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

(2001/C 240 E/27)

(Text with EEA relevance)

COM(2001) 279 final (cid:151) 2001/0122(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 multiannual

the European Parliament and of

(1) In accordance with Article 166(3) of the Treaty, Decision
the
No . . ./. . ./EC of
Council
framework
programme 2002-2006 of the European Community for
technological development and demonstration
research,
activities aimed at contributing towards the creation of
the European Research Area (hereinafter referred to as
(cid:145)the
implemented
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

(cid:145)integrating research(cid:146),

(2) The framework programme is structured in three main
blocks of activities,
(cid:145)structuring the
European Research Area(cid:146), and (cid:145)strengthening the foun-
dations of
the first and
the third of which, as regards indirect actions, should be
implemented by this specific programme.

the European Research Area(cid:146),

if

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.

(5) In implementing this programme, emphasis should be
given to promoting mobility of researchers, and inno-
vation,
in the Community and encouraging the partici-
pation of SMEs, as well as international co-operation
activities with third countries and international organi-
to the
sations.
Accession countries.

attention should be paid

Special

(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. Gender
aspects
in
implementing this programme.

in research will be taken into account

States

and Associated

relevant parties,

(8) To achieve the full potential of this programme, the active
the
in particular
engagement of all
be
should
Member
to step up the
encouraged in a common endeavour
in
carried out
co-ordination of
research activities
Europe,
and
networking of national programmes and the free circu-
lation of information pertaining to research activities at
all levels.

including

opening

through

States,

the

up

(3) The rules for the participation of undertakings, research
the dissemination of
centres and universities and for
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.

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

(4) New instruments,

involving simplified and decentralised
management, and the exploitation of external technical

(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.

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(10) Since the measures necessary 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
conferred on the
exercise of
Commission (1), they should be adopted by use of the
management procedure provided for in Article 4 of that
Decision.

implementing powers

(11) 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.

(12) Within this programme,

thematic priority areas of
research should be implemented exclusively by means of
three types of instruments: networks of excellence, inte-
grated projects, and Community participation in national
research activities implemented jointly pursuant to Article
169 of the Treaty,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION

Article 1

1.
In accordance with the framework programme, a specific
programme on Integrating and strengthening the European
specific
research area
programme(cid:146)) is hereby adopted for the period from [. . .] to
31 December 2006.

(hereinafter

referred

to as

(cid:145)the

The objectives and scientific and technological priorities

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

Article 2

In accordance with Annex II of the framework programme, the
amount deemed necessary for the execution of the specific
programme is EUR 12 505 million, including a maximum of
5,5 % for the Commission’s administrative expenditure. An
indicative breakdown of this amount is given in Annex II.

Article 3

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 specific programme shall be implemented by means
to the

2.
of
framework programme and described in Annex III.

the instruments defined in Annexes

I and III

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

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

Article 5

The Commission shall be responsible for the implemen-

1.
tation of the specific programme.

The procedure laid down in Article 6 shall apply for the

2.
adoption of the following measures:

(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 6

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

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

reference

2. Where
the
management procedure laid down in Article 4 of Decision
1999/468/EC (2) 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

The rules for participation and dissemination shall apply

3.
to the specific programme.

Article 8

This Decision is addressed to the Member States.

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

(2) 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 promote world class research in key priority areas of exceptional interest and added value to
Europe and the competitiveness of its industry, which have been identified in the framework programme 2002-2006, as
well as on topics that are identified as being of high importance during the course of implementation of the framework
leading edge research areas.
programme in view of the EU’s policy needs and the opportunities arising in novel,

The programme will strive towards greater integration of research in Europe by means of:

(cid:151) focused action in priority thematic research areas, using powerful financing instruments (integrated projects and
networks of excellence) which bring together the research actors in appropriate configurations for the new chal-
lenges that these priority research areas represent, and with critical mass;

(cid:151) promoting the networking and joint action of national and European frameworks for research and innovation, and
the opening up of national programmes, in these priority areas, including where appropriate by the use of actions
under Article 169 of the Treaty, as well as in other areas where such action would be of benefit to the performance
of Europe’s research base.

The programme is complementary to the programme (cid:145)structuring the European Research Area(cid:146) and the specific
programme for the JRC, and its implementation will be co-ordinated with them.

1.

1.1.

INTEGRATING RESEARCH

Priority thematic areas of research

The priority thematic areas represent the bulk of expenditure under the framework programme 2002-2006.
Through a highly focused Community research effort, the intention is to generate a substantial leveraging effect
which, together with actions in other parts of the framework programme 2002-2006 and through open
co-ordination with other (cid:151) regional, national, European and international (cid:151) frameworks, will result in a
coherent and highly effective common endeavour towards their overall objectives.

The priority thematic areas of research are:

(cid:151) Genomics and biotechnology for health

(cid:151) Information society technologies

(cid:151) Nanotechnologies, intelligent materials and new production processes

(cid:151) Aeronautics and space

(cid:151) Food safety and health risks

(cid:151) Sustainable development and global change

(cid:151) Citizens and Governance in the European knowledge-based society

The actions are therefore described in terms of:

(cid:151) the overall objectives and expected achievements which are sought in each priority area;

(cid:151) the research priorities to be pursued by means of Community action.

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The priority thematic areas of research are described in terms of their overall objectives and the main research
focus. The associated work programme will elaborate further on the detailed research content.

Community action in each priority area will be pursued through integrated projects and networks of excellence
which, in addition to research and technological development, may incorporate the following types of activity,
where they are of specific relevance to the objectives sought: demonstration, dissemination and exploitation;
co-operation with researchers and research teams from third countries; human resource development,
including the promotion of training of researchers; development of research facilities and infrastructure of
specific relevance to the research being undertaken; and promotion of better links between science and society,
including women in science.

In order to attain the objectives of one or more of the priority thematic areas, it may also be appropriate to
implement research activities falling within the scope of Article 169 of the Treaty.

Participation of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will be encouraged and gender equity will, overall,
be assured in the implementation of the activities.

Innovation is an important dimension which must be taken into account in the design and implementation of
RTD activities. In particular, networks of excellence and integrated projects will include activities relating to
dissemination and exploitation of knowledge and, where relevant, to ensure transfer of
technology and
facilitate exploitation of results. Where appropriate, special attention will be given to technology transfer to
SMEs and to the creation of research-based enterprises as a means of exploiting research results.

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

International co-operation represents an important dimension of the framework programme. In the specific
programme (cid:145)Integrating Research(cid:146), international activities are carried out on the two forms of:

(cid:151) Participation of researchers, teams and institutions from third countries in networks of excellence and
integrated projects, in particular on topics, within the different thematic priority fields, related to issues
arising at world level and being subjects of international efforts;

(cid:151) Specific international co-operation activities with some groups of countries, as a support to Community

external relations and development aid policies.

The objectives and forms of
described under the heading (cid:145)Anticipating the EU’s scientific and technological needs(cid:146).

the international co-operation activities in the framework programme are

The priority research areas include, in certain cases, research at the borders of traditional disciplines where
advances will require interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary effort. In such cases a particular attention will be
given during the implementation of the programme to the co-ordination between the different priority areas,
and between these areas and actions under the heading (cid:145)anticipating the EU’s scientific and technological
needs(cid:146).

Consideration of the ethical, social and legal aspects of the research to be undertaken and its potential
applications, as well as socio-economic impacts of scientific and technological development and foresight,
will where relevant form a part of the activities under this heading. Research on ethics related to scientific and
technological developments will be carried out in the programme (cid:145)Structuring the European Research Area(cid:146).

During the implementation of this programme and in the research activities arising from it, fundamental
ethical principles are to be respected, including the following: protection of human dignity, data and privacy, as
well as animals and the environment in accordance with Community law; relevant international conventions
and codes of conduct, e.g. the Helsinki Declaration, the Convention of the Council of Europe on Human Rights
and Biomedicine, the Universal Declaration on the human genome and human rights adopted by Unesco;
current legislation and regulations in the countries where the research will be carried out. Where appropriate,
participants in research projects must seek the approval of the relevant ethics committees prior to the start of
the RTD activities. An ethical review will be implemented systematically for proposals dealing with sensitive
issues. In specific cases, an ethical review may take place during the implementation of a project.

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1.1.1.

Genomics and biotechnology for health (1)

The sequencing of the human genome and many other genomes heralds a new age in human biology, offering
unprecedented opportunities to improve human health and to stimulate industrial and economic activity. In
making its contribution to realising these benefits, this theme will focus on integrating post-genomic research
into the more established biomedical and biotechnological approaches, and will facilitate the integration of
research capacities (both public and private) across Europe to increase coherence and achieve critical mass.
Integrated multidisciplinary research, which enables a strong interaction between technology and biology, is
vital in this theme for translating genome data into practical applications. In addition, an essential element will
be to involve key stakeholders, in particular, industry, healthcare providers and practitioners, policy makers,
regulatory authorities and patient associations, in implementing the theme. Gender equity in the research will
also be ensured (2).

This thematic priority area will stimulate and sustain multidisciplinary basic research to exploit the full
potential of genome information to underpin applications to human health.

It will be an integral component of the European Community effort to enhance the European biotechnology
industry in line with the conclusions of the Stockholm Council. It will endeavour to create strong links with all
activities that improve the framework conditions for innovation in the health sector of the biotechnology
industry, especially in SMEs, including stimulating entrepreneurship and opportunities for investment through
venture capital and the involvement of the European Investment Bank. Attention will also be paid to the
identification of regulatory bottlenecks in the development of new applications for genomics, to the antici-
pation at the earliest possible stage of the ethical implications and to the broader implications of developments
in genomics research for society and citizens.

This thematic priority area will also foster the implementation and development of the health strategy of the
European Community.

Throughout the thematic priority,
international collaboration will be encouraged. Where appropriate, due
to poverty reduction in developing
account will be given to the European Community’s commitment
countries and the importance that improved health will bring to the process (cid:151) in line with Article 177 of
the Treaty and with the European Community’s accelerated actions to combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuber-
culosis.

R e s e a r c h p r i o r i t i e s

(i) Fundamental knowledge and basic tools for functional genomics

The strategic objective of this line is to foster the basic understanding of genomic information, by
developing the knowledge base, tools and resources needed to decipher the function of genes and gene
products relevant to human health (including animal and plant model genomes and microbial genomes)
and to explore their interactions with each other and with their environment. Research actions will
encompass the following:

(cid:151) Gene expression and proteomics: The objectives are to enable researchers to better decipher the
functions of genes and gene products as well as to define the complex regulatory networks (biocom-
plexity) that control fundamental biological processes.

Research will
expression and protein profiles and for determining protein function and protein interactions.

focus on: developing high throughput

tools and approaches for monitoring gene

(1) In this and other areas of activity within the framework programme, human cloning for reproductive purposes will not be supported;
no research activities modifying or aiming to modify the genetic heritage of human beings will be carried out; nor will any research
activity involving the creation of a human embryo for research or therapeutic purposes be carried out. As far as possible, animal
experiments and testing should be replaced by in vitro or alternative methods. Animal suffering must be avoided or kept to a
minimum and, in this regard, special attention must be paid to animal experimentation involving species that are the closest to
human beings (in accordance with Directive 86/609/EEC). The modification of the genetic heritage of animals and animal cloning will
be envisaged only for objectives that are justified on ethical grounds and when carried out under conditions respecting animal welfare
and the principles of genetic diversity.

(2) Causes, clinical manifestation, consequences and treatment of disease and disorders often differ between women and men. Therefore,
all activities funded within this thematic priority must take the possibility of gender differences into account in their research
protocols, methodologies and analysis of results.

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(cid:151) Structural genomics: The objectives are to enable researchers to determine, more effectively and at a
higher rate than is currently feasible, the 3-D structure of proteins and other macromolecules, which is
important for elucidating protein function and essential for drug design.

Research will focus on: developing high throughput approaches for determining high-resolution 3-D
structures of macromolecules.

(cid:151) Comparative genomics and population genetics: The objectives are to enable researchers to use well-
characterised model organisms for predicting and testing gene function and to take full advantage of
specific population cohorts available in Europe to determine the relationship between gene function
and health or disease.

Research will
epidemiology tools and standardised genotyping protocols.

focus on: developing model organisms and transgenic tools; developing genetic

(cid:151) Bioinformatics: The objectives are to enable researchers to access efficient tools for managing and
interpreting the ever-increasing quantities of genome data and for making it available to the research
community in an accessible and usable form.

Research will focus on: developing bioinformatic tools and resources for data storage, mining and
processing; developing computational biology approaches for in silico prediction of gene function and
for the simulation of complex regulatory networks.

(ii) Applications of genomics and biotechnology for health

The strategic objective of this line is to foster the competitiveness of Europe’s biotechnology industry by
exploiting the wealth of biological data produced by genomics and advances in biotechnology. Research
actions will encompass the following:

(cid:151) Technological platforms for the development of new diagnostic, prevention and therapeutic tools: The
objectives are to foster academic and industrial collaboration through technological platforms where
multidisciplinary approaches using cutting edge technologies arising from genomic research (such as
pharmacogenomics) may contribute to health care progress and cost reduction through more precise
diagnosis,
individualised treatment and more efficient development pathways for new drugs and
therapies, and other novel products of the new technologies.

Research will focus on: rational and accelerated development of new, safer, more effective drugs;
development of new diagnostics; development of new in vitro tests to replace animal experimentation;
development and testing of new preventive and therapeutic tools, such as somatic gene and cell
therapies (including stem cell therapies) and immunotherapies.

(cid:151) Support for innovative research in genomics start-up companies: The objectives are to facilitate the
creation of research-based start-ups in Europe, to help sustain their early growth and to foster their
further development in a multinational environment.

Research will focus on: innovative aspects of post-genomics, which have high potential for application
to health related issues and which are also expected to lead to entrepreneurial initiatives in start-up
companies.

With a view to ensuring socially responsible choices, public acceptance and an efficient development
pathway for these new technologies, an active and early involvement of regulators, patients and society at
large will be necessary.

(iii) Applications in medicine and public health

The strategic objective of this line is to develop improved strategies for the prevention and management of
human disease and for living and ageing healthily. It will concentrate exclusively on integrating the
genomic approach into more established medical approaches for investigating disease and health deter-
minants. Research actions will focus on the following:

(cid:151) Combating cancer, cardiovascular disease and rare diseases: The objectives are to improve the
prevention and management of the two major causes of ill health and mortality in Europe and to
pool Europe’s research resources for tackling rare diseases.

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Research will focus on: integrating clinical expertise and resources with relevant model systems and
advanced tools in functional genomics to generate breakthroughs in the prevention and management
of these diseases.

(cid:151) Combating resistance to drugs: The objectives are to confront the major threat to public health caused

by drug resistant pathogens.

Research will focus on: exploitation of the knowledge of microbial genomes and on host-pathogen
interactions for the development of vaccines and alternative therapeutic strategies to circumvent the
problem of antimicrobial drug resistance; development of strategies for optimal usage of anti-
microbials; support
to the European Community network for epidemiological surveillance and
control of communicable diseases.

(cid:151) Studying the brain and combating diseases of the nervous system: The objectives are to use genome
information to better understand the functioning and dysfunctioning of the brain, in order to gain new
insight into mental processes, to combat neurological disorders and diseases, and to improve brain
repair.

Research will focus on: understanding the molecular and cellular bases of brain function, damage,
plasticity and repair,
learning, memory and cognition; developing strategies for prevention and
management of neurological disorders and diseases.

(cid:151) Studying human development and the ageing process: The objective is to better understand human
development, with special emphasis on the ageing process, in order to develop the evidence base for
improving public health strategies to promote healthy living and healthy ageing.

Research will focus on: understanding human development from conception to adolescence; exploring
the molecular and cellular determinants of healthy ageing including their interactions with environ-
mental, behavioural and gender factors.

(iv) Confronting the major communicable diseases linked to poverty

The strategic objective of this line is to confront the global emergency caused by the three major
communicable diseases (cid:151) HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis (cid:151) through the development of effective
disease interventions, particularly for use in developing countries. It is envisaged that developing countries
will be significant partners in the implementation of this line, in particular through the European Clinical
Trials Platform.

focus on: developing promising candidate interventions (vaccines,

therapies and HIV
Research will
microbicides) against
the target diseases by sponsoring research over the full spectrum from basic
molecular research, taking advantage of microbial genomics, through to pre-clinical testing and proof-
of-principle; establishing a European Clinical Trials Platform to unite and support Europe’s clinical trial
activities specifically targeted at interventions for use in developing countries; establishing an AIDS
Therapy Trials Network in Europe to improve the coherence and complementarity of clinical trials of
AIDS therapies for European use.

1.1.2.

Information society technologies

Information society technologies (IST) are transforming the economy and society. Not only are they creating
new ways of working and new types of business, but provide solutions to major societal challenges such as
healthcare, environment, safety, mobility and employment, and have far reaching implications on our everyday
life. The IST sector is now one the most important of the economy, with an annual turnover of EUR 2 000
billion, providing employment for more than 12 million people in Europe.

The IST thematic priority will contribute directly to realising European policies for the knowledge society as
agreed at the Lisbon Council of 2000, the Stockholm Council of 2001, and reflected in the e-Europe Action
Plan. It will ensure European leadership in the generic and applied technologies at the heart of the knowledge
economy. It aims to increase innovation and competitiveness in European businesses and industry and to
contribute to greater benefits for all European citizens.

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like those achieved in Europe in mobile communications or consumer electronics, will not be
Successes,
repeated unless a real effort is made to achieve critical mass in key domains of IST research. The actions
will therefore mobilise the community of researchers around medium to long-term objectives, facilitating the
integration of public and private effort on a European scale, to build essential competencies and strengthen
innovation. They will involve high-risk and long-term RTD such as the development of the next generation of
mobile and wireless systems beyond 3G, and will include underpinning research to investigate and experiment
with future and emerging technologies within the specific context of the priority research areas indicated.

Although substantial advances have been achieved, we are still far from taking full advantage of the potential
of knowledge-based services in real life. Products and services are still hard to use and out of reach for many
people, and the (cid:145)digital divide(cid:146) is widening within Europe and across the world. Research will focus on the
future generation of technologies in which computers and networks will be integrated into the everyday
environment, rendering accessible a multitude of services and applications through easy-to-use human
interfaces. This vision of (cid:145)ambient intelligence(cid:146) places the user, the individual, at the centre of future devel-
opments for an inclusive knowledge-based society for all.

The IST priority in support of the eEurope action plan, will help build an information and knowledge-based
society across Europe, encouraging the participation of least-developed regions. It will also include activities
linking the EU effort to the international context. The aim is to achieve thematic area global consensus when
appropriate e.g. through the Intelligent Manufacturing Systems (IMS) initiative or the dialogue on dependability
issues, to further integrate the research of the Newly Associated States within the EU effort and to facilitate
co-operation with developing countries.

R e s e a r c h p r i o r i t i e s

(i) Applied IST research addressing major societal and economic challenges

The objective is to extend the scope and efficiency of IST-based solutions addressing major societal and
economic challenges, and to make them accessible in the most trusted and natural way, anywhere and
anytime to citizens, businesses and organisations.

(cid:151) Research on technologies for trust and confidence: The objective is to develop technologies for key
security challenges posed by the (cid:145)all-digital(cid:146) world and by the need to secure the rights of individuals
and communities.

focus on basic security mechanisms and their

Research will
processes, advanced cryptography, privacy enhancing technologies,
assets and technologies for dependability to support business and organisational
dynamic and mobile systems.

interoperability, dynamic security
technologies to handle digital
functions in

(cid:151) Research addressing societal challenges: The focus is on (cid:145)ambient intelligence(cid:146) for a broader inclusion of
citizens in the Information Society, for more effective health, security, mobility and environment
management and support systems, and for the preservation of cultural heritage,
integration of
multiple functionalities across these different domains will also be supported.

Research activities on (cid:145)e-inclusion(cid:146) will concentrate on systems enabling access for all, on barrier-free
technologies for full participation in the information society and on assistive systems that will restore
life for citizens with
functions or compensate for disabilities thereby enabling a higher quality of
special needs and their carers.
In the area of health, the work will focus on intelligent systems
aimed at supporting health professionals, at providing patients with personalised healthcare and
information, and at stimulating health promotion and disease prevention in the general population.
Research will also address intelligent systems to enhance the protection of people and property and for
securing and safeguarding civil infrastructures.

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In the area of mobility, research will focus on vehicle infrastructure and portable systems to provide
integrated safety, comfort and efficiency and allow for the provision of advanced logistics infomobility
and location-based services. Research in the area of environment will focus on knowledge-based
systems for natural resource management and for risk prevention and crisis management. In the
area of leisure, research will focus on intelligent and mobile systems and application for entertainment
and tourism. For cultural heritage, the effort will focus on intelligent systems for dynamic access to and
preservation of tangible and intangible cultural and scientific resources.

(cid:151) Research addressing work and business challenges: The objective is to provide businesses, individuals,
public administrations, and other organisations with the means to fully contribute to, and benefit from,
the development of a trusted knowledge-based economy, whilst at the same time improving the quality
of work and working life and support life-long continuous learning to improve work skills. Research
will also aim at a better understanding of the socio-economic drivers and impact of IST development.

Research in e-business and e-government will focus on providing European organisations, private and
public, and especially SMEs, with interoperable systems and services to enhance innovation capacities,
value creation and competitive performance in the knowledge economy and on supporting new
business ecosystems. Research in organisational knowledge management will aim at supporting organi-
sational innovation and responsiveness through elicitation, sharing, trading, and delivery of knowledge.
Work on electronic and mobile commerce will target interoperable, multimodal applications and
include anytime-anywhere trading, collaboration,
services across heterogeneous networks.
workflow, and electronic services covering the whole value-creation cycle of extended products and
services.

It will

Research into ework systems will focus on new workplace designs incorporating innovative tech-
nologies to facilitate creativity and collaboration, on increasing resource-use efficiency and on
extending work opportunities to all in local communities. Work on elearning will focus on personalised
access to, and delivery of, learning as well as on advanced learning environments at school, university
and in the workplace that take advantage of the development of ambient intelligence.

(cid:151) Complex problem-solving in science, engineering, businesses and for society: The objective is to
develop technologies for harnessing computing and storage resources which are distributed in
geographically dispersed locations, and for making them accessible, in a seamless way, for complex
problem-solving in science,
industry, business and society. Application fields include environment,
energy, health, transport, industrial engineering, finance and new media.

Research will focus on new computational models,
including computing and information GRIDs,
peer-to-peer technologies and the associated middleware to make use of large-scale highly distributed
computing and storage resources and to develop scalable, dependable and secure platforms. It will
include novel collaborative tools and programming methods supporting interoperability of applications
and new generations of simulation, visualisation and datamining tools.

(ii) Communication and computing infrastructures

The objectives are to consolidate and further develop European strengths in areas such as mobile
communications, consumer electronics and embedded software, and to improve the performance, cost-
efficiency, functionality and adaptive capabilities of communications and computing technologies.

(cid:151) Communication and network technologies: The objective is to develop the new generations of mobile
and wireless systems and networks that allow optimal service connection anywhere as well as
all-optical networks to increase network transparency and capacity, solutions to improve network
interoperation and adaptability, and technologies for personalised access to networked audio-visual
systems.

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Work on terrestrial and satellite (1) based, mobile and wireless systems and networks beyond 3G will
focus on the next generation of technologies, ensuring co-operation and seamless inter-working at
service and control planes of multiple wireless technologies over a common IP (Internet Protocol)
platform as well as novel spectral efficient protocols,
to build wireless
re-configurable IP enabled devices, systems and networks.

tools and technologies,

Research in all optical networks will focus on the management of optical wavelength channels enabling
flexibility and speed in service deployment and provisioning and solutions for fibre to the LAN.
Research on interoperable network solutions,
including end-to-end network management will
support generic services provision and interworking, and interoperation between heterogeneous
networks and platforms. It will include programmable networks to provide adaptive and real-time
allocation of network resources and enhanced service management capabilities by customers.

Research will also address the enabling technologies for personalised access to networked audio-visual
systems and applications as well as cross-media service platforms and networks, trusted digital TV
architectures and appliances able to process, encode, store, sense and display hybrid 3D multimedia
signals and objects.

(cid:151) Software technologies, services and distributed systems: The objective is to develop new software
technologies, multifunctional service-creation environments as well as tools for
the control of
complex distributed systems for the realisation of an ambient intelligence landscape and for coping
with the expected growth and spread of applications and services.

Research will focus on new technologies for software, systems and services, that address composability,
scalability, reliability and robustness as well as autonomous self-adaptation. It will address middleware
for the management, control and use of fully distributed resources. Work on multifunctional service-
creation environments and new component frameworks will aim at
the development of service
the building blocks. New
functionality,
strategies, algorithms, and tools for systematic and accurate design, prototyping and control of
complex distributed systems will be addressed e.g. with embedded controllers and ubiquitous
computing resources. Work will include cognitive techniques for generic object and event recognition.

including meta-information, semantics and taxonomy of

(iii) Components and microsystems

(cid:151) Micro, nano and opto-electronics: The objective is to reduce the cost, increase the performance and
improve reconfigurability, scalability, adaptability and self-adjusting capabilities of micro-, nano- and
opto-electronic components and systems-on-a-chip.

Research will focus on pushing the limits of CMOS process and equipment technologies and enhancing
device functionality, performance and integration of functions. It will address alternative process tech-
nologies, device types, materials and architectures to meet demands of communication and computing.
Particular emphasis will be put on RF, mixed-signal and low-power design. Work on optical, opto-
electronic, and photonic functional components, will address devices and systems for information
processing, communication, switching, storage, sensing and imaging. Research on electron-based nano-
devices, as well as on molecular electronics devices and technologies, will target those that promise
broad functionality and have integration- and mass fabrication potential.

(cid:151) Micro and nano technologies, microsystems, displays: The objective is to improve the cost-efficiency,
performance and functionality of subsystems and microsystems and to increase the level of integration
and miniaturisation allowing for improved interfacing with their surrounding and with networked
services and systems.

Research will focus on new applications and functions that take advantage of multi-disciplinary inter-
actions (electronics, mechanics, chemistry, biology, etc.) combined with the use of micro and nano-
structures and new materials. The aim is to develop innovative, cost-effective and reliable microsystems
and reconfigurable, miniaturised subsystem modules. Work will also include low cost, information-rich
and higher resolution displays as well as advanced sensors including low cost vision and bio-metric
sensors, and haptic devices. Work on nano-devices and nano-systems will address the exploitation of
basic phenomena, processes and structures that promise novel or improved sensing or actuating
functionality as well as their integration and fabrication.

(1) The activity on satellite communications is done in coordination with the activities in priority 4 (cid:145)aeronautics and space(cid:146).

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(iv) Knowledge and interface technologies

The objective is to improve usability of IST applications and services and access to the knowledge they
embody in order to encourage their wider adoption and faster deployment.

(cid:151) Knowledge technologies and digital content: The objective is to provide automated solutions for
creating and organising virtual knowledge spaces (e.g. collective memories) so as to stimulate
radically new content and media services and applications.

Work will focus on technologies to support the process of acquiring and modelling, representing and
interpreting and sharing knowledge. These functions will be integrated in new
visualising,
semantic-based and context-aware systems including cognitive and agent-based tools. Work will
address extensible knowledge resources and ontologies so as to facilitate service interoperability and
enable next-generation semantic-web applications. Research will also address technologies to support
the design, creation, management and publishing of multimedia content, across fixed and mobile
networks and devices, with the ability to self-adapt to user expectations. The aim is to stimulate the
creation of rich interactive content for personalised broadcasting and advanced trusted media and
entertainment applications.

(cid:151) Intelligent

interfaces and surfaces: The objective is to provide more effective ways of accessing
ubiquitous information and easier and natural interaction modes with intelligence that surrounds us.

Research will focus on interfaces and interactive surfaces that are natural, adaptive and multi-sensorial,
for an ambient landscape that is aware of our presence, personality and needs, and which is capable of
responding intelligently to speech or gesture. The aim is to hide the complexity of technology by
supporting a seamless human interaction with devices, virtual and physical objects and the knowledge
embedded in everyday environments.

Work will also address technologies for multilingual and multicultural access and communication that
interactive information-rich services meeting the
support
personal, professional and business requirements of all members of
linguistically and culturally
diverse communities.

timely and cost effective provisions of

1.1.3.

Nanotechnologies, intelligent materials and new production processes

The twofold transition toward a knowledge-based society and of sustainable development demands new
paradigms of production and new concepts of product-services. European production industry as a whole
needs to move from resource-based towards knowledge-based approaches, from quantity to quality, from mass
produced single-use products to manufactured-on-demand multi-use, upgradable product-services;
from
(cid:145)material and tangible(cid:146) to (cid:145)intangible(cid:146) value-added products, processes and services.

These changes are associated with radical shifts in industrial structures,
involving a stronger presence of
innovative enterprises, with capabilities in networks and mastering new hybrid technologies combining nano-
technologies, material sciences, engineering, information technologies, bio and environmental sciences. Such an
evolution implies a strong collaboration across traditional scientific frontiers. Leading edge industrial devel-
opments involve also a strong synergy between technology and organisation, the performance of both being
highly dependent on new skills.

Successful technological solutions have to be sought more and more upstream in the design and production
processes; new materials and nanotechnologies have a crucial role to play in this respect, as drivers of
innovation. This requires changes of emphasis in Community research activities from short to longer term
and in innovation which must move from incremental to breakthrough strategies. Community research will
benefit greatly from an international dimension.

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R e s e a r c h p r i o r i t i e s

(i) Nanotechnologies

Nanotechnologies represent a new approach to materials science and engineering. Europe enjoys a strong
position in the nanosciences, that needs to be translated into a real competitive advantage for European
industry. The objective is twofold: to promote the creation of an RTD-intensive European nanotechnology
related industry, and to promote the uptake of nanotechnologies in existing industrial sectors. Research
may be long-term and high risk, but will be oriented towards industrial application. An active policy of
encouraging industrial companies and SMEs, including start-ups, will be pursued, amongst others through
the promotion of strong industry/research interactions in consortia undertaking projects with substantial
critical mass.

(cid:151) Long-term interdisciplinary research into understanding phenomena, harnessing processes and
developing research tools: The objectives are to expand the generic underlying knowledge base of
application oriented nano-science and nanotechnology, and to develop leading edge research tools
and techniques.

Research will focus on: molecular and mesoscopic scale phenomena: self-assembling materials and
structures; molecular and bio-molecular mechanisms and engines; multi-disciplinary and new
approaches to integrate developments in inorganic, organic and biological materials and processes.

(cid:151) Nanobiotechnologies: The objective is to support research into the integration of biological and
non-biological entities, opening new horizons in many applications, such as for processing and for
medical and environmental analysis systems.

Research will focus on: lab-on-chip, interfaces to biological entities, surface modified nano-particles,
advanced drug delivery and other areas of integrating nano-systems or nanoelectronics with biological
entities; processing, manipulation and detection of biological molecules or complexes, electronic
detection of biological entities, micro-fluidics, promotion and control of growth of cells on substrates.

(cid:151) Nanometre-scale engineering techniques to create materials and components: The objective is to
develop novel functional and structural materials of superior performance, by controlling their nano-
structure. This will include technologies for their production and processing.

Research will
materials, and nano-structured functional materials.

focus on: nano-structured alloys and composites, advanced functional polymeric

(cid:151) Development of handling and control devices and instruments: The objective is to develop a new
generation of instrumentation for analysis and manufacture at the nano-scale. A guiding target will be a
feature size or resolution of the order of 10 nm.

Research will focus on: a variety of advanced techniques for nano-scale manufacture (lithography or
microscopy based techniques); breakthrough technologies, methodologies or instruments exploiting the
self-assembling properties of matter and developing nano-scale machines.

(cid:151) Applications in areas such as health, chemistry, energy, optics and the environment: The objective is to
foster the potential of nanotechnologies in breakthrough applications through the integration of
research developments in materials and technological devices in an industrial context.

Research will focus on: computational modelling, advanced production technologies; development of
innovative materials with improved characteristics.

(ii) Intelligent materials

New, high knowledge-content materials, providing new functionalities and improved performance, will be
critical drivers of innovation in technologies, devices and systems, benefiting sustainable development and
competitiveness in sectors such as transport, energy, medicine, electronics, and construction. To assure
Europe’s strong positions in emerging technology markets, which are expected to grow by one or two
orders of magnitude within the next decade, the various actors need to be mobilised through leading edge
RTD partnerships, including high-risk research and through integration between research on materials and
industrial applications.

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(cid:151) Development of fundamental knowledge: The objective is to understand complex physico-chemical and
biological phenomena relevant to the mastering and processing of intelligent materials with the help of
experimental,
theoretical and modelling tools. This will provide the basis for synthesising larger
complex or self-assembling structures with defined physical, chemical or biological characteristics.

Research will focus on: long-term, trans-disciplinary and high industrial risk activities to design and
develop new structures with defined characteristics; development of supra-molecular and macromol-
ecular engineering, focusing on the synthesis, exploitation and potential use of novel highly complex
molecules and their compounds.

(cid:151) Technologies associated with the production and transformation of new materials: The objective is the
sustainable production of new (cid:145)smart(cid:146) materials with tailor-made functionalities and for building up
macro-structures. These novel materials, serving multisectorial applications should incorporate in-built
characteristics to be exploited under predetermined circumstances as well as enhanced bulk properties
or barrier and surface characteristics for higher performance.

Research will focus on: new materials; engineered and self-repairing materials; crosscutting technologies
including surface science and engineering.

(cid:151) Engineering support for materials development: The objective is to bridge the gap from (cid:145)knowledge
production(cid:146) to (cid:145)knowledge use(cid:146), thus overcoming the EU industry’s weaknesses in the integration of
materials and manufacturing. This will be achieved by the development of new tools enabling the
production of new materials in a context of sustainable competitiveness.

focus on:

Research will
mechanical testing, validation and up-scaling;
bio-compatibility and eco-efficiency.

inherent aspects of optimising materials design, processing and tools;
life-cycle approaches, obsolescence,

incorporation of

(iii) New production processes

New production concepts which are more flexible, integrated, safe and clean will depend on breakthrough
organisational and technological developments supporting new products, processes and services, and at the
same time decreasing (internal and external) costs. The objective is to provide the industrial systems of the
future with the necessary tools for efficient life-cycle design, production, use and recovery as well as
appropriate organisational models and improved knowledge management.

(cid:151) Development of flexible and intelligent manufacturing systems. The objective is to encourage industry’s
transition towards more knowledge-based production and systems organisation and to considering
production from a more holistic perspective, encompassing not only hardware and software, but
also people and the way in which they learn and share knowledge.

Research will focus on:
innovative, reliable, smart and cost-effective manufacturing processes and
systems and their incorporation into the factory of the future: integrating hybrid technologies based
on new materials and their processing, micro-systems and automation, high-precision production
equipment, as well as integration of ICT, sensing and control technologies.

(cid:151) Systems research and hazard control. The objective is to contribute to an improved sustainability of
industrial systems and a substantial and measurable reduction in environmental and health impact,
through new industrial approaches as well as enhancement of resource efficiency and resource
consumption.

Research will focus on: development of new devices and systems for clean, safe and less carbon-
intensive production; enhancing company responsibility on products, resource consumption and
industrial waste management; studying (cid:145)production-use-consumption(cid:146)
interactions as well as socio-
economic implications.

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(cid:151) Optimising the life-cycle of industrial systems, products and services. Products and production should
become increasingly life-cycle and service oriented,
in addition to the requirements of intelligence,
cost-effectiveness, safety and cleanliness. The key challenge is therefore new industrial concepts based
on life-cycle approaches, which must allow new products, organisational innovation and the efficient
management of information and its transformation into useable knowledge within the value chain.

focus on:

Research will
innovative product-services systems, that optimise the (cid:145)design-production-
service-end-of-life(cid:146) value chain through the development and use of hybrid technologies and new
organisational structures.

1.1.4.

Aeronautics and space

Over the last decades, Europe’s outstanding technological and industrial capabilities in aeronautics and the
exploitation of space have made many and various contributions to the standard of living of its citizens and
the development and growth of its economies, as well as to those outside Europe. The economic benefits they
bring can be seen in highly skilled employment and the balance of trade surplus, and they can have a strong
leverage effect in upgrading the competitiveness of other related economic sectors.

Although aeronautics and space are distinct domains, they share common features, being extremely R & D
intensive, with long development lead-times and very large investment requirements. Fierce competition,
strategic significance, and increasingly severe environmental constraints combine to make it necessary to
strive continually towards higher levels of technological excellence by consolidating and concentrating RTD
efforts in Europe, with the ultimate aim of better serving society.

Aeronautics research will be planned against a Strategic Research Agenda (SRA) agreed by all stakeholders at
European level in the context of the new Advisory Council for Aeronautics Research in Europe, which will also
be the planning base for national programmes. The result will be a greater level of complementarity and
co-operation between the national and Community efforts in the field. The European Strategy for Space will
serve as a reference in planning space research, with the objective of gathering key players on projects of
common interest and close liaison will be ensured with RTD activities carried out by other actors, such as
space agencies, Eurocontrol and industry. Furthermore, the application of relevant Treaty articles will be
explored to support, as appropriate, these initiatives.

R e s e a r c h p r i o r i t i e s

(i) Aeronautics

In their report (cid:145)Vision 2020(cid:146), leaders of the sector in Europe have highlighted the need to optimise the
Community and national research efforts around a common vision and a strategic research agenda.
Consistent with this, research will concentrate on the following 4 main strands. The scope of
the
research action will be medium and large sized commercial aircraft
including their systems and
components, as well as the on-board and ground-based elements of air-traffic management systems.

(cid:151) Strengthening competitiveness. The objective is to enable the 3 sectors of the manufacturing industry:
airframe, engines and equipment, to increase their competitiveness, by reducing, in the short and long
term, respectively, aircraft development costs by 20 % and 50 %, and aircraft direct operating cost by
20 % and 50 %, and improving passenger comfort.

Research will focus on: integrated design systems and processes for the realisation of the extended
multi-site enterprise concept, as well as for more intelligent production technologies; new aircraft
configurations, advanced aerodynamics, materials and structures, engine technologies; mechanical,
electrical and hydraulic systems;
improved cabin-environmental conditions and utilisation of
multimedia services to improve passenger comfort.

(cid:151) Improving environmental impact with regard to engine emissions and noise. Concerning emissions, the
objectives are to meet Kyoto goals and to compensate for the increase in future air traffic, by reducing
CO2 by 50 % in the long term and NOx by 20 % and 80 %, in the short and long term, respectively.
Concerning noise, to limit the noise nuisance outside the airport boundary, the target is to reduce
noise levels by 4-5 dB in the short term, and 10 dB in the long term.

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Work will focus on low-emission combustion and propulsion concepts, engine technologies and related
control systems, low-drag aerodynamic concepts, low-weight airframe structures and high temperature
materials, as well as improved flight operational procedures; engine and power-plant technologies,
aeroacoustics for airframe noise reduction, advanced noise-control systems as well as novel flight
operational procedures in the vicinity of airports.

(cid:151) Improving aircraft safety. The objective is to obtain a two-fold reduction in accident rates in the
short-term, and a five-fold reduction the long term, in order to compensate for the growth in air
transport movements.

Concerning preventive safety, research will focus on: investigation of systemic safety models, improve
fault-tolerant systems and human-centred cockpit design enabling a controllable situation awareness for
the crew. Research on accident mitigation will focus on improved materials and structures as well as
advanced safety systems.

(cid:151) Increasing operational capacity and safety of the air transport system. The objective is to optimise
airspace and airport utilisation, and consequently reduce flight delays, through a seamlessly integrated
European air traffic management system, which would facilitate the achievement of
the (cid:145)Single
European-Sky(cid:146) initiative.

Research will
focus on on-board and ground automation aids, communication, navigation and
surveillance systems as well as flight operation procedures that will enable the introduction of new
concepts including the free-flight concept in the future European ATM system.

(ii) Space

The aim is to contribute to the implementation of the European Strategy for Space, notably by targeting
and focusing efforts with ESA and Member States on a small number of joint actions of common interest.
Emphasis will be put on activities complementing those of space agencies (integration of terrestrial and
space systems/services and demonstration of end-to-end services). This will include the following areas of
activity:

(cid:151) Galileo: the European satellite navigation system Galileo, developed by the Joint Undertaking in close
co-operation with the European Space Agency, will be fully operational by 2008. The use of the
services provided by this infrastructure will span over wide ranges of activities of European society.
The availability of precise navigation and timing services will have profound impacts in many domains.

It is important to build the necessary expertise and knowledge in Europe in order to exploit this
emerging technology in the most efficient way.

Research will focus on: development of multisectorial concepts, systems and tools, which will rely on
precise navigation and timing service provision; spreading of high level, coherent and seamless quality
services in all environments (cities, indoors and outdoors, land, sea, air, etc.), in synergy with other
service provision (telecommunication, surveillance, observation, etc.).

(cid:151) GMES: the objective is to stimulate the development of markets for satellite-based information services,

by development of technologies to bridge the gap between supply and demand.

Research will focus on: sensors, data, and information models, developed in Europe or elsewhere, as
well as developing prototypes of operational services responding to specific types of demand (for
example global environment, land-use, desertification, disaster management). Research, including on
data acquisition, assembly and qualification of models combining spatial and terrestrial data in an
integrated operational information system, would use existing satellite data, for example provided by
Envisat, future EarthWatch projects and other systems.

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(cid:151) Satellite telecommunications: Satellite communications should be integrated with the wider area of

telecommunications systems, notably terrestrial systems (1).

1.1.5.

Food safety and health risks

This priority area is aimed at assuring the health and well-being of European citizens through a better
understanding of the influence of food intake and environmental factors on human health and to provide
them with safer and health-promoting foods, including seafoods, relying on fully controlled and integrated
production systems originating in agriculture and fisheries. By re-addressing the classical approach (cid:145)from farm
to fork(cid:146), this thematic priority area aims at ensuring that consumer protection is the main driver for
developing new and safer food and feed production chains, i.e. (cid:145)from fork to farm(cid:146).

This end-user driven approach is reflected in the seven specific research objectives. Priority will be given to
integrated research approaches crossing several specific objectives.

R e s e a r c h p r i o r i t i e s

(cid:151) Epidemiology of food-related diseases and genetic susceptibilities: The objective is to examine the complex
interactions between food intake and metabolism, immune system, genetic background and environmental
factors to identify key risk factors and develop common European databases.

Research will focus on: epidemiological studies of the effect of diet, food composition and lifestyle factors,
on health, and the prevention or development of specific diseases, allergies and disorders; methodologies
for measuring and analysing food composition and dietary intake, risk assessment, epidemiological and
intervention models; influences of genetic variability using advances in functional genomics.

(cid:151) Impact of food, and in particular products containing genetically modified organisms, on health: The
objective is to provide the scientific basis for improving health through diet, and the development of
new health-promoting foods, by means of an improved understanding of
food metabolism and by
harnessing the opportunities now available from proteomics and biotechnology.

Research will focus on: overall relationship between diet and health, food components, effects of pathogens,
chemical contaminants and new agents of prion type on body function; disease prevention; nutrient
requirements and health promoting intervention strategies; determinants of consumer attitudes towards
food products and production; health promoting properties of
foods; methodologies for risk/benefit
assessment of nutrients and of bioactive compounds; specificities of different age groups, particularly
older consumers.

(cid:151) (cid:145)Traceability(cid:146) processes, in particular relating to genetically modified organisms, including systems based on
recent biotechnology developments: The objective is to strengthen the scientific and technological basis for
ensuring complete traceability from raw material origin to purchased food products, and thereby increase
consumer confidence in the food supply.

Research will focus on: development, validation and harmonisation of technologies and methodologies to
ensure complete traceability throughout
implementation and validation of
methods in whole food chains; assurance of authenticity; validity of labelling and new HACCP criteria.

the food chain; scale-up,

(cid:151) Methods of analysis and detection of chemical contaminants and pathogenic micro-organisms (viruses,
bacteria, parasites, and new agents of the prion type): The objective is to contribute to the development,
improvement, validation and harmonisation of reliable and cost-effective sampling and measurement
strategies for controlling the safety of the food and feed supply and ensuring accurate data for risk analysis.

(1) Considering the tight links between communications satellites and terrestrial technologies, the related work is presented in the context

of the relevant actions of the (cid:145)Information society technologies(cid:146) thematic priority area.

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Research will focus on: methods and standards for analysing and detecting food-borne pathogens and
chemical contaminants, including pre-normative aspects; modelling and approaches to improve existing
prevention and measurement control strategies; detection tests and geographical mapping of prions;
material transfer of prions and environmental influences.

(cid:151) Safer production methods and healthier foodstuffs,

including those based on biotechnologies, and on
organic farming processes: The objective is to develop lower input farming systems and improved trans-
formation processes aimed at producing safer and health-promoting food and feed, and improving the
quality of food and feed through innovative technologies.

Research will focus on:
individual and comparative assessment of safety, quality and competitiveness
aspects of conventional, organic, and GMO-based production, processing and foodstuffs, and their
improvement through better animal welfare, husbandry and waste-management; modified production
methods and innovative technologies.

(cid:151) Impact of animal feed, and the use of sub-products of different origins for that feed, on human health: The
objective is to improve understanding of the role of animal feed in food safety, to reduce the use of
undesirable raw materials and to develop alternative new animal feed sources.

Research will focus on: epidemiological studies of animal-feed induced food-borne diseases; influence of
raw materials, including waste and by-products of different origins, processing methods, additives and
veterinary drugs used in animal feed on animal and human health; improved waste management, to ensure
exclusion of specified high-risk and condemned materials from the feed chain; novel protein, fat and energy
sources other than meat and bone meal for optimal animal growth, reproductive potential and food
product quality.

(cid:151) Environmental health risks: The objectives are to identify the environmental factors, that are detrimental to
health, understand the mechanisms involved and determine how to prevent or minimise these effects and
risks.

low dose and combined exposures;

Research will focus on: identification of causal agents including contaminants, and physiological mech-
anisms, of environment-linked health impacts; understanding of exposure pathways, estimation of cumu-
long-term effects; definition and protection of susceptible
lative,
impact of
sub-groups; environmental causes and mechanisms responsible for the increase in allergies;
endocrine disrupters; chronic chemical pollution and combined environmental exposures, transmission
of illnesses linked to water (parasites, viruses, bacteria, etc.).

1.1.6.

Sustainable development and global change

The Treaty confirms sustainable development as a central objective of the European Community. Climate
change, energy security, sustainable transport, protection of nature, and their interaction with human activities
motivate this research action. The activities carried out within this priority area aim to strengthen the scientific
and technological capacities needed for Europe to be able to implement a sustainable development model and
make a significant contribution to the international efforts to understand and control global change and
preserve the equilibrium of ecosystems.

1.1.6.1. T e c h n o l o g i e s f o r s u s t a i n a b l e d e v e l o p m e n t

Strategic objectives address the reduction of greenhouse gases and pollutant emissions, the security of energy
supply, the balanced use of the various transport modes, as well as to achieve an enhanced competitiveness of
European industry. Achieving these objectives in the short term requires a large-scale research effort to
encourage the deployment of technologies already under development and to help promote changes in
energy consumption behaviour and transport demand patterns. The longer term implementation of sustainable
development requires an equally strong RTD effort to assure the economically attractive availability, and
overcome the potential barrier to adoption, of renewable energy sources, hydrogen and fuel cells that are
intrinsically clean.

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R e s e a r c h p r i o r i t i e s

(i) Research activities having an impact in the short and medium term

Community RTD activity is one of the main instruments which can serve to change significantly current
unsustainable patterns of development, characterised by growing dependence on imported fossil fuels,
continually rising energy demand,
the transport system, and growing CO2
emissions, by offering new technological solutions which could positively influence consumer/user
behaviour in the short and medium term. Proposed technological solutions are expected to emerge
from, and to be demonstrated in, consumer/user pilot-environments, addressing technical but also organi-
sational, institutional, financial and social issues.

increasing congestion of

(cid:151) Renewable energy sources, more efficient and clean use of energy, especially in urban areas, new
concepts of energy efficient and cleaner transport: the objective is to develop energy efficient tech-
nologies that reduce demand for fossil fuels by stimulating energy efficient behaviour in disparate user
communities and bring about energy savings of 12 % by 2010, as well as to tilt the energy balance
towards more sustainable energy systems, which combine heat and power as well as new and
renewable sources, and thereby increase the share of renewable energy systems from 6 % to 12 %
by 2010.

Research will focus on: increased cost efficiency and reliability of the main new and renewable sources,
and their combination with conventional large-scale and distributed generation; efficiency in building,
district heating systems and CHP; demand side action for reducing gas and electricity consumption;
new forms of clean urban transport; rationalisation of the use of the private vehicle; integration of new
concepts for energy efficient vehicles and new/alternative fuels.

(cid:151) Sustainable transport: The Common Transport Policy forecasts a transport demand growth by 2010 in
the European Union of 38 % for freight and 24 % for passenger transport (base-year 1998). The already
congested transport networks will have to absorb the additional traffic, and the trend suggests that the
proportion absorbed by the less sustainable modes is likely to grow. The objective is consequently both
to fight against congestion and to decelerate or even reverse this unsustainable trend by rebalancing
transport modes. Short and medium term actions will develop and integrate new concepts and tech-
nologies into the transport system.

Research will focus on: safer and more environmentally friendly transport, in particular for the road
integration of intelligent transport systems for the efficient management of
and maritime sectors;
infrastructure; enabling railway interoperability; development of
intermodality for passengers and
freight, in particular through better management of the logistic chain and standardisation of loading
units.

(ii) Research activities having an impact in the longer term

In the longer term the objective is to develop renewable energy sources, hydrogen technologies and fuel
cells which are intrinsically clean and which can be well integrated in a sustainable energy supply mix both
for stationary and for transport applications. This to bring about further reduction in greenhouse gas
emissions beyond the Kyoto deadline of 2010. The future large-scale development of these technologies will
depend on significant improvement in their cost and other aspects of competitiveness against conventional
energy sources.

(cid:151) Fuel cells: these represent an emerging technology which is expected, in the longer term, to replace a
large part of the current combustion systems in industry, buildings and road transport, as they have a
higher efficiency, lower pollution levels and a potential for lower cost. The long term cost target is
50 euro/kW for road transport and 300 euro/kW for high-durability stationary applications and fuel
cell/electrolysers.

Research will
focus on: cost reduction in fuel cell production and in applications for buildings,
transport and de-centralised electricity production; advanced materials related to low and high
temperature fuel cells for the above applications.

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(cid:151) Hydrogen: the objective to establish hydrogen as an energy carrier is key in a future sustainable energy
economy. The long term aim is to achieve an energy cost which is equivalent to that of conventional
fuels without tax.

Research will focus on: clean cost-effective production of hydrogen from fossil fuels (including CO2
capture and underground storage); cost-effective hydrogen production by electrolysis from renewable
and nuclear energy; hydrogen infrastructure including transport, distribution, storage and utilisation.

(cid:151) Solar photovoltaic technologies and biomass: photovoltaics have, in the long term, the potential to
make a large contribution to the world and EU energy supply. The objective is to overcome the major
bottleneck of high investment costs, which should be reduced by a factor of 4. The overall objective for
biomass is to make bioenergy competitive with conventional fuels.

Research will focus on: (photovoltaics) the whole production chain from basic material to the PV
system, as well as integration of PV in habitat and large-scale MW-size PV systems for production
of electricity; (biomass) barriers in the biomass supply-use chain in the following areas: combustion
technologies, gasification technologies for electricity and H2/syngas production and biofuels for
transport.

1.1.6.2. G l o b a l c h a n g e

types of greenhouse gases,

the Earth system (i.e. atmosphere, oceans and land)

Global change encompasses the complex dynamic changes over different time-scales in the physical, chemical
and biological components of
in particular those
influenced by human activities. The objective of this priority area is to strengthen the capacity to understand,
detect and predict global change and develop strategies for prevention, mitigation and adaptation, in particular
international research
in relation to all
programmes and in the context of relevant conventions such as the Kyoto Protocol. Such an objective will
be best achieved through activities aiming at the development of common and integrated approaches necessary
to implement sustainable development, taking into account its environmental, economic and social aspects, as
well as the impact of global change on all countries and regions of the world. It will foster the convergence of
European and national research efforts for a consensual definition of the scientific thresholds of sustainability
and estimation methods, and encourage international co-operation in order to achieve common strategies to
respond to global change issues.

in close liaison with the relevant

R e s e a r c h p r i o r i t i e s

(cid:151) Impact and mechanisms of greenhouse gas emissions on climate and carbon sinks (oceans, forests and soil):
the objective is to detect and describe global change processes, improve prediction of their global and
regional impacts, evaluate mitigation options and improve the access of European researchers to facilities
and platforms for global change research.

Research will focus on: understanding and quantification of changes in the carbon and nitrogen cycles and
the role of sources of all greenhouse gases, and sinks in the terrestrial and ocean biosphere; influence of
and effects on climate dynamics and variability, ocean and atmospheric chemistry, and their interactions;
understanding and prediction of global climatic change; associated phenomena (e.g. El Niæo, stratospheric
ozone depletion, changes in sea level and ocean circulation); and impacts.

(cid:151) Water cycle: the objective is to assess the impact of global change and in particular climate change on the
water cycle, water quality and availability, to provide the bases for management tools to mitigate the
impacts.

Research will focus on: impact of climate change on hydrological variables, groundwater/surface water
distribution, freshwater and wetland ecosystems and water quality; the driving role of oceans in the global
water cycle; management strategies and their impacts; scenarios of water demand and availability.

(cid:151) Biodiversity, protection of genetic resources, functioning of terrestrial and marine ecosystems and inter-
actions between human activities and the latter: the objectives are to develop a better understanding of
marine and terrestrial biodiversity and of ecosystem functioning, understand and minimise the impacts of
human activities on them and ensure sustainability of natural resources.

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Research will focus on: assessing and forecasting changes in biodiversity, structure, function and dynamics
of ecosystems and their services; relationships between society, economy, biodiversity and habitats; inte-
grated assessment of drivers affecting biodiversity and mitigation of biodiversity loss; risk assessment,
management, conservation and rehabilitation options.

(cid:151) Mechanisms of desertification and natural disasters connected with climate change: the objective is to
elucidate the links between climatic change and the mechanisms of desertification and natural disasters,
so as to improve risk and impact assessment and forecasting, decision support methodologies, and
strategies for sustainable land and coastal management.

Research will focus on: large scale integrated assessment of land/soil degradation and desertification in
Europe and related prevention and mitigation strategies; long-term forecasting of hydro-geological hazards
associated with global climate change; natural hazard monitoring, mapping and management strategies;
improved disaster preparedness and mitigation.

(cid:151) Global climate change observing systems: the objective is to make systematic observations of climate
parameters so as to strengthen climate change research, consolidate long-term observations for the
modelling and forecasting of the marine, terrestrial and atmospheric environment, establish common
European data bases and contribute to international programmes.

Research will focus on: observations of basic marine, terrestrial and atmospheric parameters necessary for
global climate change research and management strategies, and of extreme events; large observing/moni-
toring/ surveying/modelling networks (taking into account the developments of GMES and providing the
European dimension to G3OS).

1.1.7.

Citizens and governance in the European knowledge-based society

The Lisbon European Council recognised that the transition towards a European knowledge-based society will
affect every aspect of people’s lives. The overall objective is to provide a sound knowledge base for the
management of this transition, which will be conditioned by national, regional and local policies, programmes
and actions, as well as informed decision-making by individual citizens, families and other societal units.

Given the complexity, breadth and interdependence of these challenges and the issues involved, the research
approach adopted must be based on greatly enhanced research integration, multi and transdisciplinary coop-
eration, and on the mobilisation of the social sciences and humanities research communities in Europe in
addressing them. Activities will also facilitate the identification of medium- to long-term societal challenges
arising from research in social sciences and humanities and will ensure the active participation of key societal
stakeholders and the targeted dissemination of the work carried out. In order to support the development of
comparative transnational and interdisciplinary research, while at the same time preserving the diversity of
research methodologies throughout Europe,
the collection and analysis of better and more genuinely
comparable data and the coordinated development of statistics and qualitative and quantitative indicators in
particular in the context of the emerging knowledge society at the European level is essential.

Appropriate coordination of socio-economic research and foresight elements across all the priorities of this
programme will be assured.

R e s e a r c h p r i o r i t i e s

(i) Knowledge-based European society

The building of a European knowledge society is a clear political objective for the European Community.
The research aims to provide the basis of understanding needed to ensure this takes place in a manner
which accords with specific European conditions and aspirations.

(cid:151) Improving the generation, distribution and use of knowledge and its impact on economic and social
development. The objective is to improve significantly understanding of the characteristics of knowledge
and its functioning as a public and private good, and to provide the bases for policy formulation and
decision-making.

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Research will focus on: characteristics of knowledge and its functioning in relation to the economy,
society and innovation; and the transformation of economic and social institutions; the dynamics of
knowledge production, distribution and use, role of knowledge codification and impact of ICTs; the
importance of territorial structures and social networks in these processes.

(cid:151) Options and choices for the development of a knowledge-based society serving the EU objectives set at
the Lisbon summit. The objective is to develop an integrated understanding of how a knowledge-based
society can promote the societal objectives of sustainable development, social and territorial cohesion
and improved quality of life, with due consideration to the variety of social models in Europe.

Research will focus on: features of a knowledge-based society in line with European social models and
the need to improve the quality of life; social and territorial cohesion, gender and intergenerational
relations and social networks; implications of changes to work and employment; access to education
and training, and life-long learning.

(cid:151) The variety of paths towards a knowledge society. The objective is to provide comparative perspectives
across Europe and thus provide an improved basis for the formulation and implementation of transition
strategies towards a knowledge society at the national and regional levels.

Research will focus on: globalisation in relation to pressures for convergence; the implications for
regional variation; challenges to European societies from a diversity of cultures and increased sources
of knowledge; the role of the media in this context.

(ii) Citizens, democracy and new forms of governance

The work will identify the main factors influencing changes in governance and citizenship, as well as the
impacts of these changes and the possible options to enhance democratic governance, resolve conflicts,
protect human rights and take account of cultural diversity and multiple identities.

(cid:151) The implications of European integration and enlargement for governance and the citizen: The objective
is to clarify the key interactions between European integration and enlargement, and issues of
democracy, institutional arrangements and citizens’ well-being.

Research will focus on: relationships between integration, enlargement and institutional change within a
historical and comparative perspective; the implications of a changing global context and the role of
Europe; the consequences of an enlarged European Union for the well-being of its citizens.

(cid:151) Articulation of areas of responsibility and new forms of governance: The objective are to support the
legitimate, and sufficiently
development of forms of multi-level governance which are accountable,
robust and flexible to address societal change including integration and enlargement, and to assure
the effectiveness and legitimacy of policy-making.

Research will focus on: the articulation of responsibilities between various territorial levels and between
public and private sectors; democratic governance, representative institutions and roles of civil society
organisations; privatisation,
the public interest, new regulatory approaches, corporate governance;
implications for legal systems.

(cid:151) Security issues connected with the resolution of conflicts and restoration of peace and justice: the
objectives are to support the development of institutional and social capacity in the field of conflict
resolution, identify factors leading to success or failure in preventing conflict, and develop improved
options for conflict mediation.

Research will focus on: early identification of factors leading to conflict within and between countries;
comparative analysis of procedures for prevention and mediation of conflicts and achievement of justice
in different fields; Europe’s role in regional and international arenas in these respects.

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(cid:151) New forms of citizenship and identities: The objectives are to promote citizens’

involvement and
participation in European policy-making, as well as to understand perceptions and impacts of
European citizenship and human rights provisions, and factors that allow mobility and coexistence
of multiple identities.

Research will focus on: relations between new forms of citizenship including rights of non-citizens;
tolerance, human rights, racism and xenophobia; the role of the media in the development of a
European public sphere; evolution of citizenship and identities in a context of cultural and other
diversities and increasing population flows;
the development of a European
knowledge-based society.

implications

for

1.2.

Anticipating the EU’s scientific and technological needs

Activities under this heading will have the following overall objectives:

(cid:151) To provide support for policy in areas of high interest to the EU, and where specific research, or research

complementing that carried out under the priority thematic areas, is needed.

(cid:151) To explore new and emerging scientific and technological problems and opportunities,

including in
particular interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research areas, where European action is appropriate in
view of the potential to develop strategic positions at the leading edge of knowledge and in new markets,
or to anticipate major issues facing European society.

A common feature of these activities is that they will be implemented within a multi-annual perspective which
takes direct account of the needs and viewpoints of the main associated actors (policymakers, industrial user
groups, leading edge research groups, etc.).

The Joint Research Centre will contribute under its own programme to the aims of this part of the specific
programme in accordance with its mission to support the development of EU policies.

(i) Policy-orientated research and leading edge topics

These activities cover two categories of research:

(cid:151) Research needed for

the application of
Community policies, bearing on the interests of possible future members of the Union as well as
the existing Member States, which may be described in the following non-exclusive terms:

implementation and monitoring of

the formulation,

(cid:151) research in support of

the implementation of common policies,

including research for the

common agricultural policy, and the common fisheries policy;

(cid:151) research in support of Community policy objectives,

in the 6th
Environment Action Programme (1) and the Green Paper (cid:145)Towards a European strategy for the
security of energy supply(cid:146); (2) and the objectives of the Community transport policy;

including those set out

(cid:151) research in support of important objectives of the Community, such as those set by the European
Commission for the five years of its mandate and those derived from the political orientations
given by the European Council, for example in the Lisbon strategy, with regard to economic
the information society and e-Europe, enterprise, social policy and
policy,
including the requisite statistical methods and tools;
employment, and education and culture,

in the fields of

(cid:151) research needed for other Community policies, including in such fields as health, and in particular
public health, regional development, trade, external relations and development aid, and justice and
internal affairs.

(1) COM(2001) 31.
(2) COM(2000) 769.

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(cid:151) Research in response to needs in new interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary areas or areas at the
in order to help European research cope with major specific and

leading edge of knowledge,
unforeseen developments, including in areas linked to the priority fields.

The activities will be carried out on the basis of a multiannual programming for each policy area and each
leading-edge topic identified as a priority. Multi-annual programming will be established from the outset
for those research needs that can already be anticipated, complemented through annual evaluation
procedures, in particular for those needs (relevant to either category of research) that cannot be anticipated
yet.

(cid:151) For activities in support of Community policies, the evaluation will be conducted by a user group
composed of different Commission Services, supported by the opinions of scientific committees in the
relevant areas and of an independent consultation structure composed of high-level scientific and
industrial experts. It will also be supported for the identification of needs by wide-ranging consulting
of interested circles in the EU and the countries associated with the framework programme.

(cid:151) The evaluation conducted by the user group will be based on the contribution of the research themes
proposed to policy formulation and development (e.g. links with legislative proposals in preparation
or with major deadlines in the area), as well as on the general criteria indicated below;

(cid:151) For activities on leading-edge topics, the evaluation will be conducted with the support of an inde-

pendent consultation structure composed of high-level scientific and industrial experts.

(cid:151) For both types of activities, evaluation will be based on the following criteria:

(cid:151) the potential contribution of the research themes proposed for the EU’s competitiveness, the
strengthening of its scientific and technological bases and the achievement of the European
Research Area;

(cid:151) the scientific relevance and feasibility of the research themes and approaches proposed.

The programming may be altered by means of an emergency procedure based on the same evaluation
criteria in the event of a crisis giving rise to urgent and unforeseen research needs.

The activities programmed will be carried out by means of calls for proposals. They will essentially take
the form of:

(cid:151) Targeted specific projects generally of a limited scale, carried out by means of partnerships of a size

adapted to the needs to be covered.

(cid:151) The networking of research activities carried out at national

level where achieving the objectives

pursued requires mobilising capacities existing in the Member States.

In certain duly justified cases, where the objectives pursued can be better attained in this way, limited use
may be made of the instruments used in the priority thematic areas.

The proposals will be selected by the Commission following evaluation by independent experts.

(ii) Specific research activities for SMEs

O b j e c t i v e s

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a crucial role in European competitiveness and
job-creation, not only because they represent the overwhelming majority of enterprises in Europe, but
also because they are the source of dynamism and change in new markets, particularly those at the leading
edge of
they are all confronted by increased
competition resulting from the completion of the European internal market and the need to innovate
constantly and accommodate advances in technology. Besides this, an increasing number of SMEs both
need and want to internationalise in search of new markets and business opportunities.

technology. Although a heterogeneous community,

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SMEs will participate, for the most part, in the activities implemented under the priority thematic areas of
research within networks of excellence and integrated projects. In addition, specific schemes for SMEs in
the form of actions on collective and cooperative research will be set up. These will be addressing
primarily the large community of SMEs with a capacity to innovate but with limited research capability.
However, the co-operative research scheme will be extended to provide support for new, high-tech SMEs
through arrangements catering specifically for their needs.

Overall, at least 15 % of the budget relating to the (cid:145)integrating research(cid:146) part of this programme will be
allocated to SMEs.

Collective research

industrial
Collective research is a form of research undertaken by RTD performers on behalf of
large communities of
associations or industry groupings in order to expand the knowledge base of
SMEs and thus improve their general standard of competitiveness. Conducted on a European basis,
through substantial projects of several years duration, this is an efficient way of addressing technological
needs of significant sections of the industrial community.

Based on schemes existing in many Member States, this measure aims at allowing industrial groupings to
identify and express research needs that are common to large numbers of SMEs at European level. It
should allow to improve the overall European technological basis of whole industrial sectors. By inter-
linking industrial groupings in different countries and in financing larger projects with an increased
it will contribute to structuring the landscape of collective
responsibility for project co-ordinators,
research in line with the objectives of the European Research Area.

Collective research projects could cover, for example:

(cid:151) Research aimed at addressing common problems/challenges (e.g. to meet regulatory requirements,

environmental performance)

(cid:151) Pre-normative research (research to provide a scientific base for European norms and standards)

(cid:151) Research aimed at reinforcing the technological basis of particular sector(s)

(cid:151) Development of (cid:145)technological tools(cid:146) (e.g. diagnosis, safety equipment).

Projects will be managed, on the basis of well-defined guidelines, by industrial associations or other
groupings established at European level, or at least 2 national industrial associations/groupings established
in different European countries. European Economic Interest Groups representing the interests of SMEs are
also eligible. A (cid:145)core group(cid:146) of SMEs associated to each project will monitor progress from the definition
phase of the research to the dissemination of the results obtained.

A 2-step approach is envisaged in identifying topics and selecting proposals (call for outline proposals and,
after those selected in a first round evaluation have been developed into complete proposal(s), evaluation
and selection from amongst these). The level of funding and contractual arrangements of collective
research projects will depend on their objectives:

(cid:151) projects aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of a specific industrial sector would benefit from
a maximum Community contribution of 50 % of the total eligible costs. In such cases the contracting
party (the industrial groupings) would own the results;

(cid:151) projects having a strong legislative or (cid:145)public well-being(cid:146) content (e.g. environmental protection,
enhancement of public health), could obtain a higher funding. In such cases, the main emphasis
will be on a Europe-wide dissemination of the research results.

In all cases, dissemination of the results amongst the SMEs would be foreseen through, for example,
special training and demonstration ((cid:145)take-up(cid:146)) actions.

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Co-operative research

Co-operative research is a scheme whereby a limited number of SMEs from different countries having
specific problems or needs, outsource the required research to an RTD performer, while retaining
ownership of the results. Projects are relatively short-term and may address any research topic or field,
being based on the specific needs and problems of the SMEs concerned. Other (non-SME) enterprises and
end-users will be able to participate in co-operative research projects, under conditions ensuring they do
not assume a dominant role, and have restricted access to the results.

including (cid:145)start-ups(cid:146), may need to outsource specific basic research
Young high-technology SMEs,
requirements to extend or renew the knowledge base underpinning their own research activities.
In
this case, the co-operative research scheme can be used by a single SME which needs to co-operate
with an RTD performer from another country having the required specialised complementary research
skills. Special provisions regarding access to the results will apply for such cases.

Co-operative research will be implemented via an open call for proposals. This activity will also be
responsible for the co-ordination of a dedicated network of SME National Contact Points in the
level with information
Member States and Associated States, providing SMEs at regional and national
and assistance on their participation in the framework programme, including in Networks of Excellence
and Integrated Projects. Close co-ordination with the Economic and Technological Intelligence Actions and
with the innovation support services,
implemented under the heading (cid:145)Research and Innovation(cid:146), will
ensure that SMEs benefit from all the foreseen instruments and activities.

(iii) Specific international co-operation activities

The general objective of
the international cooperation activities carried out under the framework
programme is to help open up the European Research Area to the rest of the world. These activities
represent the particular contribution of the framework programme to this opening-up process, which will
require a joint effort by the Community and the Member States.

Under this heading, the activities in question have the following particular objectives:

(cid:151) To help European researchers, businesses and research organisations in the EU and the countries
associated with the Framework Programme to have access to knowledge and expertise existing
elsewhere in the world.

(cid:151) To help ensure Europe’s strong and coherent participation in the research initiatives conducted at
international level in order to push back the boundaries of knowledge or help to resolve the major
global issues, for example as regards health and environment.

(cid:151) To lend support, in the scientific and technological field, to the implementation of the Community’s

foreign policy and development aid policy.

Apart from opening up the networks of excellence and the integrated projects to participation by third-
country researchers and institutions,
international cooperation activities will take the form of specific
activities.

Carried out in support of the Community’s foreign policy and development aid policy, these specific
activities will concern three groups of countries: the Mediterranean third countries, Russia and the CIS
countries, and the developing countries.

They will be carried out in such a way as to complement the participation of researchers and entities in
those countries in the networks of excellence and integrated projects which are open to them and in
which they will participate in a variable way depending on the themes and countries.

The research priorities in this category of activities are defined on the basis of the interests and objectives
of the Community’s political partnership with the different groups of countries, as well as their particular
economic and social needs.

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They will therefore cover more particularly:

(cid:151) In the case of the Mediterranean third countries, in support of the development of the Euro-Medi-
terranean partnership, issues relating to environment, health and water issues, as well as protection of
the cultural heritage.

(cid:151) In the case of Russia and the CIS countries, stabilisation of R & D potential, issues relating to changes
in the industrial production system, environment and health protection and various safety aspects.

(cid:151) In the case of the developing countries, the problems of health and public health, food safety, and the

rational exploitation of resources.

These activities will be carried out by means of research, technological development and demonstration
projects of a limited scale, actions to coordinate national efforts and, where necessary, specific support
measures.

Cooperation activities with Russia and the CIS will be carried out in particular through the INTAS
structure set up jointly by the Community and the Member States.

In all three cases, one of the major objectives is to help strengthen, stabilise, develop or adapt the local
research systems.

Accordingly, the framework programme activities will endeavour to strengthen coordination and comple-
mentarity with activities carried out by means of financial instruments such as, in the case of the Medi-
terranean third countries, the MEDA Programme, in the case of Russia and the CIS countries the Tacis
Programme and in the case of the developing countries the EDF (European Development Fund) and the
ALA (Latin America/Asia) Fund. These activities can help to promote the development in those countries
of human resources for research, research infrastructures and capabilities relating to innovation and
exploitation of results.

2.

STRENGTHENING THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE EUROPEAN RESEARCH AREA

The establishment of the European Research Area depends on improving the coherence and co-ordination of
research and innovation activities and policies conducted at national, regional and European level.

The objectives of Community action in this field are to stimulate and support programme coordination and
joint actions among Member States and among European organisations as well as to develop the common
knowledge base necessary for the coherent development of policies. The activities may be implemented in any
scientific and technological area, including in the thematic priority domains.

2.1.

Co-ordination of research activities

Coordination of national activities

The objective is to encourage and support initiatives undertaken by several countries, in areas of common
strategic interest, to develop synergy between their existing activities through coordination of their implemen-
tation, mutual opening and mutual access to research results, as well as to define and implement joint
activities.

The activities concerned must be understood as programmes or parts of programmes, instruments, plans or
other initiatives undertaken at national or regional levels and involving public funding to support RTD work,
the development of research capabilities, and the promotion of innovation. The activities may be undertaken
levels or through European
directly by public authorities or research agencies at national or regional
co-operation frameworks such as the European Science Foundation (e.g. the collaborative scheme Eurocores).

The Community will encourage and support initiatives aimed at networking national and regional activities
and programmes, by supporting:

(cid:151) the coordination of independent activities including their mutual opening;

(cid:151) the preparation and the management of joint activities.

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For this purpose, the Community will:

(cid:151) support proposals selected following their submission in response to an open call

for proposals (2
evaluations per year). Where appropriate, calls for expressions of interest, followed by targeted calls
may be published.

Proposals may cover for instance strategic studies and planning, consultation of the research and inno-
vation community,
joint calls for proposals and peer review panels, exchange and dissemination of
information and results, programme monitoring and evaluation, exchange of personnel.

Proposals will be evaluated taking into account in particular the following aspects: the scope of the
resources mobilised, the scientific and technological relevance and impact, the expected improvement in
the use of research resources at European level and where appropriate their contribution to promoting
innovation.

(cid:151) Develop an integrated information system, which will be easily accessible, user-friendly and updated

regularly, to provide relevant information to:

(cid:151) policy makers and programme managers: information on national research programmes, instruments,
research activities undertaken and planned to help identify opportunities for co-ordination, networking
or joint initiatives;

(cid:151) the research community: information on national or joint programmes in which they can participate.

Co-ordination at European level

The objective is to enhance the complementarity and synergy between Community actions undertaken under
the framework programme and those of other European scientific co-operation organisations as well as among
these organisations themselves. Through increased co-ordination and collaboration the various European
co-operation frameworks will contribute more effectively to the overall coherence of European research
efforts and the establishment of a European Research Area. Community participation in international activities
can be supported in duly justified cases.

(cid:151) Scientific and technological co-operation activities carried out in other European co-operation frameworks

COST is a long-standing bottom-up mechanism that facilitates co-ordination and exchanges between
nationally funded scientists and research teams in a variety of areas. In order for COST to continue to
ensure a cost-effective contribution to research co-ordination within the European research area,
its
management arrangements must be adapted to the new context. This will entail the establishment by
COST member states of an appropriate organisation to which financial support may then be granted under
this programme.

Coordination with Eureka will be strengthened to improve strategic coherence and complementarity of
funding, in particular in the thematic priority areas. Joint information and communication actions will also
be organised where appropriate.

(cid:151) Collaboration and joint initiatives of specialised European scientific cooperation organisations

With regard to thematic European organisations, such as CERN, ESA, ESO, EMBL, ESRF,
the
Community will encourage and support specific initiatives aiming at strengthening the coherence and
synergies between their activities and between them and Community actions, in particular through the
development of joint approaches and actions on issues of common interest.

ILL,

2.2.

Coherent development of research and innovation policies

The objective of the activities to be carried out in this area is to encourage the coherent development of
research and innovation policies in Europe thanks to the early identification of challenges and areas of
common interest as well as by providing national and Community policymakers with knowledge and decision-
aiding tools that can help them formulate policy.

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The activities to be carried out to this end will take place in the following areas:

(cid:151) Analyses and studies; work relating to foresight, statistics and science and technology indicators

These activities will include studies, analyses and foresight activities relating to scientific and technological
activities and research and innovation policies in the context of the implementation of the European
Research Area.

The activities relating to foresight will
thematic dialogue
platforms and a knowledge base for users and producers of prospective analyses, the exploitation of
good practices with regard to methodology, as well as the preparation of medium and long term
scenarios for science and technology in Europe.

include in particular the development of

Work on indicators will involve the further development of relevant and harmonised indicators, taking into
account the different dimensions of research and innovation and their impact on economy and society, for
example for comparing the scientific and technological performance of the Member States and regions.

(cid:151) Benchmarking of research and innovation policies at national, regional and European level

The first exercise to benchmark national RTD policies, which began in 2000, will be completed by mid
2002. In the light of this exercise, the methodology of the next benchmarking cycles,
including the
indicators, will be adapted and the exercises will be enlarged geographically by opening them up to the
countries in the process of acceding to the EU and the associated countries, and will be extended to
include other themes. Special attention will be paid to the dissemination and monitoring of the application
of best practices in close collaboration with the Member States and the research actors.

The benchmarking work in progress in the field of innovation (gathering of information about innovation
policies in Europe, development of the (cid:145)innovation scoreboard(cid:146) and organisation of (cid:145)peer reviews(cid:146) of
innovation policies by (cid:145)thematic clubs(cid:146) of policymakers) will be extended so as to open them up
geographically, in social terms as a result of involving the innovation stakeholders, and in regional terms.

(cid:151) Mapping scientific and technological excellence in Europe

The activities on mapping excellence will be expanded according to two guidelines, increasing the number
of themes covered and regularly updating the results.

Special attention will be paid to the very broad dissemination of the information available as well as to the
coordination of mapping with the activities aimed at promoting the integration of research efforts in
Europe.

(cid:151) Improving the regulatory and administrative environment for research and innovation in Europe

The objective here is to examine and analyse regulatory and administrative obstacles, to identify and
disseminate good management practices and to help formulate new approaches. The following are
some of the areas that will be concerned:
intellectual and industrial property; public-private relations
with regard to research and innovation; the exploitation and dissemination of knowledge; the rules
governing access to new products or services on the market; mechanisms for funding research and
innovation and encouraging investment, in particular by the private sector.

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ANNEX II

INDICATIVE BREAKDOWN OF THE AMOUNT

Types of activities

Amount (EUR million)

Integrating research (1)

Priority thematic areas of research

Genomics and biotechnology for health

Information society technologies

Nanotechnologies, intelligent materials, new production processes

Aeronautics and space

Food safety and health risks

Sustainable development and global change

Citizens and governance in the European knowledge-based society

Anticipating the EU’s scientific and technological needs

Policy orientated research and leading-edge topics

Specific research activities for SMEs

Specific international cooperation activities

Strengthening the foundations of the European Research Area

Support for the co-ordination of activities

Support for the coherent development of policies

12 055 (2)

10 425

2 000

3 600

1 300

1 000

600

1 700

225

1 630

880

450

300

450

400

50

(1) The aim is to allocate at least 15 % of the total financial resources assigned to this heading to SMEs.
(2) Including EUR 600 million for international co-operation activities, and including any amounts provided for under decisions of the

European Parliament and Council pursuant to Article 169 of the Treaty

Total

12 505

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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 will use various instruments.

The Commission will evaluate the proposals in accordance with the evaluation criteria set out in the abovementioned
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 abovementioned decisions. In the case of partici-
pation 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.

A. New instruments (1)

A.1. Networks of excellence

Networks of excellence are implemented in the seven priority thematic areas of the framework programme and, in
duly justified cases, in research areas meeting the needs of Community policies and as well as in new and emerging
areas.

The objective of this instrument is to strengthen European scientific and technological excellence by means of a
progressive and lasting integration of research capacities existing or emerging in Europe at both national and
regional level. Each network will aim at advancing knowledge in a particular area by assembling a critical mass of
skills.

In general, the network will be organised around a core group of participants to which others may be added. In
order to create a virtual centre of excellence, they will integrate a considerable part or even the totality of their
research activities in the area concerned. These activities will often be multidisciplinary, and oriented towards
long-term objectives and not precise predefined results in terms of products, processes or services.

In addition to these integrated research activities, the network’s joint programme of activities will also comprise
integration activities as well as activities related to spreading of excellence outside the network.

In pursuing its objectives, the network will therefore carry out:

(cid:151) Research activities integrated by its participants;

(cid:151) Integration activities which will comprise in particular:

(cid:151) adaptation of the participants’ research activities in order to strengthen their complementarity;

(cid:151) development and utilisation of electronic information and communication means, and development of

virtual and interactive working methods;

(cid:151) short-, medium- and long-term exchanges of personnel, the opening of positions to researchers from other

members of the network, or their training;

(cid:151) development and use of joint research infrastructures, and adaptation of the existing facilities with a view

to a shared use;

(cid:151) joint management and exploitation of the knowledge generated, and actions to promote innovation.

(1) As well as the funding of national programmes carried out by several Member States in accordance with Article 169 of the Treaty.

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(cid:151) Activities of spreading of excellence which will comprise, as appropriate:

(cid:151) training of researchers;

(cid:151) communication concerning the achievements of the network and the dissemination of knowledge;

(cid:151) services in support of technological

innovation in SMEs, aimed in particular at the take-up of new

technologies;

(cid:151) analyses of science/society issues related to the research carried out by the network.

In carrying out some of its activities (such as training of researchers), the network will endeavour to ensure
publicity by publishing calls for applications.

The size of the network may vary according to the areas and subjects involved. As an indication, the number of
participants should not be less than half a dozen. On average, in financial terms, the Community contribution to a
network of excellence may represent several million euros per year.

The network proposals should comprise the following elements:

(cid:151) a general outline of the joint programme of activities, and its content for the first year, broken down into

research activities, integration activities, and activities for spreading excellence;

(cid:151) the role of the participants, identifying the activities and resources that they will integrate;

(cid:151) the operation of the network (coordination and management of activities);

(cid:151) the plan for the dissemination of knowledge and the perspectives as regards exploitation of the results.

The partnership may evolve when necessary, within the limit of the initial Community contribution, by replacing
participants or adding new ones. In most cases, this will be done through publication of a call for applications.

The programme of activities would be updated yearly and would entail a reorientation of certain activities or
launching of new ones not initially foreseen, which could involve new participants. The Commission may launch
calls for proposals with a view to the allocation of additional contribution in order to cover, for example, an
extension of the integrated activities of the existing network or the integration of new participants.

The Community’s financial contribution will be a specified amount linked to the implementation of a set of work,
initially calculated on the basis of the resources dedicated to carrying out the joint programme of activity and paid
on an annual basis, taking into account activities and financial reports. As a complement to the resources of the
participants,
to act as an incentive for integration, but without creating a financial
dependence that might jeopardise the lasting association of the network.

it should be sufficient

A.2. Integrated projects

Integrated projects will be implemented in the seven priority thematic areas of the framework programme and, in
duly justified cases, in research areas meeting the needs arising from the implementation of Community policies as
well as in new and emerging areas.

The objective of this instrument is to strengthen European competitiveness or contribute to resolve major societal
problems by mobilising a critical mass of research and technological development resources and skills existing in
Europe.

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Accordingly, each integrated project will have the aim of obtaining identifiable scientific and technological results
applicable to products, processes or services. The activities carried out in the context of an integrated project will
have by definition clearly defined objectives even in the case of risky research.

In general, the participants in the projects will be organised around a core group made up of the main participants.
All the activities carried out in the context of an integrated project will be defined in the general framework of an
(cid:145)execution plan(cid:146) comprising activities relating to:

(cid:151) research, technological development and/or demonstration;

(cid:151) management, dissemination and transfer of knowledge with a view to promoting innovation;

(cid:151) analysis and assessment of the technologies concerned, as well as the factors relating to their exploitation.

In pursuit of its objectives, it may also comprise activities relating to:

(cid:151) training researchers, students, engineers and industrial executives, in particular for SMEs;

(cid:151) support for the take-up of new technologies, in particular by SMEs;

(cid:151) information and communication, and dialogue with the public concerning the science/society aspects of the

research carried out within the project.

The size of an integrated project may vary according to the themes and subjects, depending on the critical mass
necessary in order to obtain the expected results under the best possible conditions.

The combined activities of an integrated project may represent a financial size ranging from several million euros
to several tens of millions of euros.

In most cases an integrated project will comprise a set of specific actions, relating to certain aspects of the research
needed to achieve the objectives pursued, of variable sizes and structures according to the tasks to be executed,
implemented in a closely coordinated manner. In some cases, however, an integrated project may take the form of
a single large project with a single component.

Integrated project proposals should comprise the following elements:

(cid:151) the scientific and technological objectives of the project;

(cid:151) the main lines and timetable of the execution plan, highlighting the articulation of the various components;

(cid:151) the stages of implementation and the results expected in each one of them;

(cid:151) the role of the participants within the consortium and the specific skills of each of them;

(cid:151) the organisation and management of the project;

(cid:151) the plan for the dissemination of knowledge and the exploitation of results;

(cid:151) the global budget estimate and the budget for the different activities, including a financial plan identifying the

various contributions and their origin.

The partnership may evolve when necessary, within the limits of the initial Community contribution, by replacing
participants or adding new ones. In most cases, this will be done through publication of a call for applications.

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The execution plan will be updated yearly. This updating may entail the reorientation of certain activities and the
launching of new ones.
In the latter case, and where an additional Community contribution is needed, the
Commission will identify these activities and the participants who will carry them out, by means of a call for
proposals.

The Community contribution will be part of a financing plan which may involve recourse to other financing
schemes, in particular Eureka or the instruments of the EIB or the EIF. It may amount to up to 50 % of the total
project budget, broken down into budgets per activity. It will be paid annually on the basis of the proposed
execution plan, and adjusted according to the activities and the financial reports.

A.3. Collective research projects

Implemented across the whole field of science and technology, these projects will be carried out by research
entities for the benefit of industrial associations or groupings, in areas and on subjects of interest to a large number
of SMEs confronted with common problems.

B. Other instruments

In order to implement the programme, the Commission may also have recourse to:

(cid:151) specific targeted projects in order to carry out research or demonstration activities in areas meeting the needs

of Community policies, new or emerging needs, and specific international cooperation activities.

(cid:151) cooperative research projects across the whole field of science and technology, to enable SMEs to have access

to entities with appropriate research capacities to carry out specific research activities.

(cid:151) coordination and specific support actions in order to achieve the objectives identified in the programme and
relating to the needs of Community policies, new or emerging needs, specific international cooperation
activities, and the strengthening of the foundations of the European Research Area.

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

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