowships will allow experienced researchers to be hosted at
such organisations for the transfer of knowledge, research competencies and technology. Fellowships will
have a maximum duration of 2 years.

(cid:151) Marie Curie Conferences and Training Courses: These will enable junior researchers to benefit from the
experience of leading researchers. Support will be given to specific training activities (including virtual
ones) that highlight particular European achievements and interests. Two categories of measures are
foreseen:
for a coherent series of high-level conferences and/or training
laboratory courses etc.) proposed by a single organiser, and covering a
courses (summer schools,
linked themes; the second involves support for the participation of junior
specific theme or several
researchers in large conferences selected for
their specific training interest. Such activities would
typically be for a few days, but could extend to a few weeks, for example in the case of summer schools.

the first concerns support

ii) Individual-driven actions

This second strand of actions concerns the support to individual researchers, in response to Europe’s particular
needs in terms of acquisition and transfer of competencies in research. It also addresses the professional
re-integration of European researchers who have benefited from the Marie Curie scheme, as well as the return
to Europe of European researchers who have been abroad for longer periods. It involves a number of schemes
organised according to the geographical origin and destination of the researcher. Participation in these
schemes will be open to researchers with at least 4 years of research experience, including those in possession
of a doctorate degree.

(cid:151) Marie Curie Intra-European Fellowships: These will allow the most promising researchers from EU and
Associated countries to undertake training through research in the European organisations most appro-
priate to their individual needs. The application will be made by the fellow in conjunction with the host
organisation. The topic will be freely chosen by the researcher in collaboration with the host, with a view
to completing or diversifying his/her expertise. These fellowships will have a duration of 1 to 2 years.

(cid:151) Marie Curie Outgoing International Fellowships: These will be awarded to researchers from EU and
Associated countries to work in established third country research centres, thereby widening their inter-
national experience in research. This scheme will require the submission of a coherent individual training
programme, involving a first phase abroad, followed by a mandatory second phase in Europe.

(cid:151) Marie Curie Incoming International Fellowships: These will aim at attracting high-level researchers and
promising young researchers from third countries to work and undertake research training in Europe, with
the view to developing mutually-beneficial research co-operation between Europe and third countries. In
the case of emerging economies and developing countries, the scheme may include provision to assist
fellows to return to their country of origin.

(cid:151) Marie Curie Re-integration Grants: These will be directed at researchers from the EU and Associated
countries who have just completed a Marie Curie fellowship of at least two years. It will consist of a
lump sum in the form of a personal grant to be used within one year. It will be allocated to the fellow on
the basis of the submission of a defined project, which will be evaluated on its own merits. The re-inte-
gration would not be restricted to the researcher’s country of origin. A similar mechanism (but covering a
period of re-integration of up to two years) will apply to European researchers who have carried out
research outside Europe for at least 5 years.

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iii) Excellence Promotion and Recognition

This third strand of actions will focus on the promotion and recognition of excellence in European research,
thereby increasing its visibility and attractiveness. It will aim at promoting European research teams, especially
in new and/or emerging areas of research, and at highlighting personal achievements of European researchers,
with a view to supporting their further development and international recognition, while also promoting the
diffusion of their work for the benefit of the scientific community.

(cid:151) Marie Curie Excellence Grants: These aim at providing support to individual researchers or research teams
of the highest level of excellence for the establishment or expansion of their teams, more particularly for
leading edge or interdisciplinary research activities. The grant will cover a period of up to 4 years and will
be awarded on the basis of a well-defined research programme.

(cid:151) Marie Curie Excellence Awards: These aim at the public recognition of

the excellence achieved by
researchers who have in the past benefited from training and mobility support by the Community.
Prize money will be awarded as a grant to be used for professional advancement, with the obligation
to report within two years about the use made of the grant. Beneficiaries may propose themselves or be
proposed by others.

(cid:151) Marie Curie Chairs: These will be awarded for the purpose of making top-level appointments, in particular
to attract world-class researchers and encourage them to resume their careers in Europe. Awards will
normally have a duration of three years. This scheme may be developed in synergy with the host-driven
actions.

C o - o p e r a t i o n w i t h M e m b e r S t a t e s a n d A s s o c i a t e d C o u n t r i e s

The Human Resources and Mobility activity will seek to co-finance initiatives which foster co-operation and create
synergies with national and regional programmes where these coincide with the specific objectives of the schemes
outlined above. Such co-operation will be established on the basis of relevant Community criteria, with a view to
creating genuine access to these initiatives for all EU and Associated Country researchers, as well as promoting the
adoption of mutually-recognised research training standards.

In terms of management of the activity, beyond the increased importance of host-driven actions, initiatives will be
undertaken to reinforce co-operation with Member States and Associated Countries in the provision of (cid:145)proximity
support(cid:146) to researchers, which is a key element of any mobility scheme for researchers moving within or returning
to Europe. This could be undertaken through the co-financing of existing and new structures, at national or
regional level, with the aim of providing practical assistance to foreign researchers in matters (legal, administrative,
familial or cultural) relating to their mobility.

A further aspect of this co-operation might concern a number of tasks associated with the management and
follow up of individual fellowship contracts. This would require prior establishment of a clear demarcation of
tasks and responsibilities in accordance with Community financial regulations and rules, and the undertaking of
relevant cost/benefit analyses.

I n t e r n a l , F r a m e w o r k P r o g r a m m e C o - o p e r a t i o n

The role of the Human Resources and Mobility activity is to support research training and the development of
research competencies. This does not preclude other activities within the new Framework Programme from
incorporating similar elements. The Human Resources and Mobility activity will provide assistance with regard
to the adoption of consistent criteria in relation to the evaluation, selection and monitoring of such actions, as
well as the promotion of common approaches among the activities, with a view to ensuring coherence and
developing possible synergies, and an equitable balance in the participation of men and women.

3. RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURES

The ability of Europe’s research teams to remain at the forefront of all fields of science and technology depends on
their being supported by state-of-the-art infrastructures. The term (cid:145)research infrastructures(cid:146) refers to facilities and
resources that provide essential services to the research community in both academic and industrial domains.
Research infrastructures may be (cid:145)single-sited(cid:146) (single resource at a single location),
(cid:145)distributed(cid:146) (a network of
distributed resources, including infrastructures based on Grid-type architectures), or (cid:145)virtual(cid:146) (the service being
provided electronically).

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The overall objective of this activity is to promote the development of a fabric of research infrastructures of the
highest quality and performance in Europe and their optimum use on a European scale based on the needs
expressed by the research community. Specifically this will aim at:

(cid:151) ensuring that European researchers may have access to the infrastructures they require to conduct their

research, irrespective of the location of the infrastructure;

(cid:151) providing support for a co-ordinated approach for the development of new research infrastructures and for
including where appropriate facilities of

the operation and enhancement of existing infrastructures,
world-wide relevance not existing in Europe.

Where relevant, support for research infrastructures in this programme will be implemented in association with
the thematic priorities of the Framework Programme and with the other available forms of support.

Five schemes for support will be implemented:

(cid:151) Integrated Initiatives: The objective is to support the provision of essential services to the research community
at European level. For this purpose the initiatives combine cooperation networks with one or more other
specific activities,
to improve the
including for example transnational access and research activities
performance of the infrastructure. The scheme will also encourage the bridging of gaps that may limit the
potential for exploitation of research results by industry, including SMEs. Integrated initiatives will be selected
on the basis of a wide-scale but flexible scientific and technological programme of European dimension
aiming, where appropriate, at the long-term sustainability of the programme.

(cid:151) Communication Network Development: The objective of this scheme in support of existing research infra-
structures is to create a denser network between related initiatives, in particular by establishing a broadband
communications network for all researchers in Europe and specific high performance Grids and test-beds.

(cid:151) Transnational Access: The objective is to sponsor new opportunities for research teams (including individual
researchers) to obtain access to individual major research infrastructures most appropriate for their work.
Community financing will cover the necessary operating costs of providing access to such infrastructures for
research teams working in Member States and Associated States other than the state where the operator of a
given infrastructure is located.

(cid:151) Design studies: The objective is to contribute, on a case-by-case basis, to feasibility studies and technical
preparatory work for those new infrastructures to be undertaken by one or a number of Member States, which
have a clear European dimension and interest.

(cid:151) Development of new infrastructures: In appropriate circumstances, this scheme could contribute towards the

development of a new infrastructure alongside other funding agencies.

In general, funding provided for new or enhanced infrastructures will be limited to the minimum necessary to
catalyse the activity; the major part of construction and operation, and the long-term sustainability of the
infrastructures in question being assured by national and/or other sources of finance. Such funding would only
be provided on the basis of a detailed justification, based on European added value, addressing the scientific, legal
and financial dimensions of the proposed development. Feasibility studies and technical preparatory work should
investigate the possibilities of combining funding with other sources of finance from the European Union (e.g. the
European Investment Bank and the Structural Funds).

Broadband communication networks, which are highly relevant to the political goals set out by the European
Research Area and the e-Europe initiative, should also be used as a means to enhance scientific co-operation with
third countries.

Support for research infrastructures in this programme should, where relevant, take into account existing or
future mechanisms for a co-ordinated approach to research infrastructures in Europe, as well as the scientific
advice of existing European and international organisations (e.g. ESF). Accompanying measures under this
programme may be implemented, where appropriate, to sustain these mechanisms.

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4. SCIENCE AND SOCIETY

Today, and even more in the knowledge-based society of tomorrow, science and technology have a ubiquitous
presence throughout the economy and in everyday life. If they are to realise their full potential in securing a
continually-increasing quality of life (cid:151) in the broadest sense (cid:151) to Europe’s citizens, new relations and a more
productive dialogue between the scientific community, industrialists, policy-makers and society at large will be
needed.

Such a dialogue cannot be confined to the EU alone. It must be international in scope, taking full account of
the enlargement perspective and the global context. Given the very broad range of issues and interactions that
are implied in the relations between science and technology, on one hand, and the broader community, on the
other, these considerations must be integrated within all areas of activity of the framework programme. The
role of this specific activity is to develop the structural links between the institutions and activities concerned
and provide a central focus, through common reference frameworks and the development of appropriate tools
and approaches, to guide activities in this domain covered by the different parts of the framework programme.

It will be implemented by means of networks, benchmarking, exchange of best practices, developing and
promoting awareness of methodologies, studies and the bringing together of national efforts. In specific cases,
where appropriate, dedicated research will be supported.

i) Bringing research closer to society

The aim is to examine systematically the various components of (cid:145)science and governance(cid:146) in order to create
conditions under which policy decisions are more effective in meeting society’s needs, more soundly based
in science and at the same take account of the concerns of civil society. This requires consideration of
effective processes of dialogue on emerging scientific and technological issues ultimately having conse-
quences for prospective policy development; developing appropriate means for creating scientific references
and channelling scientific advice to policy makers; and equipping the latter with tools to assess and manage
scientific uncertainty, risk and precaution.

(cid:151) Science and governance: analysing and support to best practice; developing new consultation mech-
anisms to promote more productive involvement of civil society and relevant stakeholders in policy
formulation and implementation,
including the communication of scientific outputs necessary to
decision taking in terms readily understandable to civil society and other stakeholders; monitoring
activities concerning the functioning of policy-making processes to assess the interaction between
experts, industry, civil society and policy-makers.

(cid:151) Scientific advice and reference systems: exchange of experience and good practice; monitoring the
production of scientific advice world-wide and how this advice is provided as input to decision;
developing new and better methodologies for reliable and recognised reference systems; ensuring the
smooth operation and effective use of the European Research Advisory Body and its sub-committees in
order to provide scientific advice for the development of the European research area.

ii) Responsible research and application of science and technology

The aim is to ensure that rapidly advancing progress in science is in harmony with the ethical values of all
Europeans. Activities will promote (cid:145)responsible research(cid:146) in Europe, in which the requirements for inves-
tigative freedom are better reconciled with social and environmental responsibilities in the development
and application of science and technology, as well as the public dialogue, monitoring, and early warning, of
ethical and social issues, and risks arising from new technological developments, for the benefit of national
and international policy makers and other interested groups.

(cid:151) Ethics: networking between existing ethics bodies and activities in Europe, and promotion of dialogue
on ethics in research with other regions in the global context; awareness raising and training activities
in ethics; co-ordination and development of codes of conduct for research activities and technological
developments;
technology developments and their
in relation to science,
applications, for example, in relation to information society, nanotechnologies, human genetics and
biomedical research and in food technologies.

research on ethics

(cid:151) Uncertainty, risk, and implementing the precautionary principle: analysis and support to best practice
in the application of the precautionary principle in different areas of policy making and in the
assessment, management and communication of uncertainty and risk.

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28.8.2001

iii) Stepping up the science/society dialogue and women in science

Support for the responsible development of science and technology requires not only a continued dialogue
between the relevant stakeholder, but also better public awareness of scientific and technological advances
and their possible implications, and a wider understanding of scientific and innovation culture. There are
interest in science, to increase the attractiveness of
also particular needs to stimulate young peoples’
scientific careers, and to make progress towards gender equality in research, which will also enhance
human resources and improve levels of excellence in European research

(cid:151) Public understanding: supporting awareness-raising events and the recognition of achievements in
the
European research; analysis of
media and science communicators; developing new ways of raising public awareness and knowledge;
encourage comprehensive (cid:145)stakeholder(cid:146) debates and stimulate awareness for innovation in society.

the factors influencing public opinion,

including the role of

(cid:151) Young peoples’ interest in scientific careers: initiatives to attract the younger generation to participate in
the discussion on science and technology and their societal impact and to raise the S&T awareness
among youth; support for the development of better approaches to science for girls and boys within
and outside the formal education system, and for actions concerning a better understanding of the
relative attractiveness and social aspects of taking science as a career.

(cid:151) Women and Science: actions to stimulate the policy debate at national and regional level to mobilise
woman scientists and boost the participation of the private sector; promoting the enhancement of the
Gender Watch System and associated activities to promote gender equality throughout the framework
programme; specific actions to develop a better understanding of the gender issue in science.

ANNEX II

INDICATIVE BREAKDOWN OF THE AMOUNT

Types of activities

Amount (EUR million)

Research and Innovation

Human Resources

Research infrastructures

Science/society

300

1 800

900

50

3 050

Total

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ANNEX III

MEANS FOR IMPLEMENTING THE PROGRAMME

In order to implement the specific programme, and in accordance with the Decisions of the European Parliament and of
the Council concerning the multiannual Framework Programme 2002-2006 of the European Community for research,
technological development and demonstration activities aimed at contributing towards the creation of the European
Research Area (2002/. . ./EC) and with the rules for the participation of undertakings, research centres and universities
and for the dissemination of research results (2002/. . ./EC), the Commission may use, across the whole field of science
and technology:

(cid:151) experimental projects relating to innovation aimed at experimenting with, validating and disseminating on a

European scale new innovation concepts and methods in the area of (cid:145)Research and innovation(cid:146).

(cid:151) specific targeted projects in order to carry out research or demonstration activities in the area of (cid:145)Science and

society(cid:146).

(cid:151) integrated initiatives relating to infrastructure, combining activities that are essential
developing research infrastructures for the provision of services on a European scale,
infrastructures(cid:146).

for strengthening and
in the area of (cid:145)Research

(cid:151) mobility and training actions implementing certain Marie Curie activities such as research training networks,
conferences and training courses and individual training fellowships in the area of (cid:145)Human resources and mobility(cid:146).

(cid:151) specific coordination and support actions in order to achieve the objectives identified in all the areas of the

programme.

(cid:151) accompanying actions by way of additional measures to achieve the objectives of the programme or to prepare

future activities in the context of the Community’s research and technological development policy.

The Commission will evaluate the proposals in accordance with the evaluation criteria set out in the above mentioned
Decisions in order to verify their relevance with regard to the objectives of the programme, their scientific and
technological excellence, their Community added value and the participants’ management capacity.

The Community contribution will be granted in accordance with the above mentioned decisions.
In the case of
participation of bodies from regions lagging in development, it may be possible to obtain complementary funding
from the Structural Funds within the limits specified by the Community framework for State aid for research.