Proposal for a Council Decision concerning the Specific Programme “Cooperation” implementing the Seventh Framework Programme (2007-2013) of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities
Date: 2005-09-21
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: EU programme, EU research policy, cooperation policy, research and development, research programme, school-industry relations, scientific cooperation, technological change

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 

Brussels, 21.9.2005 
COM(2005) 440 final 

2005/0185 (CNS) 

Proposal for a 

COUNCIL DECISION 

concerning the Specific Programme “Cooperation” implementing the Seventh 
Framework Programme (2007-2013) of the European Community for research, 
technological development and demonstration activities 

(presented by the Commission) 

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EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM (EC TREATY) 

1. 

CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSALS 

The  proposals  for  five  specific  programmes  follow  the  Commission’s  proposal  for  a  7th 
Framework Programme (2007-2013) adopted on 6 April 20051. A structure was presented in 
terms of four main specific programmes - “Cooperation”, “Ideas”, “People” and “Capacities” 
-  each  corresponding  to  a  major  objective  of  European  research  policy;  a  further  specific 
programme  is  for  the  direct  actions  of  the  Joint  Research  Centre.  The  Commission  will  be 
presenting proposals for the “Rules for Participation and Dissemination” that apply to the 7th 
Framework Programme. 

The policy context and objectives are those set out in the Communication “Building the ERA 
of  knowledge  for  growth”2.  To  meet  these  objectives  and  implement  in  full  the  specific 
programmes will require a doubling of the budget as proposed by the Commission.  

the  key 

term  and  sustainable  manner.  They  are  also 

Research,  technology,  education  and  innovation  are  a  significant  way  of  creating  jobs  in  a 
long 
to  economic  growth, 
competitiveness,  health,  quality  of  life  and  the  environment.  The  research  Framework 
Programme, alongside Community programmes in the areas  of education and  innovation, is 
aimed to progress towards the knowledge economy and society. The specific programmes of 
the  7th  Framework  Programme  are  designed  to  address,  in  combination  with  the  necessary 
national  and  private  efforts,  major  weaknesses  in  the  level,  quality  and  impact  of  European 
research.  The  dissemination  and  transfer  of  knowledge  is  a  key  added  value  of  European 
research actions, and measures will be taken to increase the use of results by industry, policy 
makers and society. 

Europe must invest more in research and a new emphasis is needed if the European Union is 
to  progress  towards  the  objective  of  investing  3%  of  its  GDP  in  research  by  2010.  The  7th 
Framework  Programme  will  contribute  to  this,  both  through  direct  financing  but  also  by 
leveraging additional public and private investments in research.  

Europe  needs  more  researchers  in  order  to  increase  and  improve  its  research  efforts. 
Alongside  other  actions,  such  as  the  European  Charter  for  Researchers  and  national  policy 
measures,  the  7th  Framework  Programme  is  designed  to  stimulate  more  people  to  embark 
upon and pursue research careers, and once again attract leading research talent to Europe.  

Financial  support  at  a  European  level  offers  opportunities  to  increase  the  excellence  and 
effectiveness of research which cannot be achieved at national level. The specific programmes 
of  the  7th  Framework  Programme  represent  further  consolidation  of  the  European  Research 
Area, achieving critical mass and structures in new areas of research and by new means, and 
further supporting the free movement of ideas, knowledge and researchers. 

Throughout the implementation of the specific programmes the potential for European level 
actions  to  strengthen  excellence  in  research  will  be  exploited  to  the  maximum,  notably 
through EU wide competitions backed with rigorous and independent evaluation of proposals. 

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COM(2005) 119. 
COM(2005) 118. 

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This  implies  identifying  and  supporting  existing  excellence  wherever  it  exists  across  the 
European Union as well as creating capacities for future research excellence.  

The  impact  of  the  specific  programmes  will  be  enhanced  through  complementarities  with 
other  Community  policies  and  programmes,  and  in  particular  the  Structural  Funds,  the 
education programmes, and the Competitiveness and Innovation Programme.  

2. 

PRIOR CONSULTATION 

The  preparation  of  the  specific  programme  proposals  has  taken  account  of  the  views 
expressed  by  the  EU  Institutions,  in  particular  the  European  Parliament  and  European 
Council,  as  well  as  other  stakeholders  including  researchers  and  users  of  research.  This 
includes the ongoing discussions and inputs in relation to the proposal for the 7th Framework 
Programme decisions, the extensive consultations and inputs collected during the preparation 
of that proposal, and further work in identifying future research priorities such as that being 
undertaken by European Technology Platforms.  

The Specific Programme proposal draws from the in-depth impact assessment undertaken for 
the  7th  Framework  Programme  proposal3  which  demonstrated  the  strong  and  specific  added 
value of each of the specific programme proposed. In addition, the proposals take account of 
the outcome of the five year assessment of the Framework Programme4.  

3. 

LEGAL ASPECTS 

The proposal for the specific programmes is based on Title XVIII of the Treaty, Articles 163 
to  173,  and  in  particular  Article  166(3)  concerning  implementation  of  the  Framework 
Programme through specific programmes. 

4. 

BUDGETARY IMPLEMENTATION 

The legislative financial statements attached to each proposed Decision set out the budgetary 
implications and the human and administrative resources. 

The Commission intends to set up an executive agency which will be entrusted with certain 
tasks  required  to  implement  the  “Cooperation”,  “People”  and  “Capacities”  Specific 
Programmes.  This  approach  will  also  be  taken  for  the  implementation  of  the  “Ideas” 
programme (see Section 7.2 below). 

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SEC(2005) 430. 
COM(2005) 387. 

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5. 

A COHERENT AND FLEXIBLE IMPLEMENTATION 

5.1. 

Adapting to new needs and opportunities. 

It is vital that the implementation of the specific programmes is sufficiently flexible to remain 
at  the  forefront  of  scientific  and  technological  developments  and  respond  to  emerging 
scientific,  industrial,  policy  or  societal  needs.  Those  actions  which  allow  researchers 
themselves to identify topics will be particularly important in this respect. For other actions, 
this  will  be  achieved  primarily  through  the  work  programmes  which  will  be  updated  on  an 
annual basis. This will be undertaken with the assistance of the committees of Member State 
representatives  where  it  is  envisaged  that  the  committees’  clear  focus  will  be  on  the  work 
programmes.  Revisions  may  be  made  more  rapidly  in  case  of  new  priorities  requiring  an 
urgent response, in particular arising from unforeseen policy needs. 

This  multi-annual  programming  will  benefit  from  a  wide  range  of  inputs  to  ensure  that  the 
activities supported maintain direct relevance to the evolving research needs of industry and 
EU  policies.  External  advice  will  be  sought,  including  for  each  of  the  themes  within  the 
Cooperation specific programme, with effective multi-disciplinary coverage and a balance of 
academic and industrial views.  

For the Ideas programme, an entirely new approach will be taken whereby the preparation of 
an annual work programme  will be entrusted to  an independent  scientific council as  part of 
the establishment of an autonomous European Research Council (see Section 7.2 below). 

Additional external inputs, in particular for the Cooperation programme, will be facilitated in 
particular  from  the  European  Technology  Platforms  established  in  various  fields  which 
should  play  a  strong  and  dynamic  role  to  ensure  the  industrial  relevance.  The  research 
priorities  identified  in  the  Strategic  Research  Agendas  defined  by  the  platforms  are  well 
reflected  in  the  specific  programme  proposals,  and  will  provide  an  important  input  in  the 
multiannual programming.  

Other fora and groups may provide the Commission with timely advice on new priorities in 
particular areas, such  as European  Strategy Forum  on  Research  Infrastructures  (ESFRI)  and 
platforms  established 
to  social  or 
environmental policy areas. 

to  consider  strategic  research  agendas  relevant 

An  important  new  opportunity  that  will  be  provided  by  the  Framework  Programme  is  an 
innovative  financing  mechanism,  the  Risk-Sharing  Finance  Facility,  aimed  at  fostering 
private sector expenditure in RTD by improving access to European Investment Bank (EIB) 
loans  for  large  European  actions  which  need  to  combine  several  sources  of  financing, 
including  loans.  These  large  European  actions  are  “Joint  Technology  Initiatives”  and  large 
collaborative projects funded directly by the Framework Programme within the Cooperation 
programme, and new research infrastructure projects under the Capacities programme. Other 
large  European  collaborative  projects  such  as  Eureka  ones  could  also  be  considered,  in 
accordance to eligibility criteria. The contribution envisaged from the specific programmes to 
the  EIB  will  significantly  improve  the  access  to  debt  finance  and  thereby  exercising  a 
significant leverage effect on private investments in RTD.  

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5.2. 

Cross cutting issues 

Overall coherence in the implementation of the 7th Framework Programme will be ensured by 
the  Commission,  taking  full  account  of  the  guaranteed  autonomy  and  independence  of  the 
European Research Council in the Ideas programme.  

The work programmes across the other specific programmes will be revised in a coordinated 
way to allow cross cutting issues to be fully taken into account. The committees of Member 
State representatives also have an important responsibility in assisting the Commission in the 
effective  coherence  and  coordination  of  implementation  across  and  within  these  specific 
programmes. This implies a strong level of coordination within Member States and between 
representatives of different committee configurations. 

Where actions to be supported have a strong relevance to different parts of the Cooperation, 
People  and  Capacities  specific  programmes,  joint  calls  will  be  used  building  on  the 
experience  gained  in  the  6th  Framework  Programme.  This  will  be  particularly  important  for 
research topics that cut across the themes in the Cooperation programme, and such calls will 
be clearly identified in the work programme. 

The  following  issues  that  cut  across  the  Cooperation,  People  and  Capacities  specific 
programmes  are  of  particular  importance,  and  particular  arrangements  for  a  coordinated 
approach are foreseen:  

•  International  cooperation:  all  of  these  specific  programmes  are  open  to  international 
cooperation, and have dedicated actions in this respect. A strategic approach will be taken 
across  the  Framework  Programme  to  promote  European  research  excellence  and 
competitiveness and to address specific global or regional issues where there is a mutual 
interest and benefit. A coherent approach across the specific programmes in line with this 
strategy  will  be  ensured  and  the  Capacities  programme  will  have  a  major  role  in  this 
respect.  

•  Research infrastructures: the main support to research infrastructures will be implemented 
in the Capacities programme, and this programme will ensure a coordinated approach with 
relevant research activities in the other programmes, notably the Cooperation programme. 

•  Cross  cutting  policy  research:  Arrangements  for  effective  coordination  within  the 
Commission services will be put in place, in particular to ensure that activities continue to 
meet  the  needs  of  developments  in  EU  policies.  For  this  purpose,  the  multi-annual 
programming  may  draw  on  the  help  of  user  groups  of  different  Commission  services 
associated  with  the  policies  concerned,  and  in  this  context  an  internal  structure  will  be 
created to ensure the coordination of marine science and technologies across the relevant 
thematic areas.  

•  SME  participation:  the  participation  of  SMEs  will  be  optimised  across  the  specific 
programmes.  In  addition  to  the  strengthened  SME  specific  actions  in  the  Capacities 
programme:  SME  research  interests  are  included  throughout  the  Cooperation  programme 
and topics of particular interest to SMEs will be further identified in the work programmes 
and calls for proposals; the activities in the People programme have a special emphasis on 
the  involvement  of  SMEs;  and  SMEs  will  also  be  able  to  participate  in  the  Ideas 
programme.  The  simplification  measures  envisaged  and  the  increased  flexibility  in 
choosing the appropriate funding scheme will benefit in particular SME participation. 

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•  Dissemination and knowledge transfer: the need to foster the uptake of research results is a 
strong feature across the specific  programmes,  with  a  particular emphasis on transferring 
knowledge between countries, across disciplines and from academia to industry, including 
through the mobility of researchers. The involvement of potential users in helping to define 
priorities  (in  particular  through  the  European  Technology  Platforms)  is  important  in  this 
aspect. The complementary actions under the Competitiveness and Innovation Programme 
will also reinforce the use of research results by addressing the barriers to innovation and 
strengthening innovation capabilities. 

•  Science in society: this activity in the Capacities programme will also play a role to ensure 
that  society  aspects  are  properly  taken  into  account  in  all  specific  programmes,  and  that 
interactions between scientists and the wider public are deepened. 

6. 

SIMPLIFICATION AND MANAGEMENT METHODS 

A  significant  simplification  will  be  achieved  in  the  implementation  of  the  7th  Framework 
Programme, following the ideas presented in the Commission Working Document of 6 April 
2005  and  extensive  dialogue  with  Member  States  and  stakeholders  on  the  basis  of  this 
document. Many of the proposed measures are to be presented in the Rules for Participation 
and  Dissemination,  notably  to  reduce  “red  tape”  significantly  and  simplify  the  funding 
schemes and reporting requirements.  

Within the specific programmes, proposed improvements include: 

•  Improved  efficiency  and  consistency  of  implementation  through  the  externalisation  of 

administrative tasks to an executive agency. 

•  Rationalising funding schemes whereby implementation of each Specific Programme will 

make use of the instruments necessary to realise the objectives of the Programme. 

•  A  clearer  presentation  of  evaluation  criteria:  to  be  included  in  the  Work  Programmes 

following the principles set out in each Specific Programme.  

•  Clearly  presented  work  programmes  such  that  potential  participants  are  well  informed 
about  the  opportunities  available  which  meet  their  particular  needs  and  interests.  For 
example,  work  programmes  and  calls  will,  where  appropriate,  highlight  those  topics  of 
particular interest to SMEs or where cooperation with third countries is beneficial. 

•  Simplifications  in  other  aspects,  such  as  streamlining  the  approval  of  projects,  the  new 
funding and support schemes, and further use of databases and information tools to provide 
better communication. 

7. 

CONTENT OF THE SPECIFIC PROGRAMMES 

7.1. 

Cooperation 

The  Cooperation  specific  programme  is  designed  to  gain  leadership  in  key  scientific  and 
technological areas by supporting cooperation between universities, industry, research centres 
and  public  authorities  across  the  European  Union  as  well  as  the  rest  of  the  world.  Previous 
framework  programmes  demonstrate  the  impact  of  such  actions  in  restructuring  research  in 

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Europe and pooling and leveraging resources. The 7th Framework Programme will distribute 
these  impacts  more  widely  and  the  nine  themes  proposed  correspond  to  the  major  fields  of 
progress  in  knowledge  and  technology  where  excellent  research  must  be  strengthened  to 
address European social, economic, public health, environmental and industrial challenges. 

The  programme  represents  strong  elements  of  continuity  with  previous  framework 
programmes  building  on  the  demonstrated  added  value  of  European  support  of  this  type. 
There are, in addition, important novelties in this specific programme which require specific 
consideration for the implementation: 

•  Responding  to  the  need  for  ambitious  pan-European  public  private  partnerships  to 
accelerate the development of major technologies, through the launch of Joint Technology 
Initiatives5.  A  first  set  of  initiatives  have  been  identified  with  clear  objectives  and 
deliverables  in  the  areas  of  innovative  medicines,  nanoelectronics,  embedded  computing 
systems,  hydrogen  and  fuel  cells,  aeronautics  and  air  traffic  management  and  global 
monitoring for environment and security. These will be the subject of  separate proposals 
(eg, under Article 171 of the Treaty). Further Joint Technology Initiatives, such as in the 
areas of zero emission power generation and renewable energy, may be identified during 
the implementation of the 7th Framework Programme. 

•  A strengthened approach to the coordinating national research programmes. The successful 
ERA-NET scheme will be continued and implemented within the themes. Existing ERA-
NETs from the 6th Framework Programme will be allowed to submit follow up proposals 
to  deepen  their  cooperation  or  broaden  the  consortia  to  new  participants,  and  new  ERA- 
NETs  to  address  new  topics  will  be  supported.  The  scheme  will  also  be  open  to  public 
bodies  planning  a  research  programme  but  which  is  not  yet  in  operation.  In  addition,  an 
ERA-NET  PLUS  scheme  will  be  introduced  to  provide  an  incentive  for  joint  calls  for 
transnational research projects organised between a number of countries. 

•  Following  the  experience  of  the  European  and  Developing  Countries  Clinical  Trials 
Partnership  (EDCTP)  Article  169  initiative,  a  further  four  Article  169  initiatives  have 
been identified with the close cooperation of Member States. Such initiatives in the fields 
of ambient assisted living, Baltic Sea research and metrology are listed in the Cooperation 
programme  and  an  Article  169  initiative  to  bring  together  national  research  performing 
SME-related  programmes  is  mentioned  in  the  Capacities  programme.  Further  initiatives 
may be identified during the implementation of the 7th Framework Programme. 

•  A  more  targeted  approach  to  international  cooperation  within  each  theme  and  across 
themes  is  foreseen  with  specific  cooperation  actions  to  be  identified  in  the  work 
programmes in line with the strategic approach for international cooperation foreseen and 
through policy dialogues and networks with different regions of partner countries. 

•  A  component  on  to  allow  a  flexible  response  to  emerging  needs  and  unforeseen policy 
needs will be supported under each of the themes and the implementation will build on the 
experience  of  the  Scientific  Support  for  Policy  and  New  and  Emerging  Science  and 

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As set out in the Commission Staff Working Document, Report on European Technology Platforms and 
Joint Technology Initiatives: Fostering Public-Private R&D Partnerships to Boost Europe’s Industrial 
Competitiveness - SEC(2005) 800, 10.6.2005. 

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Technology  schemes  introduced  in  the  6th  Framework  Programme,  as  well  as  the  Future 
and Emerging Technology scheme in the ICT area.  

7.2. 

Ideas 

Europe does not  perform  well  in  terms of  truly  outstanding research  or  mastering new  fast-
growing areas of science. The Ideas programme will provide such a pan-European mechanism 
to support the truly creative scientists, engineers and scholars, whose curiosity and thirst for 
knowledge  are  most  likely  to  make  the  unpredictable  and  spectacular  discoveries  that  can 
change the course of human understanding and open up new vistas for technological progress 
and  solving  enduring  social  and  environmental  problems.  Driving  up  the  quality  of  basic 
research  through  European  wide  competitions  will  generate  significant  social  and  economic 
benefits6. 

The  “Ideas”  programme  adopts  the  term  “frontier  research”  which  reflects  a  new 
understanding  of  basic  research.  At  the  forefront  of  creating  new  knowledge,  “frontier 
research” is an intrinsically risky endeavour that involves the pursuit of fundamental advances 
in science, technology and engineering, without regard for established disciplinary boundaries 
or national borders. 

The programme will follow an “investigator driven” approach, allowing researchers the scope 
to  propose  their  own  topics.  Grants  will  be  provided  for  individual  teams,  leaving  the 
flexibility for a team to consist of any grouping of researchers appropriate for the conduct of 
the  projects,  from  one  single  institution  or  several  institutions,  in  one  country  or  across 
national borders. In all cases, scientific excellence and not administrative requirements should 
drive  the  formation  of  the  teams.  The  programme  will  ensure  differentiation  from  national 
funding actions in basic research by its strategic objectives and European scope. 

The  creation  of  a  European  Research  Council  (ERC)  for  implementing  the  Ideas 
programme  represents  a  new  departure.  Two  key  structural  components  of  the  ERC  will  be 
established  -  an  independent  Scientific  Council  and  a  dedicated  implementation  structure  –
operating according to the principles of trust, credibility and transparency, it should provide 
adequate  financial  means  and  work  with  high  efficiency,  and  it  should  guarantee  a  high 
degree  of  autonomy  and  integrity,  while  being  consistent  with  the  requirements  for 
accountability. 

The Scientific Council will consist of representatives of the European scientific community, 
at the highest level, acting in their personal capacity, independently of political or any other 
interests.  Its  members  will  be  appointed  by  the  Commission,  following  an  independent 
process for their identification.  

The mandate of the Scientific Council will include: 

(1) 

Scientific strategy: Establishment of the overall scientific strategy for the programme, 
in the light of scientific opportunities and European scientific needs. On a permanent 
basis,  in  accordance  with  the  scientific  strategy,  the  establishment  of  the  work 
programme and necessary modifications, including calls for proposals and criteria on 

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Frontier Research: the European Challenge. High Level Expert Group Report, European Commission, 
May 2005. 

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the basis of which proposals are to be funded, and, as may be required, the definition 
of specific topics or target groups (e.g. young/emerging teams). 

(2)  Monitoring  and  quality  control:  As  appropriate,  from  a  scientific  perspective, 
establishment of positions on implementation and management of calls for proposals, 
evaluation  criteria,  peer  review  processes  including  the  selection  of  experts  and  the 
methods for peer review and proposal evaluation, on the basis of which the proposal to 
be funded will be determined; as well as any other matter affecting the achievements 
and  impact  of  the  Specific  Programme,  and  the  quality  of  the  research  carried  out. 
Monitoring  quality  of  operations  and  evaluation  of  programme  implementation  and 
achievements and recommendations for corrective or future actions. 

(3) 

Communication  and  dissemination:  Communication  with  the  scientific  community 
and  key  stakeholders  on  the  activities  and  achievements  of  the  programme  and  the 
deliberations of the ERC. Regularly report to the Commission on its activities. 

The  dedicated  implementation  structure  will  be  responsible  for  programme  execution,  as 
provided for in  the annual work programme.  It  will,  in particular, implement the evaluation 
procedures, peer review and selection process according to the principles established by the 
Scientific  Council  and  will  ensure  the  financial  and  scientific  management  of  the  grants.  In 
this regard, in the first instance, the Commission intends to establish an Executive Agency to 
which  it  will  delegate  the  execution  tasks.  The  implementation  structure  will  maintain 
continual close liaison with the Scientific Council on all aspects of programme execution. In 
future and subject to an independent evaluation of the efficiency of the ERC’s structures and 
mechanisms, an alternative structure, for example under the provisions of Article 171 of the 
Treaty, may be established.  

The European Commission will act as the guarantor of the ERC’s full autonomy and integrity. 
This  means  that  the  Commission’s  responsibility  for  the  implementation  of  the  programme 
will be effected by ensuring that the ERC’s implementation structure are put into place, and 
that  the  programme  is  executed  by  the  ERC  in  line  with  the  objectives  that  have  been  set, 
following the scientific orientations and the requirements of scientific excellence, as they are 
determined by the Scientific Council, acting independently. 

The  Commission  will  be  responsible  for  formally  adopting  the  work  programme  for  the 
“Ideas” programme. It will exercise this responsibility in line with the approach set out above. 
As  a  general  rule,  the  Commission  will  adopt  the  work  programme  as  proposed  by  the 
Scientific  Council.  If  the  Commission  is  unable  to  adopt  the  work  programme  as  proposed, 
for  example  because  the  latter  does  not  correspond  to  the  objectives  of  the  programme,  or 
does  not  conform  to  Community  legislation,  the  Commission  will  be  required  to  state  its 
reasons  publicly.  This  procedure  is  designed  to  ensure  that  the  operation  of  the  ERC 
according to the principles or autonomy and integrity, are fully and transparently respected. 

7.3. 

People 

The People specific programme forms part of a broad and  integrated strategy to strengthen, 
qualitatively  and  quantitatively,  human  resources  in  R&D  in  Europe.  The  programme  will 
stimulate people to embark on and pursue research careers, encourage researchers to stay in 
Europe,  and  attract  the  best  brains  to  Europe.  There  is  a  unique  added  value  of  European 
actions  through  harmonised  instruments,  stronger  structuring  effects  and  greater  efficiency 
than bilateral arrangements between Member States. 

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The  activities  build  on  the  long  and  successful  experience  of  the  Marie  Curie  actions  in 
responding  to  researchers  needs  for  training,  mobility,  and  career  development.  While 
offering considerable continuity, a stronger focus is given to the following aspects: 

•  An  increased  structuring  effect,  for  example  through  the  introduction  of  co-funding  of 
regional, national and international programmes in the action line “Life-long training and 
career  development”.  The  “co-funding”-mode  would  not  replace  the  mode  where 
individual  post-doc  fellowships  are  applied  for  and  awarded  at  European  level,  as  is 
currently  exclusively  the  practice  in  the  6th  Framework  Programme.  However,  the 
individual  fellowships  have  reached  a  stage  of  maturity  in  Europe.  At  the  same  time  the 
national offers in this area remain fragmented in terms of objectives, evaluation methods 
and  working  conditions,  and  are  still  often  restricted  as  regards  their  international  or 
European  dimension.  It  is  therefore  proposed  to  co-fund,  on  the  basis  of  open  calls  for 
proposals,  a  selection  of  those  programmes  corresponding  to  the  Framework  Programme 
objectives.  Evaluation  and  selection  will  be  on  merit  without  limitations  regarding  the 
origin  of  the  selected  fellows,  and  applying  acceptable  employment  and  working 
conditions (in terms of e.g. salary, social security, mentoring, professional development). 

•  Participation of industry: while the bottom-up character of the Marie Curie actions will 
be preserved, a stronger orientation will be placed on training and career development for 
and  in  different  sectors,  in  particular  in  the  private  sector.  This  will  be  achieved  by  an 
emphasis  on  the  development  of  complementary  skills  and  competences,  crucial  for  a 
better understanding of research in enterprise and for the quality of their research. This will 
be  enhanced  by  stimulating  intersectoral  experiences  through  active  participation  of 
industry,  in  all  the  actions  and  by  putting  in  place  the  dedicated  scheme  for  knowledge 
sharing in partnerships between the public and private sector, including in particular SMEs. 

•  The  international  dimension  will  be  reinforced.  Besides  outgoing  fellowships  with  a 
mandatory return, aimed at contributing to the life long training and career development of 
EU-researchers, the international co-operation through researchers from third countries is 
further  expanded.  In  addition,  new  dimensions  are  introduced  for  collaboration  with  EU 
neighbouring  and  EU  S&T  Agreement  countries.  Furthermore  support  of  “scientific 
diasporas” of European researchers abroad and foreign researchers within Europe will be 
provided. 

7.4. 

Capacities 

The Capacities specific programme will enhance research and innovation capacity throughout 
Europe.  The  programme  is  a  combination  of  continuation  and  reinforcement  of  actions  in 
previous framework programmes and in addition important novelties. 

A major new element is the foreseen strategic approach to supporting the construction of new 
research  infrastructure  which  will  complement  the  continued  support  for  optimal  use  of 
existing  research  infrastructure.  The  support  for  construction  of  new  infrastructure  will  be 
implemented  through  a  two-stage  approach:  preparatory  phase  and  a  construction  phase. 
Building on the work by ESFRI (The European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructure) 
on the development of a European roadmap for new research infrastructure, the Commission 
will  identify  priority  projects  to  which  a  possible  EC  support  could  be  given  under  the  7th 
Framework  Programme.  For  those  projects,  the  Commission  will  act  as  a  facilitator,  in 
particular  in  facilitating  financial  engineering  mechanisms  for  the  construction  phase, 
including facilitating access to EIB loans through the Risk Sharing Finance Facility. Annex 1 

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presents the ESFRI “list of opportunities”, which consists of concrete examples of new, large-
scale  research  infrastructures,  which  the  scientific  community  in  Europe  will  need  in  the 
coming decade. 

The two schemes to support research for the benefit of SMEs and SME associations will be 
pursued  with  an  increased  budget  to  respond  to  the  growing  need  of  SMEs  to  outsource 
research. 

Regions  of  Knowledge  actions  build  on  the  successful  pilot  action.  The  aim  is  to  enable 
transnational networks of regions to make full use of their research strengths, enable them to 
absorb  new  knowledge  arising  from  research  and  to  facilitate  the  emergence  of  “research-
driven clusters” associating universities, research centres, enterprises and regional authorities. 

An important new element is the action to unlocking the full Research Potential in the EU´s 
“convergence” and outermost regions. The realisation of the knowledge-based economy and 
society relies on strengthening the excellence of European research, but also on better using 
“untapped”  high  research  potential  which  exists  all  over  the  EU.  Actions  will  allow  for  the 
recruitment  of  researchers  from  other  EU  countries,  the  secondment  of  research  and 
management  staff,  the  organisation  of  evaluation  facilities  and  the  acquisition  and 
development  of  research  equipment.  Such  actions  will  complement  the  needs  and 
opportunities  for  reinforcing  the  research  capacities  of  existing  and  emerging  centres  of 
excellence in these regions which can be met by Structural Funds.  

Science  in  Society  represents  a  significant  expansion  of  work  in  previous  Framework 
Programme. It will foster better sciences, lead to better EU polices and a more engaged and 
informed public. 

An  important  aim  of  the  7th  Framework  Programme  is  to  build  a  strong  and  coherent 
international  science  and  technology  policy  and  activities  in  the  Capacities  programme  will 
support this approach, in particular by helping to identify priorities for cooperation. 

The  coherent  development  of  policies  will  put  a  greater  emphasis  on  the  co-ordination  of 
national  and  regional  research  policies  through  a  specific  support  scheme  for  trans-national 
policy  cooperation  initiatives  by  Member  States  and  regions.  This  will  reinforce  the 
implementation of the open method of co-ordination to research policies and foster concerted 
or joint initiatives between groups of countries and regions in areas involving a strong trans-
national dimension. 

7.5. 

Joint Research Centre actions 

While continuing to provide scientific and technical support to the EU policy making the JRC 
will  further  reinforce  its  customer-driven  orientation  and  its  strong  networking  with  the 
scientific  community.  It  will  develop  its  activities  in  the  specific  context  of  growth, 
sustainable development and security. 

The JRC actions will also respond to the call for ‘better regulation’ of the new Lisbon agenda. 
New challenges associated with the growing need to respond to the crises, emergencies and 
pressing political imperatives will be met by building up capacities and facilities in selected 
areas in view of providing adequate support in an EU context. An integrated approach to the 
provision  of  scientific  and  technical  support  to  policies  will  also  be  a  key  feature  of  this 
specific programme. 

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8. 

BUILDING THE ERA OF KNOWLEDGE FOR GROWTH 

Achieving the necessary rapid progress towards a knowledge economy and society requires a 
new ambition and effectiveness in European research. All actors across the European Union - 
national  governments,  research  establishments,  industry  –  have  their  role  to  play  in  this 
endeavour.  

The  specific  programmes  to  implement  the  7th  Framework  Programme  are  designed  to 
maximise the  leverage  and  impact  of  European level research spending within the available 
budget.  Key  features  are  the  focus  on  four  objectives  in  the  corresponding  specific 
programmes, with activities and means of implementation designed to meet these objectives; 
a  strong  element  of  continuity  together  with  major  new  approaches;  a  consistent  focus  on 
supporting existing excellence and creating the capacity for tomorrows research excellence; a 
streamlined and simplified management to ensure a user-friendliness and cost effectiveness; 
and an inbuilt flexibility such that the Framework Programme can respond to new needs and 
opportunities. 

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Annex 1 

ESFRI “LIST OF OPPORTUNITIES”7 

•  Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research (FAIR) 

•  Facility for intense secondary beams of unstable isotopes (SPIRAL II) 

•  European deep-sea neutrino telescope (KM3NeT) 

•  Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) – for optical astronomy 

•  Pan-European Research Infrastructure for Nano -Structures (PRINS) 

•  European Spallation Source (ESS) – neutron source 

•  European XFEL – for hard X rays 

•  IRUVX FELs Network – from infrared to soft X rays 

•  ESRF upgrade – synchrotron 

•  High Performance Computer for Europe (HPCEUR) 

•  Marine vessel for coastal research – essentially Baltic Sea 

•  Research Icebreaker Aurora Borealis 

•  European Multidisciplinary Seafloor Observatory (EMSO) 

•  European infrastructure for research in, and protection of, biodiversity 

•  Advanced infrastructure for brain and whole body imaging 

•  Bio-informatics infrastructure for Europe 

•  European network of advanced clinical research centres 

•  European network of bio-banks and genomic resources 

•  High security laboratories for emerging diseases and threats to public health 

•  Infrastructure for functional analysis of a whole mammalian genome 

•  Model testing facilities for biomedical research 

•  European Research Observatory for the Humanities and Social Sciences (EROHS) 

7 

Towards  New  Research  Infrastructures  for  Europe:  the  ESFRI  “List  of  Opportunities”,  March  2005, 
www.cordis.lu/esfri/.  

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•  European Social Survey (ESS) 

“Global projects” 

•  ITER 

•  International Space Station (ISS) 

•  International Linear Collider (ILC) 

•  Square Kilometer Array (SKA) – radio telescope 

•  International Fusion Materials Irradiation Facility (IFMIF) 

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2005/0185 (CNS) 

Proposal for a 

COUNCIL DECISION 

concerning the Specific Programme “Cooperation” implementing the Seventh 
Framework Programme (2007-2013) of the European Community for research, 
technological development and demonstration activities 

(Text with EEA relevance) 

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 Commission8, 

Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament9, 

Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee10, 

Whereas: 

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

In  accordance  with  Article  166(3)  of  the  Treaty,  Decision  No  /EC  of  the  European 
Parliament and the Council concerning the 7th Framework Programme of the European 
Community  for  research,  technological  development  and  demonstration  activities, 
(2007-2013)  (hereinafter  referred  to  as  ‘the  Framework  Programme’)  is  to  be 
implemented  through  specific  programmes  that  define  detailed  rules  for  their 
implementation, fix their duration and provide for the means deemed necessary. 

The  Framework  Programme  is  structured  in  four  types  of  activities:  trans-national 
cooperation  on  policy-defined  themes  (“Cooperation”),  investigator-driven  research 
based  on  the  initiative  of  the  research  community  (“Ideas”),  support  of  training  and 
career  development  of  researchers  (“People”),  and  support  of  research  capacities 
(“Capacities”).  Activities  under  “Cooperation”  as  regards  indirect  actions  should  be 
implemented by this Specific Programme. 

The  rules  for  the  participation  of  undertakings,  research  centres  and  universities  and 
for  the  dissemination  of  research  results, for  the  Framework  Programme  (hereinafter 
referred  to  as  ‘the  rules  for  participation  and  dissemination’)  should  apply  to  this 
programme. 

8 
9 
10 

OJ C , , p. . 
OJ C , , p. . 
OJ C , , p. . 

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15 

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(4) 

(5) 

(6) 

(7) 

(8) 

The  Framework  Programme  should  complement  the  activities  carried  out  in  the 
Member States as well as other Community actions that are necessary for the overall 
strategic effort for the implementation of the Lisbon objectives, alongside in particular 
with  those  on  structural  funds,  agriculture,  education,  training,  competitiveness  and 
innovation, industry, health, consumer protection, employment, energy, transport and 
environment. 

Innovation  and  SME-related  activities  supported  under  this  Framework  Programme 
should  be  complementary  to  those  undertaken  under  the  Framework  Programme  for 
Competitiveness and Innovation.  

Implementation  of  the  Framework  Programme  may  give  rise  to  supplementary 
programmes  involving  the  participation  of  certain  Member  States  only,  the 
participation of the Community in programmes undertaken by several Member States, 
or  the  setting  up  of  joint  undertakings  or  other  arrangements  within  the  meaning  of 
Articles 168, 169 and 171 of the Treaty. 

This  Specific  Programme  should  contribute  to  the  grant  to  the  European  Investment 
Bank  for  the  constitution  of  a  “Risk-Sharing  Finance  Facility”  in  order  to  improve 
access to EIB loans. 

As  provided  for  under  Article  170  of  the  Treaty,  the  Community  has  concluded  a 
number of international agreements in the field of research and efforts should be made 
to strengthen international research cooperation with a view to further integrating the 
Community  into  the  world-wide  research  community.  Therefore,  this  Specific 
Programme  should  be  open  to  the  participation  of  countries  having  concluded 
agreements to this effect and should be also open on the project level, and on the basis 
of  mutual  benefit,  to  the  participation  of  entities  from  third  countries  and  of 
international organisations for scientific cooperation. 

(9) 

Research  activities  carried  out  within  this  programme  should  respect  fundamental 
ethical  principles,  including  those  which  are  reflected  in the  Charter  of  Fundamental 
Rights of the European Union,  

(10)  The  Framework  Programme  should  contribute  towards  promoting  sustainable 

development.  

(11)  Sound  financial  management  of  the  Framework  Programme  and  its  implementation 
should be ensured in the most effective and user-friendly manner possible, as well as 
ease  of  access  for  all  participants,  in  compliance  with  Council  Regulation  (EC, 
Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the 
general budget of the European Communities, Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) 
No 2342/2002 of 23 December 2002 laying down detailed rules for implementation of 
the Financial Regulation and any future amendments. 

(12)  Appropriate measures should also be taken to prevent irregularities and fraud and the 
necessary steps should be taken to recover funds lost, wrongly paid or incorrectly used 
in accordance with Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 
on  the  Financial  Regulation  applicable  to  the  general  budget  of  the  European 
Communities, Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2342/2002 of 23 December 
2002  laying  down  detailed  rules  for  implementation  of  the  Financial  Regulation  and 

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16 

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any  future  amendments,  Council  Regulations  (EC,  Euratom)  No  2988/95  of  18 
December 1995 on the protection of the European Communities financial interests11, 
(Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 of 11 November 1996 concerning on-the-spot checks and 
inspections  carried  out  by  the  Commission  in  order  to  protect  the  European 
irregularities12  and 
Communities’  financial 
Regulation  (EC)  No  1073/1999  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council 
concerning investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)13. 

interests  against  fraud  and  other 

(13)  The measures necessary for the implementation of this Decision should be adopted in 
accordance  with  Council  Decision  1999/468/EC  of  28  June  1999  laying  down  the 
procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission14. 

(14)  Each  thematic  area  should  have  its  own  budget  line  in  the  General  Budget  of  the 

European Communities. 

(15) 

In the implementation of this programme adequate attention needs to be paid to gender 
mainstreaming,  as  well  as  to,  inter  alia,  the  working  conditions,  transparency  of 
recruitment processes, and career development as regards the researchers recruited on 
projects and programmes funded under the actions of this programme, for which the 
Commission  Recommendation  of  11  March  2005  on  the  European  Charter  for 
Researchers and on a Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers15 offers a 
reference framework, 

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:  

Article 1 

The Specific Programme “Cooperation” for Community activities in the area of research and 
technological  development,  including  demonstration  activities,  hereinafter  the  “Specific 
Programme” is hereby adopted for the period from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2013. 

Article 2 

The Specific Programme shall support the activities for “Cooperation” supporting the whole 
range of research  actions carried  out  in trans-national cooperation in the following thematic 
areas: 

(a) 

Health; 

(b) 

Food, Agriculture and Biotechnology; 

(c) 

Information and Communication Technologies; 

(d) 

Nanosciences, Nanotechnologies, Materials and new Production Technologies; 

11 
12 
13 
14 
15 

OJ L 312, 23.12.1995, p. 1. 
OJ L 292, 15.11.1996, p. 2. 
OJ L 136, 31.5.1999, p. 1. 
OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23 
C(2005) 576. 

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17 

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(e) 

Energy; 

(f) 

Environment (including Climate Change); 

(g) 

Transport (including Aeronautics); 

(h) 

Socio-economic Sciences and Humanities; 

(i) 

Security and Space. 

Implementation  of  this  Specific  Programme  may  give  rise  to  supplementary  programmes 
involving the participation of certain Member States only, the participation of the Community 
in programmes undertaken by several Member States, or the setting up of joint undertakings 
or other arrangements within the meaning of Articles 168, 169 and 171 of the Treaty. 

The objectives and the broad lines of those activities are set out in Annex I. 

Article 3 

In accordance with Annex II of the Framework Programme, the amount deemed necessary for 
the execution of the Specific Programme shall be EUR 44 432 million, of which less than 6% 
shall  be  for  the  Commission’s  administrative  expenditure.  An  indicative  breakdown  of  this 
amount is given in Annex II. 

Article 4 

1. 

2. 

All research activities carried out under the Specific Programme shall be carried out 
in compliance with fundamental ethical principles.  

The following fields of research shall not be financed under this programme: 

– 

– 

– 

research activity aiming at human cloning for reproductive purposes, 

research  activity  intended  to  modify  the  genetic  heritage  of  human  beings 
which could make such changes heritable16, 

research activities intended to create human embryos solely for the purpose of 
research  or  for  the  purpose  of  stem  cell  procurement,  including  by  means  of 
somatic cell nuclear transfer. 

3. 

The following research shall not be financed under this programme: 

– 

– 

research activities that are prohibited in all the Member States, 

research activities to be carried out in a Member State where such research is 
prohibited. 

16 

Research relating to cancer treatment of the gonads can be financed. 

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Article 5 

1. 

2. 

3. 

The  Specific  Programme  shall  be  implemented  by  means  of  the  funding  schemes 
established in Annex III to the Framework Programme.  

Annex  III  to  this  Specific  Programme  sets  out  a  first  set  of  Joint  Technology 
Initiatives  that  will  be  the  subject  of  separate  decisions,  for  example  under  Article 
171  of  the  Treaty,  and  sets  out  the  arrangements  for  a  grant  to  the  European 
Investment Bank for the establishment of a Risk Sharing Finance Facility.  

Annex  IV  sets  out  a  number  of  initiatives  for  the  joint  implementation  of  national 
research programmes that would be the subject of a separate decision on the basis of 
Article 169 of the Treaty. 

4. 

The rules for participation and dissemination shall apply to this Specific Programme. 

Article 6 

1. 

2. 

3. 

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,  the  funding  scheme  to  be  used  for  the 
topic on which proposals are invited, and the timetable for implementation. 

The work programme shall take account of relevant research activities carried out by 
the  Member  States,  associated  countries  and  European  and 
international 
organisations. It shall be updated where appropriate. 

The work programme will specify the criteria on which proposals for indirect actions 
under the funding schemes shall be evaluated and projects selected. The criteria will 
be  those  of  excellence,  impact  and  implementation  and  within  this  framework 
additional  requirements,  weightings  and  thresholds  may  be  further  specified  or 
complemented in the work programme. 

4. 

The work programme may identify: 

(a) 

organisations that receive subscriptions in the form of a membership fee; 

(b) 

support actions for the activities of specific legal entities. 

Article 7 

1. 

2. 

The  Commission  shall  be  responsible  for  the  implementation  of  the  Specific 
Programme. 

The procedure laid down in Article 8(2) shall apply for the adoption of: 

(a) 

the work programme referred to in Article 6(1); 

(b) 

any  adjustment  to  the  indicative  breakdown  of  the  amount  as  set  out  in 
Annex II. 

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3. 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

The procedure laid down in Article 8(3) shall apply for the adoption of RTD actions 
involving the use of human embryos and human embryonic stem cells. 

The Commission shall be assisted by a Committee 

Article 8 

Where reference is made to this paragraph, the management procedure laid down in 
Article  4  of  Decision  1999/468/EC 
in  compliance  with  
Article 7(3) thereof.  

shall  apply, 

Where  reference  is  made  to  this  paragraph,  Articles  5  and  7  of  Decision 
1999/468/EC shall apply. 

The period provided for in Articles 4(3) and 5(6) of Decision 1999/468/EC shall be 
two months. 

The Commission shall regularly inform the Committee of the overall progress of the 
implementation  of  the  Specific  Programme,  and  shall  provide  it  with  information 
about all RTD actions funded under this programme. 

This Decision is addressed to the Member States. 

Done at Brussels,  

For the Council 
The President 

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ANNEX I 

SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL OBJECTIVES, BROAD LINES OF THE 
THEMES AND ACTIVITIES 

In this Specific Programme, support will be provided to trans-national co-operation at 
every  scale  across  the  European  Union  and  beyond,  in  a  number  of  thematic  areas 
corresponding  to  major  fields  of  the  progress  of  knowledge  and  technology,  where 
research  must  be  supported  and  strengthened  to  address  European  social,  economic, 
public health, environmental and industrial challenges.  

The  overarching  aim  is  to  contribute  to  sustainable  development  within  the  context  of 
promoting research at the highest level of excellence. 

The nine themes determined for EU action are the following: 

(1) 

Health; 

(2) 

Food, Agriculture and Biotechnology; 

(3) 

Information and Communication Technologies; 

(4) 

Nanosciences, Nanotechnologies, Materials and new Production Technologies; 

(5) 

Energy; 

(6) 

Environment (including Climate Change); 

(7) 

Transport (including Aeronautics); 

(8) 

Socio-economic Sciences and the Humanities; 

(9) 

Security and Space. 

Each  theme  is  described  in  terms  of  the  objective,  the  approach  to  implementation,  and  the 
activities including those involving large scale initiatives (as set out in Annexes III and IV), 
international cooperation, emerging needs and unforeseen policy needs. 

The principle of sustainable development and gender equality will be duly taken into account. 
Furthermore,  considerations  of  the  ethical,  social,  legal  and  wider  cultural  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 Specific Programme. 

Pluridisciplinary and cross-thematic research, including joint calls 

Special  attention  will  be  paid  to  priority  scientific  areas  which  cut  across  themes,  such  as 
marine  sciences  and  technologies.  Pluridisciplinarity  will  be  encouraged  by  joint  cross-
thematic  approaches  to  research  and  technology  subjects  relevant  to  more  than  one  theme. 
Such cross thematic approaches will be implemented, among others, through: 

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– 

– 

– 

– 

The use of joint calls between themes where a research topic is clearly relevant to the 
activities under each of the respective themes; 

The  special  emphasis  within  the  “emerging  needs”  activity  for  cross-disciplinary 
research; 

The  use  of  external  advice  from  a  broad  range  of  disciplines  and  backgrounds  for 
establishing the work programme; 

For policy relevant research, through ensuring coherence with EU polices;  

Coordination  between  the  themes  in  this  Specific  Programme  and  the  actions  under  other 
specific  programmes  of  the  7th  Framework  Programme,  such  as  those  on  research 
infrastructures  in  the  “Capacities”  Specific  Programme,  will  be  ensured  by  the  European 
Commission. 

Adaptation to evolving needs and opportunities 

The  continued  industrial  relevance  of  the  themes  will  be  ensured  by  relying,  among  other 
sources,  on  the  work  of  the  various  “European  Technology  Platforms”.  This  Specific 
Programme will thereby contribute to the implementation of the Strategic Research Agendas 
established  and  developed  by  the  European  Technology  Platforms  where  these  present 
genuine  European  added  value.  The  broad  research  needs  identified  in  available  Strategic 
Research  Agendas  are  already  well  reflected  across  the  nine  themes  identified  below.  The 
more  detailed  incorporation  of  their  technical  content  will  be  reflected  subsequently  when 
formulating the detailed work programme for specific calls for proposals. 

The continued relevance of the themes to the formulation, implementation and assessment of 
EU policies and regulations will also be ensured. This concerns policy areas such as those of 
health,  safety,  consumer  protection,  energy,  the  environment,  development  aid,  fisheries, 
maritime  affairs,  agriculture,  animal  health  and  welfare,  transport,  education  and  training, 
information  society  and  media,  employment,  social  affairs,  cohesion,  and  justice  and  home 
affairs, along with pre-normative and co-normative research relevant to improving the quality 
of  standards  and  their  implementation.  In  this  context,  platforms  that  bring  together 
stakeholders with the research community to consider strategic research agendas relevant to 
social. environmental or other policy areas may play a role. 

Under  each  theme,  besides  the  activities  defined,  specific  actions  to  respond  to  “emerging 
needs” and “unforeseen policy needs” will be implemented in an open and flexible way. The 
implementation  of  these  actions  will  ensure  a  simple,  coherent  and  coordinated  approach 
throughout  the  Specific  Programme  and  the  funding  of  cross-disciplinary  research  cutting 
across or lying outside the themes. 

•  Emerging needs: through specific support for research proposals aiming at identifying or 
further  exploring,  in  a  given  field  and/or  at  the  intersection  of  several  disciplines,  new 
scientific  and  technological  opportunities,  in  particular  linked  with  a  potential  for 
significant breakthroughs. This will be implemented through: 

– 

Open, “bottom up” research on topics identified  by researchers themselves to 
develop new scientific and technological opportunities (“Adventure” actions”) 

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or  to  assess  new  discoveries  or  newly-observed  phenomena  which  could 
indicate risks or problems to society (“Insight” actions); 

– 

Initiatives  focused  on  specific,  highly  challenging  objectives  in  emerging 
scientific  and  technological  fields  that  promise  major  advances  and  a  large 
potential  impact  on  economic  and  social  developments,  and  may  involve 
groups of complementary projects (“Pathfinder” actions). 

•  Unforeseen  policy  needs:  to  respond  in  a  flexible  way  to  new  policy  needs  that  arise 
during  the  course  of  the  Framework  Programme,  such  as  unforeseen  developments  or 
events  requiring  a  quick  reaction  like  new  epidemics,  emerging  concerns  in  food  safety, 
natural  disaster  responses  or  actions  of  solidarity.  This  will  be  implemented  in  close 
relationship with the relevant European Union policies. The annual work programme may 
be altered in the event of urgent research needs. 

•  Dissemination, knowledge transfer and broader engagement 

In order to strengthen the diffusion and use of the output of EU research, the dissemination of 
knowledge  and  transfer  of  results,  including  to  policy  makers,  will  be  supported  in  all 
thematic areas17, including through the funding of networking/brokerage initiatives, seminars 
and  events,  assistance  by  external  experts  and  electronic  information  services.  This  will  be 
implemented in each thematic area by means of: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Integration  of  dissemination  and  knowledge  transfer  actions  within  projects  and 
consortia,  through  suitable  provisions  in  the  financing  schemes  and  reporting 
requirements; 

Offering targeted assistance to projects and consortia to provide them with access to 
the necessary skills to optimise the use of results; 

Specific  dissemination  actions  which  take  a  proactive  approach  to  disseminating 
results  from  across  a  range  of  projects,  including  those  from  previous  Framework 
Programmes  and  other  research  programmes,  and  which  target  specific  sectors  or 
sets of stakeholders as potential users; 

Dissemination to policy makers, including standardisation bodies, to facilitate the use 
of  policy  relevant  results  by  the  appropriate  bodies  at  international,  European, 
national or regional levels; 

CORDIS  services  to  foster  the  dissemination  of  knowledge  and  the  exploitation  of 
research results; 

Initiatives to foster dialogue and debate on scientific issues and research results with 
a broader public beyond the research community. 

Coordination of dissemination and knowledge transfer across the Framework Programme will 
be  ensured.  Complementary  actions  to  support  innovation  will  be  implemented  by  the 
Competitiveness  and  Innovation  Programme.  Potential  synergies  between  education  and 

17 

In  some  cases,  certain  restrictions  may  apply  to  Security  research,  in  conformity  with  the  Rules  for 
Participation and Dissemination. 

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research  will  be  exploited  and  good  practice  identified,  in  particular  to  promote  careers  in 
research. 

SME participation 

The optimal participation of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) will be facilitated 
across the thematic areas, in particular by improved financial and  administrative procedures 
and more flexibility in choosing the appropriate financial scheme. Furthermore, the research 
needs  and  potential  of  SMEs  are  duly  taken  into  account  in  developing  the  content  of  the 
thematic areas of this Specific Programme and areas which are of particular interest to SMEs 
will be identified in the work programme. Specific actions to support research for the benefit 
of  SMEs  or  SME  associations  are  included  in  the  “Capacities”  Specific  Programme,  and 
actions to promote SME participation across the Framework Programme will be funded under 
the Competitiveness and Innovation Programme. 

Ethical aspects 

During the implementation of this Specific Programme and in the research activities arising 
from  it,  fundamental  ethical  principles  are  to  be  respected.  These  include,  inter  alia,  the 
principles reflected in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU, including the following: 
protection of human dignity and human life, protection of personal data and privacy, as well 
as animals and the environment in accordance with Community law and the latest versions of 
relevant  international  conventions,  guidelines  and  codes  of  conduct,  e.g.  the  Helsinki 
Declaration,  the  Convention  of  the  Council  of  Europe  on  Human  Rights  and  Biomedicine 
signed  in  Oviedo  on  4  April  1997  and  its  Additional  Protocols,  the  UN  Convention  on  the 
Rights  of  the  Child,  the  Universal  Declaration  on  the  human  genome  and  human  rights 
adopted by UNESCO, UN Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC), International 
Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, and the relevant World Health 
Organisation (WHO) resolutions. 

Account will also be taken of the Opinions of the European Group of Advisers on the Ethical 
Implications  of  Biotechnology  (1991-1997)  and  the  Opinions  of  the  European  Group  on 
Ethics in Science and New Technologies (as from 1998). 

In  compliance  with  the  principle  of  subsidiarity  and  the  diversity  of  approaches  existing  in 
Europe, participants in research projects must conform to current legislation, regulations and 
ethical  rules  in  the  countries  where  the  research  will  be  carried  out.  In  any  case,  national 
provisions apply and no research forbidden in any given Member State or other country will 
be supported by Community funding to be carried out in that Member State or country. 

Where appropriate, those carrying out research projects must seek the approval of the relevant 
national or local ethics committees prior to the start of the RTD activities. An ethical review 
will  also  be  implemented  systematically  by  the  Commission  for  proposals  dealing  with 
ethically  sensitive  issues  or  where  ethical  aspects  have  not  been  adequately  addressed.  In 
specific cases an ethical review may take place during the implementation of a project. 

In  accordance  with  Article  4(3)  of  this  Decision  no  funding  will  be  granted  for  research 
activities that are prohibited in all the Member States.  

The  Protocol  on  protection  and  welfare  of  animals  annexed  to  the  Treaty  requires  that  the 
Community  pays  full  regard  to  the  welfare  requirements  of  animals  in  formulating  and 

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implementing Community policies including research. Council Directive 86/609/EEC on the 
protection  of  animals  used  for  experimental  and  other  scientific  purposes  requires  that  all 
experiments  be  designed  to  avoid  distress  and  unnecessary  pain  and  suffering  to  the 
experimental animals; use the minimum number of animals; involve animals with the lowest 
degree of neurophysiological sensitivity; and cause the least pain, suffering, distress or lasting 
harm. Altering the genetic heritage of animals and cloning of animals may be considered only 
if  the  aims  are  ethically  justified  and  the  conditions  are  such  that  the  animals’  welfare  is 
guaranteed and the principles of biodiversity are respected. 

During  the  implementation  of  this  programme,  scientific  advances  and  national  and 
international provisions will be regularly monitored by the Commission so as to take account 
of any developments.  

Research on ethics related to scientific and technological developments will be carried out in 
the “Science in Society” part of the “Capacities” Specific Programme. 

Collaborative research 

Collaborative  research  will  constitute  the  bulk  and  the  core  of  EU  research  funding.  The 
objective is to establish, in the major fields of advancement of knowledge, excellent research 
projects and networks able to attract researchers and investments from Europe and the entire 
world, strengthening the EU industrial and technological base and supporting EU policies .  

This  will  be  achieved  by  supporting  collaborative  research,  which  will  include  the  active 
participation  of  industry,  through  the  range  of  funding  schemes:  collaborative  projects, 
networks of excellence, and co-ordination/support actions. 

Joint Technology Initiatives  

In  a  limited  number  of  cases,  the  scope  of  a  RTD  objective  and  the  scale  of  the  resources 
involved  justify  setting  up  long  term  public  private  partnerships  in  the  form  of  Joint 
Technology  Initiatives.  These  initiatives,  mainly  resulting  from  the  work  of  European 
Technology Platforms and covering one or a small number of selected aspects of research in 
their field, will combine private sector investment and national and European public funding, 
including grant funding from the Research Framework Programme and loan finance from the 
European  Investment  Bank.  Joint  Technology  Initiatives  will  be  decided  on  the  basis  of 
separate proposals (e.g. on the basis of Article 171 of the Treaty). 

Joint Technology Initiatives are identified on the basis of a series of criteria including:  

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Added value of European-level intervention; 

The degree and clarity of definition of the objective to be pursued; 

Strength of the financial and resource commitment from industry; 

Scale of the impact on industrial competitiveness and growth; 

Importance of the contribution to broader policy objectives; 

Capacity  to  attract  additional  national  support  and  leverage  current  or  future 
industry funding; 

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– 

Inability of existing instruments to achieve the objective. 

Particular  attention  will  be  paid  to  the  overall  coherence  and  coordination  between  Joint 
Technology  Initiatives  and  national  programmes  and  projects  in  the  same  fields.  The 
involvement of SMEs, where appropriate, will also be encouraged. 

A first set of Joint Technology Initiatives are identified in Annex III and will be the subject of 
separate proposals (e.g. under Article 171 of the Treaty). Further Joint Technology Initiatives 
may  be  identified  on  the  basis  of  the  above  criteria  and  be  proposed  during  the 
implementation of the 7th Framework Programme. 

Co-ordination of non-Community research programmes  

The action undertaken in this field will make use of two main tools: the ERA-NET scheme 
and the participation of the Community in jointly implemented national research programmes 
(Treaty  Article  169).  The  action  will  also  be  used  to  enhance  the  complementarity  and 
synergy  between  the  Framework  Programme  and  activities  carried  out  in  the  framework  of 
intergovernmental structures such as EUREKA, EIROforum and COST. Financial support for 
the  administration  and  coordination  activities  of  COST  will  be  provided  so  that  COST  can 
continue  to  contribute  to  coordination  and  exchanges  between  nationally  funded  research 
teams.  

Where  the  actions  are  within  the  scope  of  one  of  the  themes,  they  will  be  supported  as  an 
integral part of the activities under that theme. Where the actions are of a horizontal nature, 
they will be supported jointly across all of the relevant themes. 

Where the actions are within the scope of another Specific Programme implementing the 7th 
Framework Programme, they will be supported under that Specific Programme. 

The ERA-NET scheme will develop and strengthen the coordination of national and regional 
research activities by:  

– 

– 

Providing a framework for actors implementing public research programmes to 
step  up  the  coordination  of  their  activities.  This  will  include  support  for  new 
ERA-NETs  as  well  as  for  the  broadening  and  deepening  of  the  scope  of 
existing  ERA-NETs,  e.g.  by  extending  their  partnership,  as  well  as  opening 
mutually their programmes;  

Providing  additional  EU  financial  support  to  those  participants  that  create  a 
common  fund  for  the  purpose  of  joint  calls  for  proposals  between  their 
respective national and regional programmes (“ERA-NET PLUS”). 

The participation of the Community in national research programmes jointly implemented on 
the  basis  of  Article  169  is  especially  relevant  to  European  co-operation  on  a  large  scale  in 
“variable  geometry”  between  Member  States  sharing  common  needs  and/or  interests.  Such 
Article  169  initiatives  will  be  launched  in  areas  identified  in  close  association  with  the 
Member  States,  including  the  possible  cooperation  with  intergovernmental  programmes,  on 
the basis of the criteria defined in the 7th Framework Programme decision. 

A  number  of  initiatives  for  the  joint  implementation  of  national  research  programmes  are 
identified in the description in Annex IV and will be the subject of a separate decision on the 
basis of Article 169 of the Treaty. Further initiatives may be identified and proposed during 
the implementation of the 7th Framework Programme. 

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International co-operation 

International cooperation actions will support an international Science and Technology policy 
that has two interdependent objectives: 

– 

– 

To  support  and  promote  European  competitiveness  through  strategic  research 
partnerships with third countries including highly industrialised and emerging 
economies  in  science  and  technology  by  engaging  the  best  third  country 
scientists to work in and with Europe. 

To  address  specific  problems  that  third  countries  face  or  that  have  a  global 
character, on the basis of mutual interest and mutual benefit. 

The international scientific cooperation policy of the EU will stress and develop cooperation 
to  generate,  share  and  use  knowledge  through  equitable  research  partnerships  taking  into 
account  the  country,  regional  and  socio-economic  context  and  knowledge  base  of  partner 
countries.  The  strategic  approach  is  to  enhance  EU  competitiveness  and  global  sustainable 
development  through  such  partnerships  between  the  EU  and  third  countries  at  bilateral, 
regional and global levels based on mutual interest and benefit. To this end the EU’s role as a 
global  player  should  be  also  promoted 
international  research 
programmes.  The  international  cooperation  actions  supported  will  be  connected  to 
mainstream policy issues in order to support fulfilling international commitments of the EU 
and  contribute  to  sharing  European  values,  competitiveness,  socio-economic  progress, 
environmental protection and welfare under the umbrella of global sustainable development.  

through  multilateral 

International  cooperation  will  be  implemented  in  this  Specific  Programme  in  each  thematic 
area and across themes through: 

•  The opening of all activities carried out in the thematic areas to researchers and research 
institutions  from  all  International  Cooperation  Partner  countries  and  industrialised 
countries18.  In  addition  there  will  be  a  particular  emphasis  to  encourage  third  country 
participation in identified areas of mutual interest. 

•  Specific co-operation actions in each thematic area dedicated to third countries in the case 
of mutual interest in co-operating on particular topics. The identification of specific needs 
and priorities will be closely associated with relevant bilateral co-operation agreements and 
with ongoing multilateral and bi-regional dialogues between the EU and these countries or 
groups of countries. Priorities will be identified based on the particular needs, potential and 
level  of  economic  development  in  the  region  or  country.  To  this  end,  an  international 
cooperation  strategy  and  implementation  plan  will  be  developed  with  specific  targeted 
actions  within  or  across  the  themes,  e.g.  in  health,  agriculture,  sanitation,  water,  food 
security,  social  cohesion,  energy,  environment,  fisheries,  aquaculture  and  natural 
resources, sustainable economic policy and information and communication technologies. 
These actions will serve as privileged tools for implementing the co-operation between the 
EU  and  these  countries.  Such  actions  are,  in  particular,  actions  aiming  at  reinforcing  the 
research  capacities  and  cooperative  capacities  of  candidate,  neighbourhood,  and 
developing  and  emerging  countries.  The  actions  will  be  the  subject  of  targeted  calls  and 

18 

As  defined  in  the  Rules  for  Participation  and  Dissemination.  Particular  requirements  may  apply  to 
Security research. 

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particular attention will be paid to facilitating access of the relevant third countries, notably 
developing countries, to the actions. 

These  activities  will  be  implemented  in  coordination  with  international  cooperation  actions 
under the “People” and the “Capacities” specific programmes. 

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THEMES 

1. 

Health 

Objective  

Improving  the  health  of  European  citizens  and  increasing  the  competitiveness  of 
European  health-related  industries  and  businesses,  while  addressing  global  health 
issues  including  emerging  epidemics.  Emphasis  will  be  put  on  translational  research 
(translation  of  basic  discoveries  into  clinical  applications),  the  development  and 
validation  of  new  therapies,  methods  for  health  promotion  and  disease  prevention, 
diagnostic  tools  and  technologies,  as  well  as  sustainable  and  efficient  health  care 
systems.  

Approach  

This  research  will  advance  our  understanding  on  how  to  more  efficiently  promote  good 
health, to prevent and treat major diseases and to deliver health care. It will help integrate 
the vast amount of genomics data to generate new knowledge and applications in medicine 
and biotechnology. It will  foster translational health research, which is essential to ensure 
practical  benefits  from  biomedical  research.  It  will  allow  Europe  to  contribute  more 
effectively to international efforts combating diseases of global importance, as illustrated by 
the  ongoing  programme  on  “European  and  Developing  Countries  Clinical  Trials 
Partnership” (EDCTP) for combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis (Article 169)19. 
It  will  reinforce  health  policy-driven  research  at  the  European  level  and  especially  the 
comparisons of the models, systems and data of national databases. 

This research will help improve the competitiveness of European health care biotechnology 
and  medical  technology  sectors,  where  SMEs  are  the  main  economic  drivers,  and 
pharmaceutical industries. In particular, it is envisaged to support a European Technology 
Platform20  on  innovative  medicines,  aiming  at  overcoming  the  research  bottlenecks  in  the 
drug  development  process.  Special  attention  will  be  given  to  bridging  the  gap  between 
research activities and exploitation by providing support for demonstrating proof of concept 
and clinical validation. This research will also contribute to the development of norms and 
standards  for  new  advanced  therapies  (e.g.  regenerative  medicine)  needed  to  help  EU 
industry face worldwide competition. 

Gender  aspects  in  research  will  be  considered  and  integrated  in  the  projects21  whenever 
appropriate.  Special  attention  will  be  given  to  communicating  research  outcomes  and 
engaging  in  dialogue  with  civil  society,  in  particular  with  patient  groups,  at  the  earliest 

19 

20 

21 

Other new important initiatives regarding the co-ordination of national research programmes may be 
supported where needed. 
Strategic research agendas of other European Technology Platforms may be supported where they are 
of major importance for health-related industries. 
Risk  factors,  biological  mechanisms,  causes,  clinical  manifestation,  consequences  and  treatment  of 
disease  and  disorders  often  differ  between  women  and  men.  Therefore,  all  activities  funded  within 
this Theme must reflect the possibility of such differences in their research protocols, methodologies 
and analysis of results. 

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possible stage, of new developments arising from biomedical and genetics research. A wide 
dissemination and use of the results will also be assured. 

Two  strategic  issues,  child  health22  and  the  health  of  the  ageing  population  will  be 
addressed  across  the  three  main  blocks  of  activities  set  out  below,  with  priorities 
highlighted  in  the  work  programme.  Other  multi-disciplinary  areas  will  also  be  included. 
This  will  ensure  a  visible  and coherent  approach  to  these  issues  across  the  Theme,  whilst 
avoiding duplication. 

Activities  

•  Biotechnology, generic tools and technologies for human health 

This  activity  aims  at  developing  and  validating  the  necessary  tools  and  technologies  that 
will  make  possible  the  production  of  new  knowledge  and  its  translation  into  practical 
applications in the area of health and medicine. 

–  High-throughput  research:  to  develop  new  research  tools  for  modern  biology  that  will 
enhance  significantly  data  generation  and  improve  data  and  specimen  (biobanks) 
standardisation,  acquisition  and  analysis.  The  focus  will  be  on  new  technologies  for: 
sequencing;  gene  expression,  genotyping  and  phenotyping;  structural  genomics; 
bioinformatics and systems biology; other “omics”. 

–  Detection,  diagnosis  and  monitoring:  to  develop  visualisation,  imaging,  detection  and 
analytical  tools  and  technologies  for  biomedical  research,  for  prediction,  diagnosis, 
monitoring  and  prognosis  of  diseases,  and  for  support  and  guidance  of  therapeutic 
interventions.  The  focus  will  be  on  a  multidisciplinary  approach  integrating  areas  such 
as:  molecular  and  cellular  biology,  physiology,  genetics,  physics,  chemistry, 
nanotechnologies,  microsystems,  devices  and  information  technologies.  Non-  or 
minimally-  invasive  and  quantitative  methods  and  quality  assurance  aspects  will  be 
emphasised. 

–  Innovative  therapeutic  approaches  and  interventions:  to  consolidate  and  ensure  further 
developments  in  advanced  therapies  and  technologies  with  broad  potential  application. 
The  focus  will  be  on  gene  and  cell  therapy,  regenerative  medicine,  transplantation, 
immunotherapy  and  vaccines,  and  other  medicines.  Related  technologies,  such  as 
advanced  targeted  delivery  systems,  advanced  implants  and  prosthetics,  and  non-  or 
minimally-invasive technology-assisted interventions will also be addressed. 

–  Predicting  suitability,  safety  and  efficacy  of  therapies:  to  develop  and  validate  the 
parameters,  tools,  methods  and  standards  needed  for  bringing  to  the  patient  safe  and 
effective new biomedicines [for conventional medicines23, these issues will be addressed 
through  the  proposed  Joint  Technology  Initiative  on  Innovative  Medicines].  The  focus 
will  be  on  approaches  such  as  pharmacogenomics,  in  silico,  in  vitro  (including 
alternatives to animal testing) and in vivo methods and models. 

22 

23 

Support will in particular be given to specific clinical studies to provide evidence for the appropriate 
use of off-patent products currently used off-label in paediatric populations. 
Pharmaceuticals and bio-pharmaceuticals. 

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•  Translating research for human health 

This  activity  aims  at  increasing  knowledge  of  biological  processes  and  mechanisms 
involved  in  normal  health  and  in  specific  disease  situations,  to  transpose  this  knowledge 
into clinical applications, and to ensure that clinical data guide further research. 

–  Integrating biological data and processes: large-scale data gathering, systems biology.  

•  Large  scale  data  gathering:  to  use  high-throughput  technologies  to  generate  data  for 
elucidating  the  function  of  genes  and  gene  products  and  their  interactions  in  complex 
networks. The focus will be on: genomics; proteomics; population genetics; comparative 
and functional genomics. 

•  Systems biology: the focus will be on multidisciplinary research that will integrate a wide 
variety of biological  data  and  will develop and apply system approaches to  understand 
and model biological processes.  

–  Research on the brain and related diseases, human development and ageing.  

•  Brain  and  brain-related  diseases:  to  better  understand  the  integrated  structure  and 
dynamics  of  the  brain,  and  to  study  brain  diseases  and  search  for  new  therapies.  The 
focus  will  be  to  explore  brain  functions,  from  molecules  to  cognition,  and  to  address 
neurological  and  psychiatric  diseases  and  disorders,  including  regenerative  and 
restorative therapeutic approaches. 

•  Human  development  and  ageing:  to  better  understand  the  process  of  life-long 
development  and  healthy  ageing.  The  focus  will  be  on  the  study  of  human  and  model 
systems, including interactions with factors such as environment, behaviour and gender.  

–  Translational research in major infectious diseases: to confront major threats to public 

health.  

•  Anti-microbial  drug  resistance:  the  focus  will  be  on  combining  basic  research  on 
molecular  mechanisms  of  resistance,  microbial  ecology  and  host-pathogen  interactions 
with clinical research towards new interventions to reduce the emergence and spread of 
multi-drug resistant infections. 

•  HIV/AIDS,  malaria  and  tuberculosis:  the  focus  will  be  on  developing  new  therapies, 
diagnostic  tools,  preventive  vaccines  and  chemical  transmission  barriers  such  as  HIV 
microbicides.  Research  efforts  will  confront  the  three  diseases  at  global  level,  but  will 
also address specific European  aspects.  Preclinical and early  clinical research activities 
will be emphasised, and where relevant (e.g. for HIV/AIDS vaccines) collaboration with 
global initiatives is foreseen.  

•  Emerging  epidemics:  the  focus  will  be  on  confronting  emerging  pathogens  with 
pandemic  potential  including  zoonoses  (e.g.  SARS  and  highly  pathogenic  influenza). 
Where appropriate, provisions will be made for rapidly initiating collaborative research 
aimed  at  expediting  development  of  new  diagnostics,  drugs  and  vaccines  for  efficient 
prevention, treatment, and control of infectious disease emergencies. 

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–  Translational research in other major diseases.  

•  Cancer:  the  focus  will  be  on  disease  aetiology;  identifying  and  validating  drug  targets 
and  biological  markers  that  aid  in  the  prevention,  early  diagnosis  and  treatment;  and 
assessing the effectiveness of prognostic, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. 

•  Cardiovascular  disease:  the  focus  will  be  on  diagnosis,  prevention,  treatment  and 
monitoring  of  heart  and  blood  vessel  diseases  (including  vascular  aspects  of  stroke) 
using broad multidisciplinary approaches.  

•  Diabetes  and  obesity:  for  the  former,  the  focus  will  be  on  aetiologies  of  the  different 
types of diabetes, and their related prevention and treatment. For the later, the focus will 
be on multidisciplinary approaches including genetics, life style and epidemiology. 

•  Rare  diseases:  the  focus  will  be  on  Europe-wide  studies  of  natural  history, 
pathophysiology  and  on  development  of  preventive,  diagnostic  and  therapeutic 
interventions. This sector will include rare Mendelian phenotypes of common diseases. 

•  Other chronic diseases: the focus will be on non-lethal diseases with a high impact on 
the quality of life at old age such as functional and sensory impairment and other chronic 
diseases (e.g. rheumatoid diseases).  

•  Optimising the delivery of health care to European citizens 

This  activity  aims  at  providing  the  necessary  basis  both  for  informed  policy  decisions  on 
health  systems  and  for  more  effective  strategies  of  health  promotion,  disease  prevention, 
diagnosis and therapy. 

–  Enhanced  health  promotion  and  disease  prevention:  to  provide  evidence  for  the  best 
public health measures in terms of life styles and interventions at different levels and in 
different  contexts.  Focus  will  be  on  the  wider  determinants  of  health  and  how  they 
interact at both the individual and community level (e.g. diet, stress, tobacco and other 
substances,  physical  activity,  cultural  context,  socio-economic  and  environmental 
factors). In particular, mental health will be addressed in a life-course perspective. 

–  Translating clinical research into clinical practice including better use of medicines, and 
appropriate use of behavioural and organisational interventions and health therapies and 
technologies. Special attention will be given to patient safety: to identify the best clinical 
practice;  to  understand  decision  making  in  clinical  settings  in  primary  and  specialised 
care;  and  to  foster  applications  of  evidence-based  medicine  and  patient  empowerment. 
Focus  will  be  on  the  benchmarking  of  strategies;  investigating  outcomes  of  different 
interventions 
into  consideration  pharmacovigilance 
evidence,  specificities  of  the  patient  (e.g.  genetic  susceptibility,  age,  gender  and 
adherence) and cost benefits.  

including  medicines, 

taking 

–  Quality, solidarity and sustainability of health systems; to provide a basis for countries to 
adapt  their  health  systems  in  the  light  of  experience  of  others,  taking  into  account  the 
importance  of  national  contexts  and  population  characteristics  (ageing,  mobility, 
migration, education, socioeconomic status and the changing world of work etc). Focus 
will  be  on  organisational,  financial  and  regulatory  aspects  of  health  systems,  their 

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implementation  and  their  outcomes  in  terms  of  effectiveness,  efficiency  and  equity. 
Special attention will be paid to investment issues and human resources.  

International cooperation 

International cooperation is an integral part of the Theme and is of particular importance for 
areas  addressing  global  health  problems,  such  as  anti-microbial  resistance,  HIV/AIDS, 
malaria, tuberculosis and emerging pandemics. This may also involve priority setting in the 
context of international initiatives, such as the Global HIV Vaccine Enterprise. Subject to 
the consolidation of a long-term sustainable partnership in clinical research between Europe 
and  Developing  countries,  further  support  will  be  provided24  to  the  European  and 
Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) in response to its achievements 
and future needs. The EDCTP programme will remain focused on advanced clinical testing 
for the development of new vaccines, microbicides and drugs against the three diseases in 
sub-Saharan Africa. 

Specific  cooperation  actions  will  be  implemented  in  the  areas  formulated  through  bi-
regional dialogues  in  third Countries/Regions and international fora, as well as within the 
context of Millennium Development Goals. Such priority areas adapted to local needs and 
through  partnerships  may  include:  health  policy  research,  health  systems  and  health  care 
service research, maternal and child health, reproductive health, control and surveillance of 
neglected communicable diseases and emerging unforeseen policy needs in those regions.  

An  annual  subscription  to  the  international  Human  Frontier  Science  Programme 
Organisation  (HFSPO)25  will  be  made  jointly  with  the  “Information  and  Communication 
Technologies” theme. This will allow EU non-G8 Member States to fully benefit from the 
Human Frontier Science Programme (HFSP) and provide increased visibility for European 
research. 

Responding to emerging needs and unforeseen policy needs 

Research  on  emerging  needs  will  be  implemented  on  the  basis  of  “bottom  up”  and 
“focussed” initiatives, in coordination with other Themes and this will include a broad and 
inter-disciplinary research portfolio. Support for unforeseen European Union policy needs 
may  address,  for  example  occupational  health  and  safety,  health  impact  assessment,  risk 
assessment,  statistical  indicators,  management  and  communication  in  the  public  health 
domain, as well as obligations under international health treaties including the Framework 
Convention  on  Tobacco  Control26  and  the  International  Health  Regulations27.  This  will 
complement the health policy-driven research supported above. 

24 
25 

26 
27 

E.g. a grant to the EDCTP European Economic Interest Grouping. 
The European Community  is a member of the HFSP Organisation (HFSPO) and has funded HFSP 
under previous Framework Programmes. 
Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, 2004/513/EC. 
International Health Regulations 2005 – Resolution 58.3 of the 58th World Health Assembly, 23 May 
2005. 

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2. 

Food, Agriculture and Biotechnology 

Objective  

Building  a  European  Knowledge  Based  Bio-Economy28  by  bringing  together  science, 
industry and other stakeholders, to exploit new and emerging research opportunities 
that address social and economic challenges: the growing demand for safer, healthier 
and  higher  quality  food,  taking  into  account  animal  welfare  and  rural  contexts;  the 
sustainable  production  and  use  of  renewable  bio-resources;  the  increasing  risk  of 
epizootic and zoonotic diseases and food related disorders; threats to the sustainability 
and  security  of  agricultural  and  fisheries  production  resulting  in  particular  from 
climate change.  

Approach 

This theme will strengthen the knowledge base, deliver the innovations and provide policy 
support for building and developing a European Knowledge Based Bio-Economy (KBBE). 
Research  will  focus  on  the  sustainable  management,  production  and  use  of  biological 
resources,  in  particular  through  life  sciences  and  biotechnology  and  the  convergence  with 
other technologies, to provide new, eco-efficient and competitive products from European 
agriculture,  fisheries,  aquaculture,  food29,  health,  forest  based  and  related  industries. 
Research will make important contributions to the implementation and formulation of EU 
policies  and  regulations  and  specifically  address  or  support:  the  Common  Agricultural 
Policy;  agriculture  and  trade  issues;  food  safety  regulations;  Community  Animal  Health 
Policy,  disease  control  and  welfare  standards;  environment  and  biodiversity;  EU  Forestry 
Strategy; and the Common Fisheries Policy aiming to provide sustainable development of 
fishing  and  aquaculture.  Research  will  also  seek  to  develop  new  and  existing  indicators 
supporting analysis, development and monitoring of these policies. 

Agro-food industries, of which 90% are SMEs, will particularly benefit from many research 
activities, including targeted dissemination and technology transfer activities, in particular 
as regards the integration and uptake of advanced eco-efficient technologies, methodologies 
and  processes  and  the  development  of  standards.  High-tech  start-ups  from  the  bio-,  nano- 
and  ICT  are  expected  to  provide  important  contributions  to  the  areas  of  plant  breeding, 
improved  crops  and  plant  protection,  advanced  detection  and  monitoring  technologies  for 
ensuring food safety and quality, and new industrial bioprocesses.  

Several  European  Technology  Platforms,  covering  the  areas  of  plant  genomics  and 
biotechnology,  forestry  and  forest  based  industries,  global  animal  health,  farm  animal 
breeding, food, aquaculture and industrial biotechnology, will contribute in setting common 
research priorities for this theme, in identifying possible future large scale initiatives such as 
demonstration projects for the production of bulk chemicals from biomass (plant cell wall, 
biofuels,  biopolymers)  and  help  ensure  broad  participation  and  integration  of  all 
stakeholders. Actions to enhance the co-ordination of national research programmes will be 
pursued  wherever  appropriate,  in  close  co-ordination  with  ERA-Net  projects,  Technology 

28 

29 

The  term  “bio-economy”  includes  all  industries  and  economic  sectors  that  produce,  manage  and 
otherwise exploit biological resources (and related services, supply or consumer industries), such as 
agriculture, food, fisheries, forestry, etc. 
Food includes seafood. 

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Platforms  and  other  relevant  actors,  such  as  the  Standing  Committee  on  Agricultural 
Research (SCAR) or any future European maritime research co-ordination structure. 

Consideration  of  the  social,  ethical,  gender,  legal,  environmental,  economic  and  wider 
cultural  aspects  and  potential  risks  and  impacts  (foresight)  of  the  scientific  and 
technological development will form a part of the activities, where relevant.  

Activities  

•  Sustainable production and management of biological resources from land, forest, 

and aquatic environments30 

–  Enabling  research  on  the  key  long  term  drivers  of  sustainable  production  and 
management of biological resources (micro-organisms, plants and animals) including the 
exploitation  of  biodiversity  and  of  novel  bioactive  molecules  within  these  biological 
systems.  Research  will  include  'omics'  technologies,  such  as  genomics,  proteomics, 
metabolomics, and converging technologies, and their integration within systems biology 
approaches,  as  well  as  the  development  of  basic  tools  and  technologies,  including 
bioinformatics and relevant databases, and methodologies for identifying varieties within 
species groups. 

–  Increased sustainability and competitiveness, while decreasing environmental impacts, in 
agriculture,  forestry,  fisheries  and  aquaculture  through  the  development  of  new 
technologies, equipment, monitoring systems, novel plants and production systems, the 
improvement of the scientific and technical basis of fisheries management, and a better 
understanding  of  the  interaction  between  different  systems  (agriculture  and  forestry; 
fisheries and aquaculture) across a whole ecosystem approach. For land based biological 
resources, special emphasis will be placed on low input and organic production systems, 
improved management of resources and novel feeds, and novel plants (crops and trees) 
with improved composition, resistance to stress, nutrient use efficiency, and architecture. 
This will  be supported  through  research into biosafety, co-existence  and  traceability of 
novel  plants  systems  and  products.  Plant  health  will  be  improved  through  better 
understanding  of  ecology,  biology  of  pests,  diseases  and  other  threats  and  support  to 
controlling  disease  outbreaks  and  enhancing  sustainable  pest  management  tools  and 
techniques. For biological resources from aquatic environments, emphasis will be placed 
on essential biological functions, safe and environmentally friendly production systems 
and  feeds  of  cultured  species  and  on  fisheries  biology,  dynamics  of  mixed  fisheries, 
interactions  between  fisheries  activities  and  the  marine  ecosystem  and  on  fleet-based, 
regional and multi-annual management systems. 

–  Optimised animal production and welfare, across agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture, 
inter  alia  through  the  exploitation  of  genetic  knowledge,  new  breeding  methods, 
improved  understanding  of  animal  physiology  and  behaviour  and 
the  better 
understanding and control of  infectious animal diseases, including  zoonoses. The latter 
will  also  be  addressed  by  developing  tools  for  monitoring,  prevention  and  control,  by 
underpinning and applied research on vaccines and diagnostics, studying the ecology of 

30 

Complementary  research  relating  to  sustainable  management  and  conservation  is  addressed  under 
“Environment  including  Climate  Change”.  Research  on  other  tools  and  technologies  that  support 
sustainable production and management will be done under the relevant themes.  

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known  or  emerging  infectious  agents  and  other  threats,  including  malicious  acts,  and 
impacts of different farming systems and climate. New knowledge for the safe disposal 
of animal waste and improved management of by-products will also be developed. 

–  Providing  the  tools  needed  by  policy  makers  and  other  actors  to  support  the 
implementation of relevant strategies, policies and legislation and in particular to support 
the building of the European Knowledge Based Bio-Economy (KBBE) and the needs of 
rural and coastal development. The Common Fisheries Policy will be supported through 
the development of adaptive approaches supportive to a whole ecosystem approach for 
the harvesting of marine resources. Research for all policies will include socio-economic 
studies, comparative investigations of different farming systems, cost-effective fisheries 
management  systems,  the  rearing  of  non-food  animals,  interactions  with  forestry  and 
studies to improve rural and coastal livelihoods. 

•  Fork to farm: Food, health and well being  

–  Understanding consumer behaviour as a major factor in the competitiveness of the food 
industry  and  the  impact  of  food  on  the  health,  and  well-being  of  the  European  citizen. 
The  focus  will  be  on  consumer  perception  and  attitudes  towards  food,  understanding 
societal trends, and identifying determinants of food choice and consumer access to food.  

–  Understanding  dietary  factors  and  habits  as  a  major  controllable  factor  in  the 
development and reduction of occurrence of diet-related diseases and disorders. This will 
involve the development and application of nutrigenomics and systems biology, and the 
study of the interactions between nutrition, physiological and psychological functions. It 
could lead to reformulation of processed foods, and development of novel foods, dietetic 
foods and foods with nutritional and health claims. The investigation of traditional, local, 
and  seasonal  foods  and  diets  will  also  be  important  to  highlight  the  impact  of  certain 
foods and diets on health, and to develop integrated food guidance.  

–  Optimising innovation in the European food industry through the integration of advanced 
technologies  into  traditional  food  production,  key  process  technologies  to  enhance  the 
functionality  of  food,  the  development  and  demonstration  of  high-tech,  eco-efficient 
processing and packaging, smart control applications and more efficient management of 
by-products,  wastes  and  energy.  New  research  will  also  develop  sustainable  and  novel 
technologies  for  animal  feed,  including  safe  feed  processing  formulations  and  for  feed 
quality control.  

–  Assuring  chemical  and  microbiological  safety  and  improving  quality  in  the  European 
food  supply.  This  will  include  understanding  the  links  between  microbial  ecology  and 
food safety; developing methods and models addressing the integrity of the food supply 
chains;  new  detection  methods,  and  technologies  and  tools  for  risk  assessment, 
management, and communication, and enhance the understanding of risk perception. 

–  Protecting both human health and the environment through a better understanding of the 
environmental  impacts  on  and  of  food/feed  chains.  This  will  involve  study  of  food 
contaminants  and  health  outcomes,  developing  enhanced  tools  and  methods  for  the 
assessment of impacts of food and feed chains on the environment. Assuring quality and 
the  integrity  of  the  food  chain  requires  new  models  for  commodity  chain  analysis  and 
total food chain management concepts, including consumer aspects. 

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•  Life sciences and biotechnology for sustainable non-food products and processes  

–  To strengthen  the  knowledge base and develop advanced technologies for terrestrial or 
marine  biomass  production  for  applications  in  energy  and  industry.  This  will  include 
plant, animal and microbial genomics and metabolomics to improve the productivity and 
composition  of raw  materials and biomass feedstocks for optimised conversion to high 
added  value  products,  while  exploiting  natural  or  enhanced  terrestrial  and  aquatic 
organisms  as  novel  sources.  This  will  fully  incorporate  life  cycle  analysis  of  farming 
practices, 
transportation,  and  storage  and  market  deployment  of  bio-products. 
Accordingly the application of industrial biotechnologies within the whole crop chain to 
realise  the  full  potential  of  the  bio-refinery  approach,  including  socioeconomic, 
agronomic,  and  ecological  and  consumer  aspects  will  be  addressed.  This  will  be 
enhanced by an increased understanding and control of plant and microbial metabolism 
at  the  cellular  and  sub-cellular  level,  in  the  production  of  high  value  commodities 
deploying bio-processes with increased yield, quality and purity of conversion products, 
including  biocatalytic  process  design.  Furthermore,  biotechnologies  for  novel  and 
improved  high  quality,  high  added  value  and  renewable  forest-based  products  and 
processes  will  be  used  or  developed  to  increase  sustainability  of  wood  and  wood 
production,  including  timber  and  renewable  bioenergy  stocks.  Finally,  the  potential  of 
biotechnology to detect, monitor, prevent, treat and remove pollution with an emphasis 
on maximising the economic value of waste and by-products through new bio-processes, 
alone or in combination with plant systems and/or chemical catalysts will be addressed. 

International cooperation 

International  co-operation  is  a  priority  aspect  for  Food,  Agriculture  and  Biotechnology 
research  and  will  be  strongly  encouraged  throughout  the  entire  area.  Research  of  specific 
interest  for  developing  countries  will  be  supported,  taking  into  account  Millennium 
development  goals  and  already  ongoing  activities.  Specific  actions  will  be  undertaken  to 
foster co-operation with priority partner regions and countries - particularly those involved 
in bi-regional dialogues and bilateral S&T agreements as well as neighbourhood countries 
and emerging economies and developing countries. 

Furthermore,  multilateral  co-operation  will  be  carried  out  to  address  either  challenges 
requiring  broad  international  efforts,  such  as  the  dimension  and  complexity  of  systems 
biology in plants and micro-organisms, or to address global challenges and EU international 
commitments  (security  and  safety  of  food  and  drinking  water,  global  spread  of  animal 
diseases,  equitable  use  of  biodiversity,  the  restoration  of  world  fisheries  to  Maximum 
Sustainable Yield by 2015 and the influence of/on climate change).  

Responding to emerging needs and unforeseen policy needs  

Research on emerging needs may address, for example, the development of new concepts 
and technologies, such as on crisis management systems and the integrity of the food chain.  

A  flexible  response  to  unforeseen  policy  needs  will  take  particular  account  of  relevant 
policies for building a European Knowledge Based Bio-Economy.  

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3. 

Information and Communication Technologies 

Objective 

Improve the competitiveness of European industry and enable Europe to master and 
shape  the  future  developments  of  Information  and  Communication  Technologies 
(ICT)  so  that  the  demands  of  its  society  and  economy  are  met.  Activities  will 
strengthen Europe’s scientific and technology base and ensure its global leadership in 
ICT,  help  drive  and  stimulate  innovation  through  ICT  use  and  ensure  that  ICT 
progress  is  rapidly  transformed  into  benefits  for  Europe’s  citizens,  businesses, 
industry and governments. 

Introduction 

Information and communication technologies (ICT) play a unique, proven role in fostering 
innovation,  creativity  and  competitiveness  of  all  industry  and  service  sectors.  They  are 
essential  for  addressing  key  societal  challenges  and  modernising  public  services  and  they 
underpin  progress  in  all  science  and  technology  fields.  Europe  must  therefore  master  and 
shape the future developments of ICT and ensure that ICT-based services and products are 
taken up and used to deliver the maximum possible benefits for citizens and businesses.  

These are the targets of the Union’s Information Society policy, as highlighted in the i2010 
initiative, aiming at a competitive convergent information economy in Europe, a significant 
rise  in  European  investment  in  ICT  research  and  innovation  and  a  very  high  level  of 
accessibility in the Information Society. 

New ICT technologies will open up many new opportunities for higher-value products and 
services,  many  of  which  are  in  areas  where  Europe  already  enjoys  industrial  and 
technological  leadership.  Partnering  at  European  level  is  the  optimal  approach  to  ICT 
investment.  More  than  ever  before,  such  efforts  are  needed  to  keep  pace  with  soaring 
research costs in an era of global competition, and increasingly complex and interdependent 
technologies. 

The ICT theme prioritises strategic research around key technology pillars, ensures end-to-
end  integration  of  technologies  and  provides  the  knowledge  and  the  means  to  develop  a 
wide  range  of  innovative  ICT  applications.  The  activities  will  leverage  industrial  and 
technological  advance  in  the  ICT  sector  and  improve  the  competitive  edge  of  important 
ICT-intensive  sectors  –  both  through  innovative  high-value  ICT-based  products  and 
services  and  from 
in  businesses  and 
improvements  of  organisational  processes 
administrations alike. The theme will also support other policies of the European Union, by 
mobilising ICT to meet public and societal demands. 

Activities  will  cover  collaboration  and  networking  actions,  support  to  Joint  Technology 
Initiatives  –  including  selected  aspects  of  research  in  the  areas  of  Nanoelectronics 
Technologies and Embedded Computing Systems – and national programme co-ordination 
initiatives – including in the area of Ambient Assisted Living. The priorities of the activities 
will  include  topics  relying,  among  other  sources,  on  the  work  of  European  Technology 
Platforms.  Thematic  synergies  will  also  be  developed  with  related  activities  in  other 
Specific Programmes. 

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The active participation of small and medium-sized enterprises and other  small entities in 
the activities is essential given their role in promoting innovation. They play vital roles in 
the  development  and  nurturing  of  new  visions  in  ICT  and  their  applications  and  in 
transforming them into business assets. 

Activities  

•  ICT Technology Pillars: 

to 

technologies 

–  Nano-electronics,  photonics  and  integrated  micro/nano-systems:  process,  device  and 
design 
improve  size,  density,  performance,  energy  efficiency, 
manufacturing  and  cost-effectiveness  for  components,  systems-on-a-chip,  systems-in-a-
package  and  integrated  systems;  basic  photonic  components  for  wide  range  of 
applications; high-performance/high-density data storage systems; very large area/highly 
integrated  display  solutions;  sensing,  actuating,  vision  and  imaging  devices;  ultra  low 
power  systems,  alternative  energy  sources/storage;  heterogeneous  technologies/systems 
integration;  multi-functional 
large-area 
electronics; integration in different materials/objects; interfacing with living organisms; 
(self-)assembly of molecules or atoms into stable structures. 

integrated  micro-nano-bio-info  systems; 

–  Ubiquitous  and  unlimited  capacity  communication  networks:  cost-effective  mobile  and 
broadband network technologies and systems including terrestrial and satellite networks; 
convergence  of  different  fixed,  mobile,  wireless  and  broadcasting  networks  spanning 
from  the  personal  area  to  the  regional  and  global  area;  interoperability  of  wired  and 
wireless  communications  services  and  applications,  management  of  networked 
resources,  service  reconfigurability;  complex  networking  of  ad-hoc 
intelligent 
multimedia devices, sensors and microchips.  

–  Embedded systems, computing and control: more powerful, secure, distributed, reliable 
and  efficient  hardware/software  systems  that  can  perceive,  control  and  adapt  to  their 
environment  while  optimising  the  use  of  resources;  methods  and  tools  for  system 
modelling, design and engineering to master complexity; open composable architectures 
and  scale-free  platforms,  middleware  and  distributed  operating  systems  to  enable  truly 
seamless  collaborative  and  ambient  intelligent  environments  for  sensing,  actuation, 
computing,  communication,  storage,  and  service  delivery;  computing  architectures 
incorporating  heterogeneous,  networked  and  reconfigurable  components  including 
compilation,  programming  and  run-time  support;  control  of  large-scale,  distributed, 
uncertain systems. 

–  Software,  Grids,  security  and  dependability:  technologies,  tools  and  methods  for 
dynamic  and  trusted  software,  architectures  and  middleware  systems  that  underpin 
knowledge-intensive  services,  including  their  provision  as  utilities;  service-oriented, 
interoperable  and  scale-free  infrastructures,  grid-like  virtualisation  of  resources, 
network-centric  operating  systems;  open  platforms  and  collaborative  approaches  for 
development of software, services and systems; composition tools; mastering emergent 
behaviours  of  complex  systems;  improving  dependability  and  resilience  of  large-scale, 
distributed and intermittently connected systems and services; secure and trusted systems 
and  services,  including  privacy-aware  access  control  and  authentication,  dynamic 
security and trust policies, dependability and trust meta-models. 

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–  Knowledge,  cognitive  and  learning  systems:  methods  and  techniques  to  acquire  and 
interpret, represent and personalise, navigate and retrieve, share and deliver knowledge, 
recognizing  the  semantic  relationships  in  content  for  use  by  humans  and  machines; 
artificial  systems  that  perceive,  interpret  and  evaluate  information  and  that  can 
cooperate,  act  autonomously  and  learn;  theories  and  experiments  that  move  beyond 
incremental  advances  benefitting  from  insights  into  natural  cognition,  in  particular 
learning and memory, also for the purpose of advancing systems for human learning. 

–  Simulation,  visualisation, 

interaction  and  mixed  realities: 

tools  for  modelling, 
simulation,  visualisation,  interaction,  virtual,  augmented  and  mixed  reality  and  their 
integration in end-to-end environments; tools for innovative design and for creativity in 
products, services and digital audio-visual media; more natural, intuitive and easy-to-use 
interfaces  and  new  ways  to  interact  with  technology,  machines,  devices  and  other 
artefacts; multilingual and automatic machine translation systems. 

New  perspectives  in  ICT  drawing  on  other  science  and  technology  disciplines  (physics, 
materials, biotechnologies, life-sciences, cognitive and social sciences etc) are provided in 
the  whole  of  the  ICT  theme.  These  are  bringing  breakthroughs  that  lead  to  innovation  in 
ICT  and  to  entirely  new  industry  and  service  sectors.  They  span  from  miniaturisation  of 
ICT  devices  to  sizes  compatible  and  interacting  with  living  organisms  (like  novel  ICT 
components  and  computing  systems  based  on  synthetic  biomolecular  structures),  to  new 
computing  and  communication  sciences  inspired  by  the  living  world,  to  fully  eco-
compatible ICT devices inspired by natural systems, and to modelling and simulation of the 
living world (like simulation of human physiology across several biological levels). 

•  Integration of Technologies:  

–  Personal  environments:  integration  of  multimodal  interfaces,  sensing  techniques  and 
micro-systems, personal communication and computing devices, ICT systems embodied 
in personal accessories, wearable systems and implants and their connection to services 
and  resources,  placing  emphasis  on  integrating  all  facets  of  a  person’s  presence  and 
identity. 

–  Home  environments:  communication,  monitoring,  control  and  assistance  of  the  home, 
buildings  and  public  spaces;  seamless  interoperability  and  use  of  all  devices  taking 
account  of  cost  efficiency,  affordability  and  usability;  new  services  and  new  forms  of 
interactive  digital  content  and  services;  access  to  information  and  management  of 
knowledge. 

–  Robotic  systems:  flexible  and  dependable  robot  systems  operating  in  human  and 
unstructured  environments  and  co-operating  with  people;  networked  and  cooperating 
robots; miniaturised robots; modular design and modelling of integrated robotic systems. 

–  Intelligent  infrastructures:  ICT  tools  making  critical  infrastructures  more  efficient  and 
user-friendly, easier to adapt and maintain, more robust to usage and resistant to failures; 
data  integration  tools;  ICT  for  systemic  risk  assessment,  early  warning  and  automated 
alerts. 

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•  Applications Research: 

–  ICT  meeting  societal  challenges:  To  ensure  that  all  European  citizens  can  reap  the 
maximum  benefit  from  ICT  products  and  services,  to  improve  inclusiveness,  seamless 
access  and  interactivity  of  services  of  public  interest,  and  to  strengthen  the  innovation 
role of public sector services, improving their efficiency and effectiveness. 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

for  health:  personal  non-obtrusive  systems  that  enable  citizens  to  manage 
their  well-being  such  as  wearable  or  implantable  monitoring  devices  and 
autonomous  systems  for  supporting  a  healthy  state;  emerging  techniques 
such  as  molecular  imaging  for  improved  prevention  and  individualised 
medicine;  health  knowledge  discovery  and  application  in  clinical  practice; 
modelling  and  simulation  of  organ  functions;  micro-  and  nano-robotic 
devices for minimally invasive surgical and therapeutic applications; 

for  governments:  use  of  ICT  in  an  interdisciplinary  approach  in  public 
administrations combined with organisational change and new skills in order 
to  deliver  innovative,  citizen-centric  services  for  all;  advanced  ICT  based 
research and solutions to improve democratic and participatory processes and 
the  performance  and  quality  of  public  sector  services,  interaction  with  and 
between administrations and governments, and support legislative and policy 
development processes in all stages of democracy; 

for  inclusion:  to  empower  individuals  and  their  communities  and  improve 
equal participation of all citizens in the information society, while preventing 
digital  divides  due  to  disability,  low  skills,  poverty,  geographic  isolation, 
culture,  gender  or  age,  inter  alia  through  support  to  assistive  technology, 
promoting  independent  living,  increasing  e-skills,  and  developing  products 
and services designed-for-all; 

for mobility: integrated ICT-based safety systems for vehicles based on open, 
secure  and  dependable  architectures  and  interfaces;  interoperable  co-
operative  systems 
transport  efficiency  and  safety,  based  on 
communication  between  vehicles  and  with  the  transport  infrastructure  and 
integrating accurate and robust location technologies; personalised, location-
aware  info-mobility  and  multi-modal  services,  including  intelligent  service 
solutions for tourism; 

for 

to 

in  support  of  the  environment  and  sustainable  development:  risk  and 
emergency  management;  smart  sensor  networks 
improve  hazard 
forecasting,  natural  resources  management  including  systems  for  reduction 
of  pollutants;  increasing  energy  efficiency;  managing  human  response  to 
environmental  stresses  and  to  sustain  biodiversity;  alert  systems  and  timely 
and reliable public safety communication; assistive technologies and support 
systems  for  operation  under  harsh,  hazardous  or  risky  conditions;  eco-
efficient and  sustainable production  of ICT:  advanced data and information 
management for environmental monitoring and risk assessment, contributing 
to INSPIRE; GMES and GEOSS. 

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–  ICT for content, creativity and personal development:  

– 

– 

– 

novel  forms  of  interactive,  non-linear  and  self-adaptive  content;  creativity 
and  enriched  user-experience;  cross-media  content  customisation  and 
delivery;  combining  all-digital  content  production  and  management  with 
emerging semantic technologies; user-oriented use, access to and creation of 
content; 

technology-enhanced  learning  systems,  tools  and  services,  adapted  to 
different  learners  in  different  contexts;  issues  underlying  human  learning 
when the process is mediated by using ICT; improving people’s abilities to 
become active learners; 

intelligent  services  for  access  to  cultural  heritage  in  digital  form;  tools  for 
communities  to  create  new  cultural  memory  based  on  living  heritage; 
methods and tools for preservation of digital content; making digital objects 
usable  by  future  users  whilst  keeping  authenticity  and  integrity  of  their 
original creation and context of use. 

–  ICT supporting businesses and industry: 

– 

– 

dynamic, network-oriented business systems for product and service creation 
and  delivery;  decentralised  control  and  management  of  intelligent  items; 
digital business ecosystems, in particular software solutions adaptable to the 
needs  of  small-  and  medium-sized  organisations;  collaboration  services  for 
distributed  workspaces;  augmented  group  presence,  group  management  and 
sharing support; 

intelligent 

networked 

high-precision 
controls 
manufacturing: 
manufacturing  and 
low-resource  utilisation;  wireless  automation  and 
logistics  for  rapid  plant  reconfiguration;  integrated  environments  for 
modelling,  simulation,  presentation  and  virtual  production;  manufacturing 
technologies for miniaturised ICT systems and for systems interwoven with 
all kinds of materials and objects. 

for 

–  ICT for trust and confidence:  

– 

tools  supporting  the  trust  and  confidence  of  ICT  and  its  applications; 
multiple  and  federated  identity  management  systems;  authentication  and 
authorization techniques; systems meeting privacy needs deriving from new 
technological  developments;  rights  and  asset  management;  tools  to  protect 
against cyber threats. 

International cooperation 

International cooperation will be encouraged in the ICT theme to address issues of common 
interest aiming at interoperable solutions with strategic partners with high mutual benefits, 
and  to  contribute  to  the  spread  of  the  information  society  in  emerging  economies  and 
developing  countries.  Specific  actions  will  be  identified  for  the  countries  or  regions  with 
which Europe needs to focus collaboration, with a particular emphasis on cooperation with 
emerging economies and developing countries and neighbourhood countries.  

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A  subscription  will  be  made  available  jointly  with  theme  1  "Health"  to  the  international 
Human  Frontier  Science  Programme  (HFSP)  to  promote  interdisciplinary  research  and 
novel collaborations between scientists from different fields, and provide the possibility for 
non-G8 Member States to fully benefit from the programme. 

Activities under this Theme support the Intelligent Manufacturing Systems (IMS) scheme, 
which allows RTD cooperation between its member regions31. 

Responding to emerging needs and unforeseen policy needs 

A  Future  and  Emerging  Technologies  activity  will  attract  and  foster  trans-disciplinary 
research excellence in emerging ICT-related research domains. Foci include: exploring the 
new  miniaturisation  and  computing  frontiers  including  for  example  the  exploitation  of 
quantum  effects;  harnessing  the  complexity  of  networked  computing  and  communication 
systems;  exploring  new  concepts  of  and  experimenting  with  intelligent  systems  for  new 
personalised products and services. 

Research  that  aims  at  better  understanding  trends  and  impacts  of  ICT  on  society  and  the 
economy may include, for example: impacts of ICT on productivity, employment, skills and 
wages;  ICT  as  a  driver  for  innovation  in  public  and  business  services;  obstacles  to  wider 
and faster innovation and use of ICT; new business models and exploitation paths; usability, 
utility  and  acceptability  of  ICT-based  solutions;  privacy,  security  and  trust  of  ICT 
infrastructures;  ethical  issues  of  ICT  developments;  links  to  ICT-related  legal,  regulatory 
and governance frameworks; analyses of ICT support to, and impact on, EU policies. 

4. 

Nanosciences, Nanotechnologies, Materials and new Production Technologies  

Objective  

Improve the competitiveness of European industry and ensure its transformation from 
a  resource-intensive  to  a  knowledge-intensive  industry,  by  generating  breakthrough 
knowledge for new applications at the crossroads between different technologies and 
disciplines.  

Approach  

To  enhance  its  competitiveness,  European  industry  needs  radical  innovations.  It  must 
concentrate its capabilities on high-added-value products and technologies to meet customer 
requirements, as well as environmental, health and other societal expectations. Research is 
integral to meeting these competing challenges.  

A  key  element  of  this  theme  is  the  effective  integration  of  nanotechnology,  materials 
sciences  and  new  production  methods  so  as  to  achieve  and  maximise  the  impacts  for 
industrial  transformation  and,  at  the  same  time,  supporting  sustainable  production  and 
consumption. The theme will support all industrial activities operating in synergy with other 
themes. Applications in all sectors and areas will be supported and this includes materials 

31 

The agreement for scientific and technical cooperation in the domains of IMS is stipulated between 
the European Community and the United States of America, Japan, Australia, Canada, Korea and the 
EFTA States of Norway and Switzerland. 

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43 

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sciences, high performance manufacturing and process technologies, nanobiotechnology or 
nanoelectronics. 

The  medium  term  approach  is  to  focus  on  a  convergence  of  knowledge  and  skills  drawn 
from  different  disciplines  exploiting  application-driven  scientific  and  technological 
synergies.  In  the  long  term  the  theme  aims  to  capitalise  on  the  enormous  prospects  of 
nanosciences and nanotechnologies for the creation of a true knowledge-based industry and 
economy.  In  both  cases  it  will  be  essential  to  ensure  uptake  of  the  knowledge  generated 
through effective dissemination and exploitation of the results. 

Strong  contributions  to  industrial  needs  and  complementarities  through  initiatives  and 
funded projects will be ensured in particular through European Technology Platforms (e.g. 
in the potential areas of sustainable chemistry, new manufacturing, industrial safety, nano-
medicine, steel, forest-based sector etc) and support to Joint Technology Initiatives.  

The  theme  is  particularly  relevant  to  SMEs  due  to  their  needs  and  role  in  advancing  and 
using  technologies.  Areas  of  particular  relevance  include:  nano-instruments,  -tools,  and  –
devices  (due  to  the  concentration  of  high-growth,  high  technology  SMEs  in  this  sector); 
technical textiles, (typical of a traditional sector undergoing a rapid transformation process 
affecting  many  SMEs);  space  systems;  mechanical  industries  (e.g.  machine  tools-  where 
European SMEs are world leaders), as well as other sectors which involve many SMEs that 
will benefit from the introduction of new business models, materials and products.  

Specific  actions  to  coordinate  programmes  and  joint  activities  conducted  at  national  and 
regional level will be carried out through the ERA-NET and ERA-NET PLUS schemes so 
as  to  promote  convergence  of  research  programmes,  and  to  reinforce  critical  mass  and 
synergies  within  the  European  Technology  Platforms.  Industrial  research  will  also  benefit 
from  the  coordination  of  activities  in  areas  such  as  metrology,  toxicology,  standards  and 
nomenclature.  

Activities  

•  Nanosciences and nanotechnologies 

The objective is to create materials and systems with pre-defined properties and behaviour, 
based on increased knowledge and experience with matter at the nano scale. This will lead 
to a new  generation of high added-value, competitive products and services  with superior 
performance  across  a  range  of  applications,  while  minimising  any  potential  adverse 
environmental  and  health 
theoretical  and 
experimental approaches, will be promoted. 

Interdisciplinarity, 

integrating 

impacts. 

The  focus  will  be  new  knowledge  on  the  interactions  of  atoms,  molecules  and  their 
aggregations  with  both  natural  and  artificial  entities.  The  research  will  also  address  the 
relevant instruments, tools, pilot lines and demonstration activities required for highly novel 
approaches  to  nanotechnology-based  manufacturing  in  the  most  promising  industrial 
sectors.  

In  addition,  the  activity  will  focus  on  related  challenges  and  the  societal  context  and 
acceptance of nanotechnology. This will include research on all aspects of risk assessment 
(e.g. nano-toxicology and -ecotoxicology), as well as safety, nomenclature, metrology and 
standards  which  are  becoming  increasingly  important  to  pave  the  way  for  industrial 

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44 

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applications.  Specific  actions  will  also  be  launched  for  establishing  dedicated  centres  of 
knowledge and expertise as well as a focal point to implement the Commission’s integrated 
and  responsible  approach  towards  nanotechnology  as  outlined  in  the  associated  Action 
Plan32.  

•  Materials 

New advanced materials with higher knowledge content, new functionalities and improved 
performance  are  increasingly  critical  for  industrial  competitiveness  and  sustainable 
development.  According  to  the  new  models  of  manufacturing  industry,  it  is  the  materials 
themselves which are becoming the first step in increasing the value of products and their 
performance, rather than the processing steps. 

Research will focus on developing new knowledge-based materials with tailored properties. 
This  requires  an  intelligent  control  of  intrinsic  properties,  processing  and  production,  and 
taking into account potential impacts on health and the environment throughout their entire 
life-cycle. Emphasis will be placed on new advanced materials obtained using the potential 
of nanotechnologies and biotechnologies and/or “learning from nature”, in particular higher 
performance nano-materials, bio-materials and hybrid materials.  

A  multidisciplinary  approach  will  be  fostered, 
involving  chemistry,  physics  and 
increasingly  the  biological  sciences.  Materials  characterisation,  design  and  simulation  are 
also essential to better understand materials phenomena, in particular the structure–property 
relationships  at  different  scales;  to  improve  materials  assessment  and  reliability,  and  to 
extend  the  concept  of  virtual  materials  for  materials  design.  The  integration  of  nano-
molecular-macro  levels  in  chemical  and  materials  technologies  will  be  supported  for 
developing new concepts and processes such as in catalysis, and process intensification and 
optimisation. 

•  New Production Technologies 

A new approach to manufacturing is required for the transformation of EU industry from a 
resource  intensive  to  a  knowledge-based  industrial  environment  and  will  depend  on  the 
adoption of totally new attitudes towards the continued acquisition, deployment, protection 
and  funding  of  new  knowledge  and  its  use,  including  towards  sustainable  production  and 
consumption  patterns.  This  entails  creating  the  right  conditions  for  continuous  innovation 
(in  industrial  activities  and  production  systems,  including  construction,  devices,  and 
services)  and  for  developing  generic  production  “assets”  (technologies,  organisation  and 
production facilities) while also meeting safety and environmental requirements. 

The  research  will  focus  on  a  number  of  strands:  the  development  and  validation  of  new 
industrial  models  and  strategies  covering  all  aspects  of  product  and  process  life-cycle; 
adaptive  production  systems  that  overcome  existing  process  limitations  and  enable  new 
manufacturing  and  processing  methods;  networked  production  to  develop  tools  and 
methods  for  co-operative  and  value-added operations at a  global scale; tools  for the  rapid 
transfer and integration of new technologies into the design and operation of manufacturing 
processes;  and  the  exploitation  of  the  convergence  of  the  nano-,  bio-,  info-  and  cognitive 

32 

Commission Communication, Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies: an action plan for Europe 2005-
09 - COM(2005) 243.  

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45 

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technologies to develop new products and engineering concepts and the possibility of new 
industries. 

•  Integration of technologies for industrial applications 

The  integration  of  knowledge  and  technologies  of  the  three  areas  of  research  above  is 
essential  in  order  to  speed  up  the  transformation  of  European  industry  and  its  economy, 
while adopting a safe, socially responsible and sustainable approach.  

The research will focus on new applications and novel, step-change solutions responding to 
major  challenges,  as  well  as  to  the  RTD  needs  identified  by  the  different  European 
Technology  Platforms.  The  integration  of  new  knowledge  and  nano-,  materials-,  and 
production-technologies  will  be  supported  in  sectoral  and  cross-sectoral  applications  such 
as  health,  construction,  space  industry,  transport,  energy,  chemistry,  environment,  textiles 
and clothing, pulp and paper, and mechanical engineering, as well as in the generic subject 
of industrial safety.  

International cooperation 

The increasingly international dimension of industrial research requires a well-coordinated 
approach  to  working  with  third  countries.  International  cooperation  will  therefore  be 
important across the theme.  

Specific  actions  may  include:  activities  with  industrialised  countries  and  those  having 
signed  a  S&T  cooperation  agreement  in  the  fields  of  the  Theme;  specific  initiatives  with 
emerging  economies  and  developing  countries  to  secure  their  access  to  knowledge; 
dialogue  with  major  countries  on  a  “code  of  conduct”  for  the  responsible  and  safe 
development of nanotechnology; and the Intelligent Manufacturing Systems (IMS) scheme, 
which allows RTD cooperation between its member regions33. Initiatives to coordinate and 
exchange  research  data  will  be  encouraged  (such  as  in  environmental  and  health  safety 
issues  for  nanotechnologies),  paving  the  way  for  a  common  understanding  of  regulatory 
needs by policy makers across the world. 

Responding to emerging needs and unforeseen policy needs 

Research  on  emerging  needs  will  be  implemented  notably  to  develop  and  consolidate 
European  capabilities  in  specific  emerging  and  interdisciplinary  research  areas  with  high 
potential  for  the  future.  Any  unforeseen  policy  needs  will  be  addressed  in  a  flexible  way 
and may, for example, relate to standardisation, to support the safe transformation towards a 
knowledge  based  industry,  or  to  potential  environmental  and  health  impacts  of 
nanotechnologies. 

33 

The  agreement  for  scientific  and  technical  cooperation  in  the  domains  of  IMS  is  between  the 
European  Community  and  the  United  States  of  America,  Japan,  Australia,  Canada,  Korea  and  the 
EFTA States of Norway and Switzerland. 

EN 

46 

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5. 

Energy 

Objective 

Transforming the current fossil-fuel based energy system into a more sustainable one 
based on a diverse portfolio of energy sources and carriers  combined  with enhanced 
energy efficiency, to address the pressing challenges of security of supply and climate 
change, whilst increasing the competitiveness of Europe’s energy industries. 

Approach 

Current  projections  show  most  of  the  crucial  energy  indicators  (e.g.  energy  consumption, 
fossil fuel dependency, import dependency, CO2 emissions, energy prices) to be moving in 
the wrong direction, in the EU and even more so worldwide. Energy research will facilitate 
reversing  these  trends,  striking  a  balance  between  increasing  the  efficiency,  affordability, 
acceptability  and  security  of  existing  technologies  and  sources  of  energy,  whilst 
simultaneously  aiming  at  a  longer-term  paradigm  shift  in  the  way  Europe  generates  and 
consumes energy. Energy research will thus directly contribute to the success of EU policy 
and,  in  particular,  the  achievement  of  current  and  future  EU  energy  and  greenhouse  gas 
reduction targets. 

Following a broad technology portfolio approach, in accordance with the conclusions of the 
green  paper  “Towards  a  European  strategy  for  the  security  of  energy  supply”34,  research 
will focus on the development of cost-effective technologies for a more sustainable energy 
economy  for  Europe  (and  world-wide)  and  allow  European  industry  to  compete 
successfully on the global stage. Activities will address all time horizons and embrace the 
whole chain from fundamental and applied research and technological development through 
to  large-scale  technology  demonstration  (“lighthouse  projects”),  underpinned  by  cross-
cutting  and  socio-economic  research  to  validate  research  results  and  to  provide  a  rational 
basis  for  policy  decisions  and  market  framework  development.  Wherever  possible,  an 
integrated  approach  will  be  adopted,  stimulating  the  necessary  feedback  and  cooperation 
between the various stakeholders concerned. Integrated actions that cut across or exploit the 
synergies between different research areas will be encouraged. 

Strengthening  the  competitiveness  of  the  European  energy  sector,  in  the  face  of  severe 
global  competition,  is  an  important  objective  of  this  Theme,  providing  the  capability  for 
European  industry  to  attain  or  maintain  world  leadership  in  key  energy  technologies.  In 
particular, SMEs are the lifeblood of the energy sector, play a vital role in the energy chain 
and  will  be  key  to  promoting  innovation.  Their  strong  participation  in  research  and 
demonstration activities is essential and will be actively promoted.  

The  strategic  research  agendas  and  deployment  strategies  developed  by  European 
Technology Platforms are an important input for the research priorities in the Theme. Such 
platforms  are  established  on hydrogen and fuel cells  and photovoltaics and the concept is 
being extended to other areas, such as biofuels, zero emission power generation and future 
electricity  networks.  The  ETP  on  hydrogen  and  fuels  cells  will  form  the  basis  for  a  Joint 
Technology Initiative and similar initiatives could be envisaged in other areas, such as zero 

34 

COM(2002) 279, 29.11.2000. 

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emission  power  generation  and  renewables.  Actions  to  enhance  the  co-ordination  of 
national programmes will be pursued wherever appropriate. 

In order to strengthen the diffusion and use of the output of research, the dissemination of 
knowledge and transfer of results, including to policy makers, will be supported in all areas. 
This will complement actions in the Intelligent Energy - Europe Programme component of 
the  Competitiveness  and  Innovation  Programme  to  support  innovation  and  remove  non-
technological  barriers  to  the  widespread  market  deployment  of  demonstrated  energy 
technologies. 

Activities 

•  Hydrogen and fuel cells 

The integrated research and deployment strategy developed by the European Hydrogen and 
Fuel Cell Technology Platform provides the basis for a strategic, integrated programme for 
transport,  stationary  and  portable  applications,  aimed  at  providing  a  strong  technological 
foundation  for  building  a  competitive  EU  fuel  cell  and  hydrogen  supply  and  equipment 
industry.  The  programme  will  comprise:  fundamental  and  applied  research  and 
technological  development;  large-scale  demonstration  (“lighthouse”)  projects  to  validate 
research  results  and  provide  feedback  for  further  research;  cross-cutting  and  socio-
economic research  activities to underpin sound transition strategies and provide a rational 
basis  for  policy  decisions  and  market  framework  development.  The  industrial  applied 
research,  demonstration  and  cross-cutting  activities  of  the  programme  will  preferably  be 
implemented  through  the  Joint  Technology  Initiative.  This  strategically  managed,  goal-
oriented  action  will  be  complemented  and  closely  co-ordinated  with  more  upstream 
collaborative  research  effort  aimed  at  achieving  breakthrough  on  critical  materials, 
processes and emerging technologies. 

•  Renewable electricity generation 

Development and demonstration of integrated technologies for electricity production from 
renewables,  suited  to  different  regional  conditions,  in  order  to  provide  the  means  to  raise 
substantially  the  share  of  renewable  electricity  production  in  the  EU.  Research  should 
increase  overall  conversion  efficiency,  significantly  drive  down  the  cost  of  electricity, 
enhance process reliability and further reduce the environmental impact. Emphasis will be 
on  photovoltaics,  wind  and  biomass  (including  biodegradable  fraction  of  waste). 
Furthermore,  research  will  aim  at  realising  the  full  potential  of  other  renewable  energy 
sources: geothermal, thermal solar, ocean and small hydropower. 

•  Renewable fuel production 

Development  and  demonstration  of  improved  conversion  technologies  for  the  sustainable 
production  and  supply  chains  of  solid,  liquid  and  gaseous  fuels  from  biomass  (incl. 
biodegradable fraction of waste), in particular biofuels for transport. Emphasis should be on 
new  types  of  biofuels  as  well  as  on  new  production  and  distribution  routes  for  existing 
biofuels,  including  the  integrated  production  of  energy  and  other  added-value  products 
through biorefineries. Aiming to deliver ‘source to user’ carbon benefits, research will focus 
on  improving  energy  efficiency,  enhancing  technology  integration  and  use  of  feedstock. 
Issues such as feedstock logistics, pre-normative research and standardisation for safe and 

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reliable use in transport and stationary applications will be included. To exploit the potential 
for renewable hydrogen production, biomass, renewable electricity and solar energy driven 
processes will be supported. 

•  Renewables for heating and cooling 

Development and demonstration of a portfolio of technologies to increase the potential of 
heating and cooling from renewable energy sources to contribute to sustainable energy. The 
aim  is  to  achieve  substantial  cost  reductions,  increase  efficiencies,  further  reduce 
environmental impacts and optimise the use of technologies in different regional conditions. 
Research  and  demonstration  should  include  new  systems  and  components  for  industrial 
applications  (incl.  thermal  seawater  desalination),  district  and/or  dedicated  space  heating 
and cooling, building integration and energy storage. 

•  CO2 capture and storage technologies for zero emission power generation 

Fossil fuels will inevitably continue to contribute a significant share of the energy mix for 
decades  to  come.  To  make  this  option  compatible  with  the  environment,  particularly  as 
regards  climate  change,  drastic  reductions  in  the  adverse  environmental  impacts  of  fossil 
fuel use are needed, aiming at highly efficient power generation with near zero emissions. 
The  development  and  demonstration  of  efficient  and  reliable  CO2  capture  and  storage 
technologies  are  crucial,  aiming  at  decreasing  the  cost  of  CO2  capture  and  storage  to  less 
than  20€/tonne,  with  capture  rates  above  90%,  as  well  as  proving  the  long-term  stability, 
safety and reliability of CO2 storage. 

•  Clean coal technologies 

Coal  fuelled  power  plants  remain  the  workhorse  of  electricity  generation  worldwide,  but 
have  considerable  potential  for  further  efficiency  gains  and  emissions  reductions, 
particularly  concerning  CO2.  To  maintain  competitiveness  and  contribute 
the 
management  of  CO2  emissions,  the  development  and  demonstration  of  clean  coal 
conversion  technologies  will  be  supported  to  significantly  increase  plant  efficiency  and 
reliability, minimise pollutant emissions and reduce overall costs, under various operating 
conditions. Looking towards future zero emission power generation, these activities should 
prepare  for,  complement  and  be  linked  with  developments  on  CO2  capture  and  storage 
technologies. 

to 

•  Smart energy networks 

To facilitate the transition to a more sustainable energy system, a wide-ranging R&D effort 
is  required  to  increase  the  efficiency,  flexibility,  safety  and  reliability  of  the  European 
electricity and gas systems and networks. For electricity networks, the goals of transforming 
the  current  electricity  grids  into  a  resilient  and  interactive  (customers/operators)  service 
network and removing the obstacles to the large-scale deployment and effective integration 
of  renewable  energy  sources  and  distributed  generation  (e.g.  fuel  cells,  microturbines, 
reciprocating  engines),  will  also  necessitate  the  development  and  demonstration  of  key 
enabling technologies (e.g. innovative ICT solutions, storage technologies for RES, power 
electronics  and  HTS  devices).  For  gas  networks,  the  objective  is  to  demonstrate  more 
intelligent and efficient processes and systems for gas transport and distribution, including 
the effective integration of renewable energy sources. 

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•  Energy efficiency and savings 

The vast potential for energy savings and improvements in energy efficiency35 need to be 
harnessed  through  the  optimisation,  validation  and  demonstration  of  new  concepts  and 
technologies  for  buildings,  services  and  industry.  This  incorporates  the  combination  of 
sustainable strategies and technologies for increased energy efficiency, the use of renewable 
energy  and  poly-generation  and  the  integration  of  demand  management  systems  at  large 
scale in cities and communities. These large-scale actions may be supported by innovative 
R&D  addressing  specific  components  or  technologies,  e.g.  for  poly-generation  and  eco-
buildings. A key aim is the optimisation of the local community energy system, balancing a 
significant  reduction  in  energy  demand  with  the  most  affordable  and  sustainable  supply 
solution, including the use of new fuels in dedicated fleets36. 

•  Knowledge for energy policy making 

Development of tools, methods and models to assess the main economic and social issues 
related  to  energy  technologies.  Activities  will  include  the  building  of  databases  and 
scenarios for an enlarged EU and the assessment of the impact of energy and energy-related 
policies  on  security  of  supply,  environment,  society  and  competitiveness  of  the  energy 
industry. Of particular importance is the impact of technological progress on EU policies. 

International cooperation 

important  multi-lateral  co-operation 

Given  the  global  nature  of  the  challenges,  threats  and  opportunities,  international 
collaboration is an increasingly important element of energy research. Specific actions will 
support  strategically 
the 
International  Partnership  for  the  Hydrogen  Economy  (IPHE),  the  Carbon  Sequestration 
Leadership  Forum  (CSLF)  and  the  Johannesburg  Renewable  Energy  Coalition  (JREC). 
Other  specific  actions  will  be  supported,  addressing  issues  such  as  the  environmental 
consequences of energy policies, energy supply inter-dependency, technology transfer and 
capacity building. 

initiatives,  such  as 

International Scientific Co-operation in the field of energy will also support the aim of the 
EU Energy Initiative for poverty eradication and sustainable development (EUEI) launched 
at  the  World  Summit  on  Sustainable  Development  (WSSD),  namely  to  contribute  to  the 
achievement  of  the  Millennium  Development  Goals  (MDGs)  through  the  provision  of 
reliable and affordable access to sustainable energy for the poor.  

Responding to emerging needs and unforeseen policy needs 

Research  on  emerging  needs  will  help  to  identify  and  explore  new  scientific  and 
technological  opportunities  in  the  domain  of  energy  supply,  conversion  use  and 
sustainability, often in combination with other areas and disciplines, such as biotechnology 
and  new  materials  and  production  processes.  Unforeseen  policy  needs  for  which  a  quick 
reaction might be required include, for example, the developments of international climate 

35 

36 

As  recognised  by  the  Green  Paper  on  Energy  Efficiency  or  “Doing  More  for  Less”  -  COM(2005) 
265, 22.6.2005. 
Building  upon  the  experience  of  the  CONCERTO  and  CIVITAS  initiatives  supported  in  the  6th 
Framework Programme. 

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change  actions  and  the  response  to  severe  disruptions  or  instabilities  in  energy  supply  or 
price.  

6. 

Environment (including Climate Change) 

Objective 

To  promote  sustainable  management  of  the  natural  and  human  environment  and  its 
resources  by  advancing  our  knowledge  on  the  interactions  between  the  biosphere, 
ecosystems and human activities, and developing new technologies, tools and services, 
in order to address in an integrated way global environmental issues. Emphasis will be 
put on prediction of climate, ecological, earth and ocean systems changes, on tools and 
on technologies, for monitoring, prevention and mitigation of environmental pressures 
and risks including on health and for the sustainability of the natural and man-made 
environment. 

Approach 

Protecting  the  environment  is  essential  for  the  quality  of  life  of  current  and  future 
generations as well as for economic growth. Given that the Earth’s natural resources and the 
man-made  environment  are  under  pressure  from  growing  population,  urbanisation, 
continuous  expansion  of  the  agriculture,  transport  and  energy  sectors,  as  well  as  climate 
variability and warming at local, regional and global scales, the challenge facing the EU is 
to  ensure  continuous  and  sustainable  growth  while  at  the  same  time  reducing  negative 
environmental  impacts.  EU-wide  cooperation  is  motivated  by  the  facts  that  countries, 
regions  and  cities  face  common  environmental  problems  and  that  critical  mass  is  needed 
given  the  scale,  scope  and  high  level  of  complexity  of  environmental  research.  Such 
cooperation  also  facilitates  common  planning,  use  of  connected  and  inter-operable 
databases, and the development of common indicators, of assessment methodologies and of 
coherent and large scale observation and forecasting systems. Furthermore international co-
operation  is  necessary  for  the  completion  of  knowledge  and  the  promotion  of  better 
management at a global level. 

Research  under  this  topic37,  will  contribute  to  the  implementation  of  international 
commitments of EU and Member States such as the United Nations Framework Convention 
on Climate Change, Kyoto and Montreal protocols, post-Kyoto protocol initiatives, the UN 
Convention on Biological Diversity, the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, and the 
World  Summit  on  Sustainable  Development  2002,  including  the  EU  Water  Initiative  (as 
well  as  promoting  sustainable  production  and  consumption).  It  will  also  contribute  to  the 
Intergovernmental  Panel  on  Climate  Change,  Group  on  the  Earth  Observation  (GEO) 
initiative and take into account the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. In addition, it will 
support the research needs arising from existing and emerging EU legislation and policies, 
the  implementation  of  the  6th  Environmental  Action  Programme,  associated  thematic 
strategies and other emerging strategies (e.g. the mercury strategy), and the action plans on 
Environmental Technologies and on Environment and Health.  

37 

Complementary research relating to the production and use of biological resources is addressed under 
the “Food, Agriculture and Biotechnology” theme. 

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The  promotion  of  innovative  environmental  technologies  will  contribute  to  achieving 
sustainable use of resources, to mitigating and adapting to climate change, and to protecting 
the  ecosystems  and  the  man-made  environment.  Research  will  also  contribute  to 
technological  developments  that  will  improve  the  market  positioning  of  European 
enterprises, in particular of SMEs, in areas such as environmental technologies.  European 
Technology Platforms, such as those on water supply and sanitation, sustainable chemistry, 
construction, and forestry, confirm the need for EU level action and the implementation of 
relevant parts of their research agendas will be supported in the activities below.  

Co-ordination of national programmes will be reinforced by broadening and deepening the 
scope of existing ERA- NETs in environmental research, including a joint implementation 
of programmes in Baltic Sea research and new ERA-NETs. 

Specific attention will be paid to strengthening the dissemination of EU research outcomes -
also through the exploitation of synergies with complementary funding mechanisms at EU 
and Member State levels - and to stimulating their uptake by relevant end-users, targeting in 
particular policy makers. 

Activities 

•  Climate change, pollution, and risks 

–  Pressures on environment and climate  

Integrated research on the functioning of climate and the earth system is needed in order to 
observe  and  analyse  how  these  systems  evolve  and  predict  future  evolution.  This  will 
enable the development of effective adaptation and mitigation measures to climate change 
and  its  impacts.  Advanced  climate  change  models  from  the  global  to  sub-regional  scales 
will be developed and applied to assess changes, potential impacts and critical thresholds. 
Changes in atmospheric composition and in the water cycle will be studied and risk based 
approaches  will  be  developed  taking  into  account  changes  in  droughts,  storms  and  floods 
patterns. Pressures on environmental quality and on climate from pollution of the air, water 
and  soil  will  be  investigated  as  well  as  the  interactions  between  the  atmosphere,  the 
stratospheric  ozone  layer,  land  surface,  ice  and  oceans.  Consideration  will  be  given  to 
feedback  mechanisms  and  abrupt  changes  (e.g.  ocean  circulation),  and  to  impacts  on 
biodiversity and ecosystems. 

–  Environment and health  

Multidisciplinary research on interactions of environmental risk factors and human health is 
needed  to  support  the  Environment  and  Health  action  plan  and  the  integration  of  public 
health  concerns  and  disease  characterisation  related  to  emerging  environmental  risks. 
Research  will  focus  on  multiple  exposures  via  different  exposure  routes,  identification  of 
pollution sources and new or emerging environmental stressors (e.g. indoor and outdoor air, 
electromagnetic  fields,  noise,  and  exposure  to  toxic  substances)  and  their  potential  health 
effects.  Research  will  also  aim  at  integrating  research  activities  on  human  biomonitoring 
regarding scientific aspects, methodologies and tools to develop a coordinated and coherent 
approach.  It  will  include  European  cohort  studies,  with  attention  to  vulnerable  population 
groups,  and  methods  and  tools  for  improved  risk  characterisation,  assessment  and 
comparisons of risks and health impacts. Research will develop biomarkers and modelling 

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tools taking into account combined exposures, variations in vulnerability and uncertainty. It 
will  also  deliver  methods  and  decision  support  tools  (indicators,  cost-benefit  and  multi-
criteria  analyses,  health  impact  assessment,  burden  of  disease  and  sustainability  analysis) 
for  risk  analysis,  management  and  communication,  and  for  policy  development  and 
analysis.  

–  Natural hazards 

Managing  natural  disasters  requires  a  multi  risk  approach.  There  is  a  need  for  improved 
knowledge, methods and integrated framework for the assessment of hazards, vulnerability 
and  risks.  Furthermore  mapping,  prevention  and  mitigation  strategies 
including 
consideration  of  economic  and  social  factors  need  to  be  developed.  Disasters  related  to 
climate  (such  as  storms,  droughts,  forest  fires,  landslides  and  floods),  and  geological 
hazards  (such  as  earthquakes,  volcanoes  and  tsunamis)  will  be  studied. This  research  will 
allow  the  underlying  processes  to  be  better  understood,  and  prediction  and  forecasting 
methods to be improved on the basis of a probabilistic approach. It will also underpin the 
development  of  early  warning  and  information  systems.  Societal  repercussions  of  major 
natural hazards will be quantified. 

•  Sustainable Management of Resources 

–  Conservation and sustainable management of natural and man-made resources 

Research activities will be targeted to improve the knowledge basis and develop advanced 
models and  tools needed  for the sustainable management  of  resources  and  the  creation  of 
sustainable  consumption  patterns.  This  will  enable  the  prediction  of  the  behaviour  of 
ecosystems  and  their  restoration,  and  the  mitigation  of  degradation  and  loss  of  important 
structural  and  functional  elements  of  ecosystems  (for  biodiversity,  water,  soil  and  marine 
resources).  Research  on  ecosystem  modelling  will  take  account  of  protection  and 
conservation  practices.  Innovative  approaches  to  develop  economic  activities  from 
ecosystem  services  will  be  promoted.  Approaches  will  be  developed  to  prevent 
desertification,  land  degradation  and  erosion,  and  to  stop  biodiversity  loss.  Research  will 
also  address  sustainable  management  of  forests  and  the  urban  environment  including 
planning,  and  waste  management.  The  research  will  benefit  from  and  contribute  to  the 
development of open, distributed, inter-operable data management and information systems 
and will underpin assessments, foresight, and services related to natural resources and their 
use. 

–  Evolution of marine environments 

Specific  research  is  required  to  improve  our  understanding  of  the  impacts  of  human 
activities on the ocean and seas and on the resources of the marine environment, including 
the  pollution  and  eutrophication  of  regional  seas  and  coastal  areas.  Research  activities  in 
aquatic  environments,  deep  sea  ecosystems  and  seabed  will  be  carried  out  in  order  to 
observe, monitor and predict the behaviour of this environment and enhance understanding 
of the sea and the sustainable use of ocean resources. The impact of human activities on the 
ocean  will  be  assessed  through  integrated  approaches  taking  into  account  marine 
biodiversity, ecosystem processes and services, ocean circulation and seabed geology. 

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•  Environmental Technologies 

–  Environmental  technologies  for  the  sustainable  management  and  conservation  of  the 

natural and man-made environment  

New  or  improved  environmental  technologies  are  needed  to  reduce  the  environmental 
impact of human activities, protect the environment and manage resources more efficiently 
and  to  develop  new  products,  processes  and  services  more  beneficial  for  the  environment 
than  existing  alternatives.  Research  will  target  in  particular:  technologies  preventing  or 
reducing  environmental  risks,  mitigating  hazards  and  disasters,  mitigating  climate  change 
and 
technologies  promoting  sustainable  production  and 
consumption; technologies for managing resources or treating pollution more efficiently, in 
relation  to  water,  soil,  air,  sea  and  other  natural  resources,  or  waste;  technologies  for  the 
environmentally  sound  and  sustainable  management  of  the  human  environment  including 
the  built  environment,  urban  areas,  landscape,  as  well  as  for  the  conservation  and 
restoration of cultural heritage.  

loss  of  biodiversity; 

the 

–  Technology assessment, verification and testing 

Research  will  focus  on  the  risk  and  performance  assessment  of  technologies,  including 
processes  and  products,  and  the  further  development  of  related  methods  such  as  the  life 
cycle analysis. Moreover, focus will be given to: long-term opportunities, market potential 
and  socio-economical  aspects  of  environmental  technologies;  chemicals  risk  assessment, 
intelligent testing strategies and methods for minimising animal testing, risk quantification 
techniques;  and  research  support  to  the  development  of  the  European  Environmental 
Technologies Verification and Testing system. 

•  Earth observation and assessment tools  

–  Earth observation 

Research activities will be devoted to the development and integration of the Global Earth 
Observation  System  of  Systems  (GEOSS)  for  environment  and  sustainable  development 
issues  in  the  framework  of  the  GEO  initiative38.  Interoperability  between  observation 
systems,  information  management  and  data  sharing,  and  optimisation  of  information  for 
understanding, modelling and predicting environment phenomena will be addressed. These 
activities  will  focus  on  natural  hazards,  climate  change,  weather,  ecosystems,  natural 
resources, water, land use, environment and health, and biodiversity (including the aspects 
of risk assessment, forecasting methods and assessment tools) in order to produce advances 
for the GEOSS societal benefit areas and contribute to GMES. 

–  Assessment tools for sustainable development 

Tools  are  needed  to  quantitatively  assess  the  environmental  and  research  policy 
contribution  to  competitiveness  and  sustainable  development,  including  assessments  of 
market-based  and  regulatory  approaches  as  well  as  the  impacts  of  current  trends  in 
production and consumption patterns. Such tools will include models that consider the links 

38 

Including financial support to the GEO secretariat. 

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between the economy, environment and society and hence beneficial and efficient strategies 
of  adaptation  and  prevention.  Research  will  also  seek  to  improve  existing  indicators  and 
develop  new  ones  to  assess  sustainable  development  policy  priorities,  and  to  analyse  the 
linkages between them, taking into account the existing set of EU sustainable development 
technology,  socio-economic  drivers,  externalities  and 
indicators.  The  analysis  of 
governance as well as foresight studies, will be included. Areas of application include land 
use and marine policies and the economic, political and social conflicts related to climate 
change. 

International cooperation 

Environmental problems have invariably a transboundary, regional or global dimension and 
international cooperation will be an important aspect in this theme. Particular areas relate to 
EU international  commitments, such as Climate Change, Biodiversity, Desertification and 
chemicals  and  wastes  conventions  as  well  as  the  Johannesburg  Summit  decisions  on 
sustainable development as well as other regional conventions. Attention will also be given 
to relevant research actions stemming from EU environmental strategies and action plans39. 

Scientific  and  technological  partnerships  with  developing  countries  will  contribute  to  the 
Millennium  Development  Goals  in  several  fields  (e.g.  reverse  the  loss  of  environmental 
resources,  improvement  of  water  management,  supply  and  sanitation,  and  facing  the 
environmental  challenges  of  urbanisation),  areas  where  SMEs  could  also  play  a  key  role. 
Particular  attention  will  be  given  to  the  relation  between  global  environmental  issues  and 
the regional and local development problems relating to natural resources, biodiversity, land 
use, natural and man-made hazards and risks, climate change, environmental technologies, 
environment and health as well as on policy analysis tools. Cooperation with industrialised 
countries will enhance access to global research excellence. 

The  establishment  of  the  GEOSS  for  Earth  observation  will  promote  international  co-
operation for understanding Earth systems and sustainability issues, and co-ordinated data 
collection for scientific and policy purposes.  

Responding to emerging needs and unforeseen policy needs 

Research on emerging needs in this theme may address questions such as the  interactions 
between people, ecosystems and the biosphere or new risks related to natural, man induced 
and technologically induced disasters.  

Support to respond to unforeseen environmental policy needs could, for example, relate to 
sustainability  impact  assessments  of  new  EU  policies  such  as  in  environment,  maritime 
policy, standards and regulations. 

39 

Examples are the Killarney recommendations for Biodiversity Research Priorities for the 2010 Target 
(Malahide  conference  in  2004),  the  EU  Action  Plan  on  Climate  Change  in  the  Context  of 
Development  Cooperation  (2004),  priority  actions  identified  by  the  Committee  for  Science  and 
Technology  of  the  UNCCD,  EU  and  global  strategies  addressing  chemicals  and  pesticides  safe 
management etc. 

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7. 

Transport (including Aeronautics) 

Objective 

Based on technological advances, develop integrated, “greener”, “smarter” and safer 
pan-European transport systems for the benefit of the citizen and society, respecting 
the  environment  and  natural  resources;  and  securing  and  further  developing  the 
competitiveness and the leading role attained by the European industries in the global 
market.  

Approach 

The  European  transport  system  is  a  vital  element  to  European  economic  and  social 
prosperity. It serves key roles in the transportation of people and goods in a local, regional, 
national, European and international context. This theme will address some of the ongoing 
challenges, as recognised in the White Paper on Transport40, in improving the contributions 
that  transport  systems  make  to  society  and  industrial  competitiveness  within  an  enlarged 
EU, whilst minimising the negative impacts and consequences of transport in relation to the 
environment, energy usage, security and public health. 

A  new  integrated  approach  will  be  taken  which  links  all  transport  modes,  addresses  the 
socio-economic and technological dimensions of research and knowledge development, and 
encapsulates both innovation and the policy framework. 

The  various  Technology  Platforms  set  up  in  this  field  (ACARE  for  aeronautics  and  air 
transport,  ERRAC  for  rail  transport,  ERTRAC  for  road  transport,  WATERBORNE  for 
waterborne  transport,  Hydrogen  and  Fuel  cells)  have  elaborated  long-term  visions  and 
Strategic  Research  Agendas  (SRA)  which  constitute  useful  inputs  to  the  definition  of  this 
theme  and  complement  the  needs  of  policy  makers  and  expectations  of  society.  Selected 
aspects  of  the  SRAs  may  justify  setting  up  Joint  Technology  Initiatives.  ERA-NET 
activities  present  opportunities  to  facilitate  further  trans-national  coordination  for  specific 
topics within the Transport sector and will be pursued wherever appropriate. 

Activities  of  particular  relevance  to  SMEs  include  efforts  to  ensure  robust  technology 
driven  supply  chains  in  the  various  sectors;  enabling  SMEs  to  access  research  initiatives; 
and  facilitating  the  role  and  start-up  of  high-tech  SMEs,  particularly  in  the  advanced 
transport  technologies  and  ‘services-related’  activities  specific  to  transport  as  well  as  the 
development of systems and applications in satellite navigation domains.  

Existing policy needs as well as the development, assessment and implementation of new 
policies  (for  example  Maritime  Policy),  will  be  addressed  within  and  across  the  different 
activity  lines.  The  work  will  include  studies,  models  and  tools  that  deal  with  strategic 
monitoring and forecasting and integrate knowledge relating to the main economic, social, 
safety  and  environmental  issues  for  transport.  Activities  supporting  cross-cutting  thematic 
topics  will  focus  on  transport  specificities,  for  example  security  aspects  as  an  inherent 
requirement  to  the  transport  system;  the  use  of  alternative  energy  sources  in  transport 

40 

“European Transport Policy for 2010: time to decide” - COM(2001) 370. 

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applications;  and  monitoring  of  environmental  effects  of  transport,  including  climate 
change. 

Support  will  also  be  given  to  dissemination  and  exploitation  activities  and  impact 
assessments, with particular attention to the specific user needs and policy requirements in 
the transport sector.  

Activities 

Aeronautics and air transport 

Activities will contribute to key Community policies as well as to the implementation of the 
ACARE  Strategic  Research  Agenda.  The  quantitative  objectives  correspond  to  the  2020 
time horizon of this Agenda. The scope of the research includes all aircraft, passenger travel 
and airside related aspects of the air transport system. 

The greening of air transport: Developing technologies to reduce the environmental impact 
of aviation with the aim to halve the emitted carbon dioxide (CO2), cut specific emissions of 
nitrogen  oxides  (NOx)  by  80%  and  halve  the  perceived  noise.  Research  will  focus  on 
furthering  green  engine  technologies  including  alternative  fuels  technology  as  well  as 
improved  vehicle  efficiency  of  fixed-wing  and  rotary  wing  aircraft,  new  intelligent  low-
weight structures, and improved aerodynamics. Issues such as improved aircraft operations 
at the airport (airside and landside) and air traffic management, manufacturing, maintenance 
and recycling processes will be included. 

Increasing time efficiency: Realising a step-change in aviation in order to accommodate the 
projected  growth  of  three  times  more  aircraft  movements  by  improving  punctuality  in  all 
weather conditions and reducing significantly the time spent in travel-related procedures at 
airports.  Research  will  develop  and  implement  an  innovative  Air  traffic  Management 
(ATM)  system  within  the  context  of  the  SESAME41  initiative,  by  integrating  air,  ground 
and  space  components,  together  with  flow  management  and  more  aircraft  autonomy. 
Design aspects of aircraft to improve handling of passengers and cargo, novel solutions for 
efficient airport use and connecting air transport to the overall transport system will also be 
addressed. The most efficient coordination of the development of ATM systems in Europe 
will be ensured through the SESAME initiative42. 

Ensuring customer satisfaction and safety: Introducing a quantum leap in passenger choice 
and  schedule  flexibility,  whilst  achieving  a  five-fold  reduction  in  accident  rate.  New 
technologies will enable a wider choice of aircraft/engine configurations ranging from wide 
body to small size vehicles, increased levels of automation in all the elements of the system, 
including  the  piloting.  Focus  will  also  be  on  improvements  for  passengers  comfort,  well 
being and new services and active and passive safety measures with special emphasis on the 
human element. Research will include the adaptation of airport and air traffic operations to 
different type of vehicles and 24-hour utilisation at acceptable community noise levels. 

41 

42 

European  air  traffic  control  infrastructure  modernisation  related  to  the  Single  European  Sky 
implementation. 
For this purpose, the establishment of a Joint Undertaking for the coordination of ATM activities is 
envisaged. 

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Improving cost efficiency: Fostering a competitive supply chain able to halve the time-to-
market, and reduce product development and operational costs, resulting in more affordable 
transport  for  the  citizen.  Research  will  focus  on  improvements  to  the  whole  business 
process,  from  conceptual  design  to  product  development,  manufacturing  and  in-service 
operations including the integration of the supply chain. It will include improved simulation 
capabilities  and  automation,  technologies  and  methods  for  the  realisation  of  the  zero-
maintenance aircraft, as well as lean aircraft, airport and air traffic management operations. 

Protection of aircraft and passengers: Preventing hostile action of any kind to incur injury, 
loss,  damage  or  disruption  to  travellers  or  citizens  due  to  the  effects  of  aircraft  misuse. 
Research will focus on the relevant elements of the air transport system including security 
measures  in  cabin  and  cockpit  designs,  automatic  control  and  landing  in  the  case  of 
unauthorised use of aircraft, protection against external attacks, as well as security aspects 
of airspace management and airport operations. 

Pioneering the air transport of the future: Exploring more radical, environmentally efficient 
and innovative technologies that might facilitate the step change required for air transport in 
the  second  half  of  this  century  and  beyond.  Research  will  address  aspects  such  as  new 
propulsion and lifting concepts, new ideas for the interior space of airborne vehicles, new 
airport concepts, new methods of aircraft guidance and control, alternative concepts of air 
transport system operation and its integration with other transport modes. 

Surface transport (rail, road and waterborne) 

The  greening  of  surface  transport:  Developing  technologies  and  knowledge  for  reduced 
pollution  (air,  water  and  soil)  and  environmental  impact  such  as  climate  change,  health, 
biodiversity  and  noise.  Research  will  improve  the  cleanliness  and  energy-efficiency  of 
power-trains  and  promote  the  use  of  alternative  fuels,  including  hydrogen  and  fuel  cells. 
Activities will cover infrastructure, vehicles, vessels and component technologies, including 
overall  system  optimisation.  Research  in  developments  specific  to  transport  will  include 
manufacturing, construction, operations, maintenance, repair, inspection, recycling, end of 
life strategies and interventions at sea in case of accident.  

Encouraging  modal  shift  and  decongesting  transport  corridors43:  Developing  and 
demonstrating seamless door-to-door transport for people and goods as well as technologies 
to ensure effective intermodality, including in the context of rail transport competitiveness. 
This includes activities addressing the interoperability and operational optimisation of local, 
regional,  national  and  European  transport  networks,  systems  and  services  and  their 
intermodal integration. The activities will aim at optimised use of infrastructure including 
terminals  and  specialised  networks, 
information 
management,  enhanced  freight  logistics  and  passenger  intermodality..  Intelligent  systems, 
new  vehicle/vessel  concepts  and  technologies  including  loading  and  unloading  operations 
will  be  developed.  Knowledge  for  policy  making  will  include  infrastructure  pricing  and 
charging, assessments of EU transport policy measures and trans-European networks policy 
and projects.  

traffic  and 

improved 

transport, 

43 

In view of the objective to re-establish the modal split of 1998 activities addressing one single mode 
will concentrate on rail and waterborne transport. 

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Ensuring  sustainable  urban  mobility:  Focusing  on  the  mobility  of  people  and  goods  by 
research  on  the  ‘next  generation  vehicle’  and  its  market  take-up,  bringing  together  all 
elements of a clean, energy efficient, safe and intelligent road transport. Research on new 
mobility  concepts,  innovative  organisational  and  mobility  management  schemes  and  high 
quality  public  transport  will  aim  at  ensuring  access  for  all  and  high  levels  of  intermodal 
integration.  Innovative  strategies  for  clean  urban  transport44  will  be  developed  and  tested. 
Particular attention will be paid to non-polluting modes of transport, demand management, 
rationalisation of private transport, and information and communication strategies, services 
and infrastructures. Tools supporting policy development and implementation will include 
transport and land use planning.  

Improving safety and security: Developing  technologies and intelligent  systems  to  protect 
vulnerable  persons  such  as  drivers,  riders,  passengers,  crew,  and  pedestrians.  Advanced 
engineering  systems  and  risk  analysis  methodologies  will  be  developed  for  the  design  of 
vehicles,  vessels  and  infrastructures.  Emphasis  will  be  placed  on  integrative  approaches 
linking  human  elements,  structural  integrity,  preventive,  passive  and  active  safety,  rescue 
and  crisis  management.  Safety  will  be  considered  as  an  inherent  component  of  the  total 
transport  system  embracing  infrastructures,  goods  and  containers,  transport  users  and 
operators,  vehicles  and  vessels  and  measures  at  policy  and  legislative  levels,  including 
decision support and validation tools; security will be addressed wherever it is an inherent 
requirement to the transport system. 

Strengthening  competitiveness:  Improving  the  competitiveness  of  transport  industries, 
ensuring sustainable, efficient and affordable transport services and creating new skills and 
job  opportunities  by  research  and  developments.  Technologies  for  advanced  industrial 
processes will include design, manufacturing, assembly, construction and maintenance and 
will aim at decreasing life cycle costs and development lead-times. Emphasis will be placed 
on innovative product concepts and improved transport services ensuring higher customer 
satisfaction.  New  production  organisation  including  the  supply  chain  management  and 
distribution systems will be developed. 

Support to the European global satellite navigation system (Galileo)  

The European Global Satellite Navigation, encompasses EGNOS and Galileo, and provides 
a worldwide positioning and timing infrastructure45.  

Exploiting the full potential: promoting growth in the use of the services ranging from open 
to  commercial  access,  safety-of-life  to  “search  and  rescue”  and  public  regulated  service; 
freight  transport  management  applications;  exploiting  by-product  services;  demonstrating 
the benefits and efficiencies of satellite navigation. 

Providing  the  tools  and  creating  the  appropriate  environment:  ensuring  safe  use  of 
services, mainly through certification in key application domains; preparing and confirming 
the  adequacy  of  services  to  new  policies  and  legislation,  including  their  implementation; 
addressing public regulated services according to the approved policy of access; developing 
essential  digital  topology,  cartography,  geodesy  data  and  systems  for  use  in  navigation 
applications; addressing safety and security needs and requirements. 

44 
45 

Building upon the experiences of the CIVITAS Initiative. 
The research activities will be managed by the European GNSS Supervisory Authority. 

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Adapting  receivers  to  requirements  and  upgrading  core  technologies:  improving  receiver 
performances,  integrating  low-power  consumption  and  miniaturisation  technologies, 
completing  in-door  navigation  coverage,  coupling  with  radio  frequency  identification 
devices,  exploiting  software  receiver  technology,  combining  with  other  functions  as 
telecommunication,  supporting  key  navigation  ground-based  infrastructure  technology  to 
ensure robustness and flexibility. 

Supporting  infrastructure  evolution:  preparing  second  generation  system,  adapting  to 
evolving  user  demands  and  market  forecasts, 
infrastructure 
internationalisation to address global markets and developing world-wide standards. 

taking  advantage  of 

International Co-operation 

International co-operation is an important component of the RTD activities in this field, and 
will  be  encouraged  where  there  are  interests  for  industry  and  policy-makers.  Broad  topic 
areas for specific actions will be where there is market attraction (for example global trade 
development  and  connecting  networks  and  services  at  continental  and  intercontinental 
level); opportunities to access and acquire science and technology that is complementary to 
the  current  European  knowledge  and  of  mutual  benefit;  and  where  Europe  responds  to 
global  needs  (for  example  climate  change)  or  contributes  to  international  standards  and 
global systems (for example applied logistics and satellite navigation infrastructure). 

Emerging needs and unforeseen policy needs 

Initiatives under emerging needs will support research that responds to critical events and 
challenges  of  future  transportation  systems  for  example  novel  transport  and  vehicle 
concepts, automation, mobility or organisation.  

Unforeseen policy needs that may require specific transport-related research could include 
broad societal issues such as the changes in the demographics, lifestyles and expectations of 
society for transport systems; as well as emerging risks or problems of high importance to 
European society.  

8. 

Socio-Economic Sciences and the Humanities 

Objective  

Generating  an  in-depth,  shared  understanding  of  complex  and  interrelated  socio-
economic  challenges  Europe  is  confronted  with,  such  as  growth,  employment  and 
competitiveness, social cohesion and sustainability, quality of life, education, cultural 
issues  and  global  interdependence,  in  particular  with  the  view  of  providing  an 
improved knowledge base for policies in the fields concerned. 

Approach 

The  research  priorities  address  key  societal,  economic  and  cultural  challenges  facing 
Europe  and  the  world  now  and  in  the  future.  The  proposed  research  agenda  constitutes  a 
coherent  approach  to  addressing  these  challenges.  The  development  of  a  socio-economic 
and  humanities  knowledge  base  on  these  key  challenges  will  make  a  significant 
contribution  to  promoting  shared  understanding  across  Europe  and  to  the  resolution  of 
wider  international  problems.  The  research  priorities  will  help  improve  the  formulation, 

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implementation, impact and assessment of policy in virtually all Community policy areas at 
the European, national, regional and local levels, and a substantial international perspective 
is included in most of the research  

In  addition  to  socio-economic  research  and  foresight  an  emphasis  will  be  placed  on 
humanities  research,  which  will  provide  different  perspectives  and  make  an  essential 
contribution  across  the  theme  on,  for  example,  the  historical,  cultural  and  philosophical 
aspects, including relevant language, identity and values questions. 

The work will also build upon relevant national research programmes, complementing the 
research activities below, and taking advantage of the ERA-NET scheme and the possible 
use of Article 169. For certain issues, use may also be made of social platforms to discuss 
future  research  agendas;  these  would  involve  the  research  community  and  societal 
stakeholders. 

The  research  will  be  facilitated  by  research  infrastructures  which  generate  new  research 
data, including through surveys, make available existing data for international comparative 
research, and provide access to source materials and advanced research tools as well as to 
the  results  of  existing  research  in  many  fields.  Some  of  these  actions  will  be  carried  out 
through  the  Infrastructures  element  of  the  Capacities  programme  and  others  by  projects 
under this theme. The research will rely on access to and the use of official statistics. 

Specific dissemination actions targeted at particular  groups and the general public will  be 
undertaken,  including  workshops  and  conferences  for  researchers  to  discuss  with  policy-
makers and other stakeholders, and the diffusion of results using various media. 

Appropriate  coordination  of  socio-economic  and  humanities  research  and  foresight 
elements across the Cooperation and other specific programmes will be assured. 

Activities 

Growth, employment and competitiveness in a knowledge society 

This will aim to develop and integrate research on the issues affecting growth, employment 
and competitiveness in order to provide an improved and integrated understanding of these 
issues  for  the  continued  development  of  a  knowledge  society.  It  will  benefit  policy  and 
support  progress  towards  achieving  these  objectives.  The  research  will  integrate  the 
following aspects of the question: 

–  The changing role of knowledge throughout the economy, including the role of different 
types  of  knowledge  and  competences,  education  and  lifelong  learning,  and  intangible 
investment. 

–  Economic structures, structural change and productivity issues, including the role of the 
services  sector,  of  finance,  demographics,  demand  and  the  processes  of  long-term 
change.  

–  Institutional  and  policy  questions,  including  macroeconomic  policy,  labour  markets, 

institutional contexts, and policy coherence and coordination.  

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It  will  include  important  new  challenges  and  opportunities  from  increased  globalisation, 
emerging economies, relocation, and EU enlargement. Employment questions will include 
unemployment and underemployment. 

Combining economic, social and environmental objectives in a European perspective 

This  aims  to  support  the  societal  goal  of  combining  economic,  social  and  environmental 
objectives  and  so  improve  the  basis  for  sustainable  development.  The  research  in  this 
activity will address two interrelated issues: 

–  How  European  socio-economic  models  and  those  outside  Europe  have  fared  in 
combining the objectives, the conditions under which this occurred including the role of 
dialogue,  social  partnership,  institutional  change  and  their  ability  to  confront  new 
challenges. 

–  Economic cohesion between regions and regional development in an enlarged EU; and 
social  cohesion  (including  inequalities,  social  protection  and  social  services,  taxation 
policies,  ethnic  relations,  education  and  social  exclusion,  and  health)  as  well  as  its 
relation to social problems such as poverty, housing, crime, delinquency and drugs. 

In  addressing  these  issues,  consideration  will  be  given  to  the  existence  of  trade-offs  or 
synergies  between  the  economic,  social,  environmental  objectives  in  the  world  context, 
spatial aspects, long-term sustainability, and issues for developing countries. 

Major trends in society and their implications 

The aim is to understand and assess the implications of particular key trends in European 
society that have major consequences for citizens, their quality of life and for policies, and 
thus to provide an underpinning for many policy areas. Empirical and theoretical research 
will address initially three major trends:  

–  Demographic change including ageing, births and migration. 

–  Changes  in  the  related  aspects  of  lifestyles,  families,  work,  consumption,  health  and 

quality of life including child, youth and disabilities issues. 

–  Cultural  interactions  in  an  international  perspective  including  traditions  from  different 
societies, diversity of populations, discrimination, racism, xenophobia and intolerance. 

Gender issues and changing values will be included. In addition, changes in criminality and 
crime perception will be examined, as will changes in corporate social responsibility.  

Europe in the world  

The  aim  is  to  understand  changing  interactions  and  interdependencies  between  world 
regions  and  their  implications  for  the  regions  concerned,  especially  for  Europe,  and  the 
related  issue  of  addressing  emerging  threats  and  risks  in  a  world  context  and  their 
connection to human rights, freedoms and well-being. The research will involve two related 
tracks: 

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–  Flows  of  trade,  finance,  investment,  migration  and  their  impact;  uneven  development, 
poverty and sustainability; economic and political relations and global governance. This 
will  explore  cultural  interactions  including  media  and  religions  and  distinctive  non-
European approaches. 

–  Conflicts,  their  causes  and  resolution;  the  relation  between  security  and  destabilising 
factors  such  as  poverty,  crime,  environmental  degradation  and  resource  scarcity; 
terrorism,  its  causes  and  consequences;  security-related  policies  and  perceptions  of 
insecurity and civil-military relations. 

In  both,  Europe’s  role  in  the  world,  the  development  of  multilateralism  and  international 
law,  the  promotion  of  democracy  and  fundamental  rights  including  different  notions  of 
these, and Europe as seen from outside, will be addressed. 

The citizen in the European Union 

In the context of the future development of the EU, the aim is to improve understanding of, 
first,  the  issues  involved  in  achieving  a  sense  of  democratic  “ownership”  and  active 
participation  by  citizens  as  well  as  effective  and  democratic  governance,  and,  second, 
Europe’s  diversities  and  commonalities  in  terms  of  culture,  institutions,  law,  history, 
languages and values. The research will address: 

–  Participation  (including  of  youth),  representation,  accountability  and  legitimacy;  the 
European public sphere, media and democracy; various forms of governance in the EU 
and policy processes; the role of civil society; citizenship and rights; and related values 
of the population. 

–  European diversities and commonalities, including their historical origins and evolution; 
differences  in  institutions  (including  norms,  practices,  laws);  cultural  heritage;  various 
visions and perspectives for European integration including the views of the populations; 
identities; approaches to multiple coexisting cultures; the role of language, the arts and 
religions; attitudes and values. 

Socio-economic and scientific indicators 

With  a  view  to  improving  the  use  of  indicators  in  policy,  the  aim  is  to  develop  a  more 
profound  understanding  of  their  use  in  policy  development  and  implementation  and  to 
propose improvements in indicators and methods for their use. The research will address: 

–  How indicators are used in policy objectives, policy development and implementation, in 
a  variety  of  fields  and  from  macro  to  micro  levels,  the  adequacy  of  existing  indicators 
and their use, and proposals for new indicators and sets of indicators.  

–  How  evidence-based  policy  might  be  better  supported  by  indicators  and  methods  for 
their use; indicators for policy with multiple objectives, for policy coordination and for 
regulation; support by official statistics for such indicators. 

–  Use  of  indicators  and  related  approaches  for  evaluation  of  research  programmes 

including impact assessment. 

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Foresight activities 

The  aim  is  to  provide  national,  regional  and  Community  policy-makers  with  foresight 
knowledge for the early identification of long term challenges and areas of common interest 
that can help them formulate policy. Four types of activities will be covered: 

–  Wide socio-economic foresight on a limited number of key challenges and opportunities 
for  the  EU,  exploring  issues  such  as  the  future  and  implications  of  ageing,  migration, 
globalisation of knowledge, changes in crime and major risks.  

–  More focused thematic foresight on the developments in emerging research domains or 
those cutting across existing domains, as well as on the future of scientific disciplines.  

–  Foresight  on  research  systems  and  policies  in  Europe  and  on  the  future  of  key  actors 

involved.  

–  Mutual learning and co-operation between national and/or regional foresight initiatives; 

co-operation between EU, third country and international foresight initiatives. 

International cooperation 

Given the strong international dimension of the research, international cooperation will be 
developed  in  all  areas  of  the  theme.  Specific  international  cooperation  actions  will  be 
undertaken on a number of selected subjects on a multilateral and bilateral basis identified 
on the basis of the needs of the partner countries as well as those of Europe. 

Emerging needs and unforeseen policy needs 

Research  on  emerging  needs  will  offer  a  space  for  researchers  to  identify  and  address 
research  challenges  not  specified  above.  It  will  encourage  innovative  thinking  about 
challenges  facing  Europe  not  being  widely  discussed  up  to  now  or  other  relevant 
combinations  of  issues,  perspectives  and  disciplines.  Research  to  respond  to  unforeseen 
policy needs will also be undertaken, in close consultation with those involved in policy. 

9. 

Security and Space  

Objective 

To  develop  the  technologies  and  knowledge  for  building  capabilities  with  a  civil 
application  focus  needed  to  ensure  the  security  of  citizens  from  threats  such  as 
terrorism  and  crime  as  well  as  from  the  impact  and  consequences  of  unintended 
incidents  such  as  natural  disasters  or  industrial  accidents;  to  ensure  optimal  and 
concerted  use  of  available  and  evolving  technologies  to  the  benefit  of  European 
security while respecting fundamental human rights; and to stimulate the co-operation 
of providers and users for security solutions; through the activities at the same time to 
reinforce the technology basis of the European security industry and to strengthen its 
competitiveness.  

Supporting  a  European  Space  Programme  focusing  on  applications  such  as  GMES 
with benefits for citizens and for the competitiveness of the European space industry. 

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This  will  contribute  to  the  development  of  a  European  Space  Policy,  complementing 
efforts  by  Member  States  and  by  other  key  players,  including  the  European  Space 
Agency.  

9.1 

Security 

Approach 

Security  in  the  EU  is  a  precondition  of  prosperity  and  freedom.  The  Security  Research 
theme  has  a  civil  application  focus  and  it  supports  not  only  the  implementation  of  EU 
policies  and  initiatives  relevant  to  security  such  as  the  Common  Foreign  and  Security 
Policy or the Hague Programme with the objective of creating an EU-wide area of justice, 
freedom  and  security  but  also  in  areas  such  as  transport,  health  (including  the  EU  Health 
Security  Programme46)  civil  protection  (including  natural  and  industrial  disasters),  energy 
and environment. Through this, the theme will also contribute to growth and employment 
and  the  competitiveness  of  the  European  security  industry  It  will  facilitate  the  various 
national and international actors to co-operate and co-ordinate in order to avoid unnecessary 
duplication  and  to  explore  synergies  wherever  possible.  The  respect  of  privacy  and  civil 
liberties will be a guiding principle throughout the theme. 

Activities  at  Community  level  will  address  four  security  mission  areas  which  have  been 
identified in response to specific challenges of high political relevance and European added 
value with regard to threats and potential security incidents, and three areas of cross-cutting 
interest. Each mission area covers six phases which vary in time and emphasis. These six 
phases  are:  identify  (incident  related),  prevent  (threat  related),  protect  (target  related), 
prepare (operation related), respond (crisis related) and recover (consequence related); they 
describe  what  efforts  to  undertake  in  the  respective  phases.  The  first  four  phases  refer  to 
efforts  of  avoiding  an  incident  and  mitigating  its  potential  negative  impacts,  the  last  two 
refer to efforts of coping with the incident situation and longer term consequences.  

For  each  phase  of  the  individual  mission  areas,  a  specific  group  of  capabilities  becomes 
relevant which those responsible for the security of the citizens need to possess in order to 
effectively cope with threats and incidents. The capabilities indicate how the efforts would 
be undertaken and will in several cases contribute to more than one phase and/or mission 
area. Acquiring the capabilities is based on a combination of knowledge, technologies and 
organisational  measures.  The  latter  goes  beyond  a  research  programme  however;  security 
research activities at European level will contribute to the knowledge and technologies for 
building up the required capabilities.  

Research will be multidisciplinary and mission-oriented, it will range from technology and 
methodology  development,  to  technology  integration,  demonstration  and  validation.  A 
multi-purpose  nature  of  technologies  is  encouraged  to  maximize  the  scope  for  their 
application, and to foster cross-fertilisation and take-up of existing technologies for the civil 
security sector are stimulated. The Security Research theme will complement and integrate 
the technology- and more systems-oriented research relevant to security which is carried out 
in other themes.  

46 

With the objective to improve preparedness and response to deliberate releases of biological and/or 
chemical agents. 

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Research will be focussed on civil security applications. Recognizing that there are areas of 
dual use technology relevant to both civilian and military applications, a suitable framework 
will be established to co-ordinate with the European Defence Agency (EDA).  

The  involvement  of  small  and  medium  enterprises  (SME)  in  the  activities  is  as  strongly 
encouraged  as  that  of  authorities  and  organisations  responsible  for  the  security  of  the 
citizens.  The  longer  term  research  agenda  elaborated  by  the  European  Security  Research 
Advisory Board (ESRAB)47 will support the  definition of  the  content  and structure of the 
research in this theme. 

Activities  

Activities will address the following mission areas:  

•  Protection  against  terrorism  and  crime:  Activities  will  concentrate  on  threat  aspects 
of  potential  incidents  such  as  offenders,  equipment  and  resources  used  by  them  or  as 
mechanisms of attack. A series of capabilities are required to cope with this mission area, 
many  of  which  primarily  relate  to  the  phases  “identify”,  “prevent”  and  “prepare”  and 
“respond”.  The  ambition  is  both  to  avoid  an  incident  and  to  mitigate  its  potential 
consequences. To build up the required capabilities, emphasis will be on issues such as: 
threat (e.g. Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear) awareness (e.g. intelligence 
gathering,  collection,  exploitation,  sharing;  alerting),  detection  (e.g.  hazardous 
substances, individuals or groups, suspect behaviour), identification (e.g. of persons, type 
and  amount  of  substances),  prevention  (e.g.  control  of  access  and  movements,  with 
respect  to  financial  resources,  control  of  financial  structures),  preparedness  (e.g.  risk 
assessment; control of intentionally released biological and chemical agencts; assessment 
of levels for strategic reserves such as manpower, skills, equipment, consumables; with 
respect  to  large  scale  events  etc.),  neutralisation  and  containment  of  effects  of  terrorist 
attacks and crime, law enforcement data processing.  

•  Security  of  infrastructures  and  utilities:  Activities  will  concentrate  on  targets  of  an 
incident, examples for infrastructures include large scale event sites, significant sites of 
political  (e.g.  parliament  buildings)  or  symbolic  (e.g.  particular  monuments)  value  and 
utilities being those for energy (including oil, electricity, gas), water, transport (including 
air, sea, land), communication (including broadcasting), financial, administrative, public 
health etc. A series of capabilities are required to cope with this mission area, many of 
which primarily relate to the phases “protect” but also “prepare”. The ambition is both to 
avoid  an  incident  and  to  mitigate  its  potential  consequences.  To  build  up  the  required 
capabilities, emphasis will be on issues such as: analysing and assessing vulnerabilities 
of  physical  infrastructure  and  its  operations;  securing  existing  and  future  public  and 
private  critical  networked  infrastructures,  systems  and  services  with  respect  to  their 
physical  and  functional  side;  control  and  alert  systems  to  allow  for  quick  response  in 
case of an incident; protection against cascading effects of an incident. 

•  Border security: Activities will deal with two types of issues: (organized or unforeseen) 
access  related  security  issues  where  the  EU  borders  are  regarded  as  the  outermost 
perimeter  to  protect  the  EU  territory  (green  and  blue  borders)  as  well  as  border  access 

47 

Established in the course of the three years Preparatory Action for Security Research (PASR 2004-
2006). 

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nodes  as  part  of  the  (transport)  infrastructure  and  thus  potential  targets  of  security 
threats.  A  series  of  capabilities  are  required  to  cope  with  this  mission  area,  many  of 
which primarily relate to the phases “identify”, “prevent” and “protect”. The ambition is 
both  to  avoid  an  incident  and  to  mitigate  its  potential  consequences.  To  build  up  the 
required capabilities, emphasis will be on issues such as: enhancing the effectiveness and 
efficiency of all security relevant systems, equipment, tools and processes used at border 
access  nodes  (e.g.  identification  of  accessing  people,  non-invasive  detection  of  people 
and  goods,  tracking  of  substances,  sampling,  spatial  recognition  including  data  capture 
and  analysis  etc.);  improving  the  security  of  Europe’s  land  and  coastal  borders  (e.g. 
through non invasive and underwater detection of vehicles, tracking of vehicles, spatial 
recognition  including  data  capture  and  analysis,  surveillance,  remote  operations  etc.); 
assessment and management of (illegal) migration flows. 

•  Restoring  security  in  case  of  crisis:  Activities  will  focus  on  emergency  management 
operations,  such  as  in  civil  protection  (including  natural  disasters  and  industrial 
accidents),  humanitarian  aid  and  rescue  tasks  and  support  to  the  Common  Foreign  and 
Security  Policy  (CFSP).  A  series  of  capabilities  are  required  to  cope  with  this  mission 
area, many of which primarily relate to the phases “prepare”, “respond” and “recover”. 
The  ambition  is  to  mitigate  the  consequences  of  the  incident.  To  build  up  the  required 
capabilities, emphasis will be on issues such as: general organisational and operational 
preparedness to cope with security incidents (e.g. inter-organisational co-ordination and 
emergency  communication,  assessment  of  strategic  reserves,  strategic  inventories  etc.), 
crisis management (e.g. assessment of the incident and priority requirements, evacuation 
and isolation, neutralisation and containment of effects of terrorist attacks and crime etc.) 
emergency  humanitarian  aid  and  the  management  of  the  consequences  and  cascading 
effects  of  a  security  incident  (e.g.  the  functioning  of  the  public  health  care  system, 
business  continuity, confidence building  measures, restoring the disrupted or destroyed 
functioning of society etc.). 

The  above  areas  will  be  supported  by  activities  in  the  following  areas  of  cross-cutting 
interest: 

•  Security  Systems  Integration  and  interoperability:  Activities  will  enable  and/or 
contribute  to  the  performance  of  technology  required  for  building  up  the  above  listed 
capabilities, thus focusing on cross-cutting issues such as: enhancing the interoperability 
and  intercommunication  of  systems,  equipment,  services  and  processes  while  ensuring 
their reliability, protection of confidentiality and integrity of information, traceability of 
all transactions and their processing etc. Activities will also address standardisation and 
training  matters  (including  such  with  respect  to  cultural,  human  and  organisational 
interoperability). 

•  Security and society: Activities are of a cross-cutting nature and should be conducted 
by  interacting  between  natural  sciences,  technology  and  other  sciences,  in  particular 
political,  social  and  human  sciences.  The  focus  will  be  on  targeted  cultural  and  socio-
economic  analyses,  scenario  building  and  other  research  activities  related  to  subjects 
such  as:  Security  as  an  evolving  concept  (comprehensive  analyses  of  security-related 
needs,  in  order  to  define  the  main  functional  requirements  to  address  the  fluctuating 
security  landscape);  vulnerabilities  and  new  threats  (e.g.  in  the  field  of  terrorism  and 
organised crime); the attitude of citizens in crisis situations (e.g. perception of terrorism 
and  crime,  behaviour  of  crowds,  public  understanding  and  acceptance  of  security  (and 

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safety)  controls);  preparedness  and  readiness  of  the  citizen  in  case  of  terrorist  attacks; 
issues  related  to  communication  between  authorities  and  citizens  in  crisis  situations; 
raising public awareness for threats; citizens’ guidance on the internal security advisory 
and assistance systems in the Member States and at EU level; behavioural, psychological 
and other relevant analyses of terrorist offenders; ethical issues with respect to personal 
data  protection  and  integrity  of  information.  Research  will  also  be  directed  into 
developing  statistical  indicators  on  crime  to  permit  assessments  of  changes  in 
criminality. 

•  Security Research co-ordination and structuring: This area provides the platform for 
activities  to  co-ordinate  and  structure  national,  European  and  international  security 
research  efforts,  to  develop  synergies  between  civil,  security  and  defence  research  as 
well  as  to  co-ordinate  between  the  demand  and  the  supply  side  of  security  research. 
Activities  will  also  focus  on  the  improvement  of  relevant  legal  conditions  and 
procedures. 

International cooperation  

International  co-operation  in  the  security  Research  activities  will  be  implemented  in 
conformity  with  internal  and  external  aspects  of  the  EU  Security  Policy.  Particular 
requirements  and  criteria  for  international  co-operation  may  be  specified  in  the  work 
programme. 

Specific international co-operation actions will be considered where there is mutual benefit 
in line with the EU Security Policy, such as research relating to security activities of global 
applicability. 

Responding to emerging needs and unforeseen policy needs  

The  Security  Research  theme  is  by  nature  and  design  flexible.  Activities  will  allow  the 
accommodation of as yet unknown future security threats and related policy needs that may 
arise.  This  flexibility  will  complement  the  mission-oriented  character  of  the  research 
activities set out above. 

9.2 

Space 

Approach 

In this field, the EU will contribute to the definition of common objectives based on user 
requirements  and  European  policy  objectives,  to  the  coordination  of  activities,  avoiding 
duplications  and  facilitating  interoperability;  it  will  also  contribute  to  the  definition  of 
standards. The  European  Space Policy48 will serve  the objectives of the public authorities 
and  decision-makers  while  strengthening  the  competitiveness  of  the  European  industry.  It 
will  be  implemented  through  a  European  Space  Programme,  and  the  7th  Framework 
Programme  will  contribute  to  support  or  complement  research  and  technological 
development actions provided by other stakeholders, public and private, in Europe.  

48 

« European Space Policy : Preliminary Elements » - COM(2005) 208. 

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Actions  in  this  theme  will  support  EU  policy  objectives,  for  example  in  the  fields  of 
agriculture,  fisheries,  environment,  telecommunications,  security,  development,  health, 
humanitarian aid, transport, science as well as ensuring that Europe is involved in regional 
and  international  cooperation.  Space  tools  are  also  foreseen  to  contribute  to  law 
enforcement is some of these fields 

The  activities  set  out  in  this  priority  aim  at:  the  exploitation  of  space  assets  for  the 
implementation  of  applications,  notably  GMES  (Global  Monitoring  for  Environment  and 
Security); space exploration activities; and enabling activities supporting the strategic role of 
the European Union.  

Exploitation  oriented  activities  are  expected  to  be  complementary  to  actions  carried  out 
under  other  themes  in  the  “Cooperation”  Specific  Programme  (notably  those  carried  out 
under “Environment” in connection with GEOSS, and those carried out under “Information 
and  Communication  Technologies”).  Thematic  synergies  will  also  be  developed  with 
related  activities  in  other  specific  programmes.  Complementary  actions  are  envisaged 
through the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme and the Education and 
Training Programme.  

Research and technology transfer activities in the Theme could be particularly appealing for 
SMEs  developing  innovative  technologies,  needing  familiarisation  with  new  space 
technology  opportunities  (spin-in),  or  developing  application  for  their  own  space 
technologies to other markets (spin-off).  

Management of certain parts of the space activities could be entrusted to existing external 
entities,  such  as  the  European  Space  Agency49.  In  the  case  of  GMES,  research  activities 
may be implemented through a Joint Technology Initiative (see Annex III). 

Activities 

•  Space-based applications at the service of the European Society 

–  Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) 

The  objective  is  to  develop  appropriate  satellite  based  monitoring  and  early  warning 
systems  as  unique  and  globally  available  data  sources  and  to  consolidate  and  stimulate 
evolution  of  their  operational  use.  This  programme  will  also  provide  support  to  the 
development  of  operational  GMES  services,  which  enable  decision-makers  to  better 
anticipate  or  mitigate  crisis  situations  and  issues  relating  to  the  management  of  the 
environment and security. Research activities should mainly contribute to maximise the use 
of GMES data collected from space-borne sources and to integrating these with data from 
other  observation  systems  in  complex  products  designed  to  deliver  information  and 
customised  services  to  end-users  through  an  efficient  data  integration  and  information 
management.  Research  activities  should  also  contribute  to  enhance  monitoring  techniques 
and  associated  instrument  technologies,  to  develop  where  necessary  new  space-based 
systems  or  improve  the  interoperability  of  existing  ones,  and  to  enable  their  use  in 
(pre)operational services responding to specific types of demand. 

49 

Within the terms of the Framework Agreement between the European Community and the European 
Space Agency - COM(2004) 85. 

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–  In  the  environmental  domain,  the  demands  include  the  acquisition  of 
independent  knowledge  on  the  state  and  evolution  of  sustainable  use  of 
renewable resources (such as vegetation and forests), wetlands, land cover and 
land  use,  the  food  supply,  agricultural  environment  and  fishing,  carbon  sinks 
and stocks; atmospheric processes and chemistry; and conditions of oceans. The 
EC  6th  Environmental  Action  Plan  on  environmental  policies  monitoring 
climate change, air, soil and water quality shall be considered.  

–  In  the  security  domain  demands  include  improving  acquisition,  access  and 
exchange  of  data  and  information  needed  in  the  context  of  emergency  relief 
response  and  crisis  management.  Support  is  to  be  given  to  civil  protection  for 
prevention/mitigation,  monitoring,  risk  management  and  assessment  of  natural 
and  technological  hazards  as  well  as  to  humanitarian  aid  for  the  purpose  of 
proper  need  assessement  and  emergency  planning  in  the  context  of  natural 
disasters  and  humanitarian  crises  (refugees,  internally  displaced  persons,  etc.). 
Support  is  also  to  be  considered  to  support  the  implementation  of  the  EU 
policies namely in the domain of conflict prevention, and border surveillance. 

–  Security aspects (complementary to security research and to GMES activities) 

The EC SPASEC Report50 underlined that space services play such a key role in the well-
being  of  European  society  that  protection  of  critical  infrastructure  in  the  space  sector  is  a 
priority.  This  may  need  services  and  capabilities  for  surveillance  of  space  based  assets  as 
well  as  protection  for  terrestrial  infrastructure.  The  space  surveillance  system  could  for 
example  provide  information  concerning  the  main  characteristics  of  satellites  (e.g.  orbital 
parameters,  activity  status),  the  main  characteristics  of  potentially  threatening  debris  (e.g. 
trajectory, physical parameters) and pertinent information related to space weather and Near 
Earth  Objects.  Feasibility  studies  and  the  financing  of  demonstration  projects  can  be 
foreseen in this area. 

–  Applications of Satellite Communications 

The  objective  is  to  support  innovative  satellite  communication  applications  and  services, 
seamlessly  integrated  in  global  electronic  communication  networks,  for  citizens  and 
enterprises  in  application  sectors  encompassing  civil  protection,  security,  e-government, 
telemedicine,  tele-education,  search  and  rescue,  tourism  and  leisure  activities,  personal 
navigation,  fleet  management,  agriculture  and  forestry.  Research  emphasis  will  be  on  the 
development  of  new  applications  and  the  deployment  of  demonstration  missions  and 
preoperational  systems  where  satellite  communications  represent  an  efficient  response  to 
these needs. 

•  Exploration of space 

–  The  objective  is  to  contribute  to  space  exploration  activities  (robotic  and  human), 
including  related  technology  transfer  implications,  and  to  enable  the  scientific 
community to access results/data acquired during exploration missions undertaken in the 
frame  of  the  European  Space  Programme.  Research  activities  will  be  carried  out,  in 
particular,  through  supporting  actions,  feasibility  studies  and  pre-operational  projects. 

50 

Report of the Panel of Experts on Space and Security (March 2005). 

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Additional dimensions will have to be considered: the intrinsic international cooperation 
opportunities and the importance of keeping awareness and disseminating results. 

•  RTD for strengthening space foundations 

–  Space technology 

In  general  the  objective  is  to  support  the  increase  of  the  competitiveness  of  the  European 
space technology sector at large.  

In  particular  research  activities  could  contribute  to  space  transportation  technology  by: 
assessing the long term needs; contributing to system studies taking into account the end-
user requirements; contributing to upstream technology research for the next generation of 
launchers. 

–  Space sciences  

The  objective  is  to  contribute  to  the  development  of  advanced  technologies  to  be  used  in 
space  sciences.  Space  sciences  not  only  provide  deep  insights  into  the  structure  of  the 
universe, improved understanding of Planet Earth, and a new approach to life and physical 
sciences, they are also a strong driving force for new technology developments with many 
subsequent  applications  of  benefit  to  society.  The  7th  Framework  Programme  should 
complement the ongoing scientific programmes where gaps are identified and be in support 
of scientific activities on-board the International Space Station (ISS). Supporting activities 
aiming at facilitating access to scientific data are also envisaged. 

International cooperation 

Exploitation and exploration of space are, by nature, global ventures. Effective international 
space cooperation will help to raise the Union’s political standing in the world, strengthen 
its  economic  competitiveness  and  enhance  its  reputation  for  scientific  excellence. 
Cooperation  in  the  space  sector  will  also  support  EU’s  foreign  policy  objectives  (e.g. 
support for developing countries, neighbourhood countries). 

For these reasons space has to be considered a privileged sector for developing international 
activities,  in  particular  in  cooperation  with  main  and  emerging  space  powers,  such  as 
Russia;  the  United  States,  China,  India,  Canada,  Japan,  Ukraine  and  other  countries 
carrying out space activities. 

Efforts will be pursued to promote the use of space-based solutions in support of sustainable 
development,  particularly  in  Africa.  This  is  coherent  with  the  global  approach  taken  by 
GMES with regard to the monitoring of the environment51. 

To  provide  better  opportunities  for  efficient  collaboration  and  to  ensure  that  best 
international  expertise  in  the  space  field  is  integrated  in  the  European  Space  Programme, 
specific  cooperation  actions  will  be  used  for  bi-or  multilateral  projects,  international  and 
global initiatives and cooperation with emerging economies ands developing countries.  

51 

For  example,  the  Kyoto  Protocol,  United  Nations  Convention  to  Combat  Desertification,  UN 
Biodiversity Convention, 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development conclusions and 2005 G-
8 Summit conclusions. 

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Responding to emerging needs and unforeseen policy needs 

Research on emerging needs will enable innovative solutions to technological developments 
in  the  space  research  area,  and  possible  adaptations  and  applications  in  other  fields  (e.g. 
resources  management,  biological  processes,  and  new  materials).  Research  to  respond  to 
unforeseen  policy  needs  may  address  topics  such  as  providing  space  based  solutions  in 
support  of  developing  countries,  developing  new  space-observation  and  communication 
tools  and  methods  related  to  relevant  Community  policies  and  contributions  to  social 
inclusion.  

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ANNEX II 

INDICATIVE BREAKDOWN OF THE AMOUNT 

The indicative breakdown is as follows (in EUR million): 

 Health 

 Food, Agriculture and Biotechnology 

Information and Communication Technologies 

 Nanosciences, Nanotechnologies, Materials and new Production Technologies 

 Energy  

 Environment (including Climate Change) 

 Transport (including Aeronautics) 

 Socio-economic Sciences and the Humanities 

 Security and Space 

TOTAL* 

8 317

2 455

12 670

4 832

2 931

2 535

5 940

792

3 960

44 43252,53

* Including a contribution to the grant to the European Investment Bank, as referred to in Annex III. Interest 
income  on  this  contribution  shall  be  added  to  the  grant  to  the  EIB.  The  Socio-economic  Sciences  and 
Humanities theme does not contribute to this amount.  

52 

53 

Including  amounts  for  Joint  Technology  Initiatives  (cf.  Annex  III)  and  the  co-ordination  of  non-
community  research  programmes  (cf.  Annex  IV)  to  be  decided  on  the  basis  of  separate  proposals 
(e.g. on the basis of Article 171 of the Treaty). 
Including  an  amount  to  finance  the  participation  of  third  country  organisations  in  the  Themes, 
including «opening up» and «specific cooperation actions». 

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ANNEX III 

Joint Technology Initiatives and Risk-Sharing Finance Facility 

Joint Technology Initiatives 

The research areas for a first set of Joint Technology Initiatives are identified below based 
on  the  criteria  set  out  in  Annex  1.  These  Joint  Technology  Initiatives  address  a  diverse 
range  of  challenges.  Accordingly,  structures  must  be  designed  on  a  case-by-case  basis  so 
that they address the particular characteristics of the research area in question.. In each case, 
a specific structure will be identified for the purpose of implementing the agreed research 
agenda  of  the  Joint  Technology  Initiative  and  bring  together  the  necessary  public  and 
private  investments  and  coordination  of  European  efforts.  The  Commission  will  grant  an 
amount  for  the  implementation  of  the  research  agenda  on  the  basis  of  separate  proposals 
(e.g. on the basis of Article 171 of the Treaty). Further Joint Technology Initiatives may be 
identified  on  the  basis  of  the  criteria  specified  in  Annex  I  and  be  proposed  during  the 
implementation of the 7th Framework Programme. 

•  Innovative Medicines Initiative 

Innovative  Medicines  Joint  Technology 

The 
the 
competitiveness  of  the  European  Pharmaceutical  sector  by  providing  a  coordinated 
approach to overcome the research bottlenecks in the drug development process, reducing 
drug development time and clinical attrition rate for new medicines. This will enable faster 
access  to  more  targeted  medicines  and  an  earlier  return  on  research  investment  and  thus 
leverage more private investment for further research.  

Initiative  aims  at 

increasing 

Pre-competitive  research,  as  defined through the Strategic Research Agenda (SRA)  of the 
Innovative  Medicines  Initiative  will  include:  development  of  tools  and  methods  to  better 
predict  the  suitability,  safety  and  efficacy  of  drugs,  intelligent  infrastructures  for  data 
integration  and  knowledge  management  through  close  cooperation  between  industry, 
academia  and  clinical  centres  at  all  necessary  steps.  It  will  also  address  education  and 
training gaps to ensure that Europe has the skills to translate research results into benefits 
for the patient. Close co-operation between the European Community and the Industry and 
other stakeholders, such as regulatory agencies, patients, academia, clinicians etc., will be 
ensured, as well as the mobilisation of public and private funds. The implementation of the 
SRA  will  be  carried  out  via  the  Innovative  Medicines  Initiative  (IMI),  the  appropriate 
public-private partnership structure to be established especially for this purpose. 

•  Nanoelectronics Technologies 2020  

Nanoelectronics  is  of  high  strategic  importance  for  European  competitiveness  because  its 
products are key enablers for innovation in other sectors (multimedia, telecommunications, 
transport,  health,  environment,  industrial  processing,  etc.).  It  requires  that  R&D  and 
innovation  efforts  are  better  structured,  optimised  and  integrated  into  a  larger  process 
involving all actors crucial to achieving a successful outcome in the domain. 

The  initiative  will  address  the  needs  for  silicon-based  technologies  throughout  four 
technology domains: (i) the shrinking of logic and memory devices to increase performance 
and reduce costs, (ii) the development of value-added functions, include sensing, actuating 
and  packaging  functions,  and  their  embedding  with  logic  and  memory  to  form  complex 

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System-on-Chip  or  System-in-Package  solutions,  (iii)  equipment  and  materials,  and  (iv) 
design automation. 

•  Embedded Computing Systems  

Embedded  computing  systems  –  the  invisible  electronics  and  software  that  impart 
intelligence to products and processes – are of strategic importance to the competitiveness 
of  important  European  industrial  sectors  such  as  automotive,  avionics,  consumer 
electronics,  telecommunications,  medical  systems  and  manufacturing.  Furthermore,  the 
increasing  connectivity  of  these  devices  creates  potential  for  entirely  new  markets  and 
societal applications in which Europe must be well placed to benefit from. 

The  Joint  Technology  Initiative  on  Embedded  Computing  Systems  will  pull  together  and 
focus  the  research  effort,  leveraging  private and  public  investment  to  share  the  high  risks 
and maintain a high level of ambition. The initiative will address the design, development 
and  deployment  of  ubiquitous,  interoperable  and  cost-effective,  yet  powerful,  safe  and 
secure electronic and software systems. It will deliver reference designs that offer standard 
architectural approaches for given ranges of applications, middleware that enable seamless 
connectivity  and  interoperability,  integrated  design  software  tools  and  methods  for  rapid 
development and prototyping, as well as new approaches for interaction between computers 
and the real world. 

•  Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Initiative 

Hydrogen and fuel cells are energy technologies that can bring about a paradigm shift in the 
way  Europe  produces  and  uses  energy,  offering  massive  development  potential  towards 
long-term  independent  sustainable  energy  supply  and  providing  Europe  with  a  crucial 
competitive edge. The transition to a hydrogen-oriented economy implies large research and 
capital  investment  in  the  creation  of  new  industries,  new  supply  chain  structures, 
infrastructure and human resources.  

The  Joint  Technology  Initiative  will  define  and  execute  a  target-oriented  European 
programme of industrial research, technological development and demonstration to deliver 
robust hydrogen and fuel cell technologies developed to the point of commercial take-off. 
The  main  themes  of  the  JTI  research  agenda  will  be:  fuel  cell  development  for  all 
application  sectors  and  ranges;  sustainable  hydrogen  supply,  including  production, 
distribution,  storage  and  delivery;  integrated,  large-scale  demonstration  of  maturing  and 
advanced  technologies  in  a  real  operational  context;  and,  market  framework  preparatory 
activities.  This  will  be  implemented  on  the  basis  of  a  sound  and  continuously  developing 
EU  technology  roadmap  and  business  case,  detailing  transition  strategies  and  long-term 
goals and implementation milestones. 

•  Aeronautics and Air Transport 

Europe  must  remain  at  the  forefront  of  key  technologies  if  it  is  to  have  sustainable, 
innovative  and  competitive  aeronautics  and  air  transport  industries  in  the  future.  As  an 
RTD-intensive industry, the existing competitiveness of the European aeronautical and air 
transport  companies  in  world  markets  has  been  built  on  significant  private  research 
investments (typically 13-15% of the turnover) over many decades. Given the specificities 

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of the sector, new developments often depend on effective cooperation between the public 
and the private sector.  

Certain  aspects  of  the  ACARE  Strategic  Research  Agenda  require  a  scale  of  effect  and 
continuity of purpose which requires a Joint Technology Initiativefocussing on a coherent 
and dedicated programme of research on advanced technologies and fostering aspects such 
as integration, large scale validation, and demonstration.  

In the field of Aeronautics and Air Transport, different areas would be addressed, such as 
environmentally  friendly  and  cost  efficient  aircraft  (“The  Green  Aircraft”),  and  air  traffic 
management in support of the Single European Sky policy and SESAME initiative.  

•  Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) 

Europe needs autonomous capability based on a European standard for global monitoring. 
This will considerably help Europe and its industries in this area, where its competitors are 
investing heavily in the development of standards for global monitoring systems.  

GMES  has  to  respond  to  the  political  mandate  expressed  in  the  Council  Resolution  on 
GMES54  that  followed  the  June  2001  Gothenburg  Summit,  the  Action  Plan  on  GMES 
presented  in  February  200455,  and  its  inclusion  in  the  “Initiative  for  Growth”  and  the 
“Quick-start” list.  

The  future  of  GMES  depends  on  significant  long-term  investments  by  both  users  and 
infrastructure providers (both public and private). For this it is essential that GMES assert 
its  a  clear  and  coherent  image  of  itself,  which  can  be  easily  identified  by  users,  public 
authorities and industry. Independently of the specific application areas of GMES, this will 
involve  a  set  of  accepted  standards,  validation  mechanisms  and  policies,  under  a  single 
political responsibility. 

To that purpose a GMES management structure in the form of a Joint Technology Initiative 
(JTI) could be set up to bring together all relevant players with their resources, notably user 
organisations at both national and European level.  

A JTI for GMES should ensure a strong co-ordination of GMES related activities, including 
through the following functions: 

–  consolidation of user requirements for each application area of GMES, 

–  overseeing and supporting of the development of GMES operational services, associated 

capacities and infrastructures, 

–  validation of such services, where appropriate, 

–  development  of  mechanisms  aiming  at  ensuring  long-term  access  to  data  (“data 

buying”). 

54 
55 

Council Resolution 2001/C 350/02 (13.11.2001). 
“Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES): Establishing a GMES capacity by 2008 - 
(Action Plan (2004-2008)” - COM(2004) 65, 3.2.2004. 

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A GMES JTI  would also  be an effective vehicle to promote an active involvement of the 
private  sector,  in  that  it  would  act  as  a  coordinating  and  funding  agent  for  industry 
(including  SMEs)  and  other  potential  contractors  wishing 
the 
implementation of GMES through the relevant competitive processes. 

to  contribute 

to 

GMES  will  give  Europe  leadership  in  an  area  of  management  and  use  of  major 
infrastructures,  including  strategic  space  capacities.  It  could  also  provide  a  basis  for  an 
efficient exploitation of finite natural resources by both public and private entities. It will, 
thus, help to improve productivity in many sectors which have a need for coherent and up-
to-date information on available assets. 

Risk-Sharing Finance Facility  

In  accordance  with  Annex  II,  the  Community  will  provide  a  grant  (Coordination  and 
support  action)  to  the  European  Investment  Bank  (EIB).  This  grant  will  contribute  to  the 
Community’s  objective  to  foster  private  sector  investment  in  research  by  increasing  the 
capacity of the Bank to manage risk, thus allowing for (i) a larger volume of EIB lending 
for a certain level of risk, and (ii) the financing of riskier European RTD actions than would 
be possible without such Community support.  

The EIB will lend funds raised from international financial markets in accordance with its 
standard rules, regulations and procedures. It will then use this grant, together with its own 
funds,  as  provisions  and  capital  allocation  within  the  bank  to  cover  part  of  the  risks 
associated with these loans to eligible large European RTD actions. 

Based on its financial evaluation, the EIB will assess the level of financial risks and decide 
the  value  of  the  provision  or  capital  allocation.  The  risk  assessment  and  grading,  and  the 
resulting  decisions  on  provisioning  and  capital  allocation,  are  standard  procedures  of  the 
Bank, approved and monitored by its shareholders, and will not be altered as a result of the 
Community contribution. There will be no contingent liability for the Community. 

This grant will be disbursed on a yearly basis. The annual amount will be established in the 
work  programmes,  taking  into  consideration  the  activity  report  and  forecasts  that  the  EIB 
will present to the Community. 

The grant agreement to be concluded with the EIB will establish terms and conditions under 
which  the  Community  funds  can  be  used  as  provisions  and  capital  allocations.  It  will 
include, inter alia, the following terms and conditions: 

•  The  eligible  themes  and  activities.  In  order  to  maintain  the  balance  between  the 
contributing  specific  programmes  and  their  themes  and  activities,  the  Community  may 
contractually  adapt  the  eligibility  conditions  related  to  any  theme  or  activity,  without 
prejudice for possible modification in accordance with Article 7.2. 

•  The eligibility of large European RTD actions. By default, “Joint Technology Initiatives” 
and large collaborative projects funded by the Community under the contributing themes 
and  activities  of  this  Specific  Programme  shall  be  automatically  eligible.  Other  large 
European  collaborative  projects  such  as  EUREKA  ones  could  also  be  considered.  In 
accordance with the regulation adopted pursuant to Article 167 of the Treaty, the grant 
agreement will also establish procedural modalities and will guarantee to the Community 

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the possibility to veto under certain circumstances the use of the grant for provisioning a 
loan proposed by the EIB. 

•  The  rules  for  defining  the  share  of  the  financial  risk  that  will  be  covered  by  the 
Community grant and the risk threshold beyond which the EIB can use the Community 
grant.  

•  The  arrangements  by  which  the  Community  will  monitor  the  EIB  lending  operations 

related to the grant.  

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ANNEX IV 

Co-ordination of non-Community research programmes 

A  number  of  initiatives  for  the  joint  implementation  of  national  research  programmes  are 
identified below and will be the subject of a separate decision on the basis of Article 169 of 
the Treaty. Further initiatives may be identified and proposed during the implementation of 
the 7th Framework Programme. 

In the case of each decision, a dedicated implementation structure will be set up, together 
with  the  organisational  structure  and  appropriate  governance  bodies  necessary  for  the 
implementation  of  the  action.  In  accordance  with  Annex  II,  the  Community  will  provide 
financial support to the initiatives and will participate actively in the implementation by the 
means which are most appropriate for the action. 

•  Article 169 initiative in the field of Baltic Sea Research 

The aim will be to launch and implement a joint R&D programme integrating a number of 
national  programmes  in  the  field  of  marine  science  and  sustainable  development  of  the 
Baltic  Sea.  In  line  with  a  number  of  international,  European  and  regional  conventions 
dealing  with  the  Baltic  Sea,  this  initiative  will  enable  the  creation  of  a  platform  for 
synthesising and disseminating findings in the field and will create the necessary R&D to 
support sustainable development of the Baltic Sea. 

•  Article 169 initiative in the field of Ambient Assisted Living 

A joint R&D programme on Ambient Assisted Living will aim at bringing together national 
research  efforts  to  address  how  ICT  can  enhance  the  quality  of  life  of  elderly  people  and 
extend  the  time  they  can  live  independently  in  their  home  environment  and  their 
surroundings. This includes for example assistance to carry out daily activities, facilitating 
social contacts, health and activity monitoring and enhancing safety and security. Focus will 
be the integration of devices, systems and services into cost-effective, reliable and trusted 
solutions.  This  initiative  will  aim  at  a  large-scale  European  cooperation  with  sufficient 
critical mass and long term commitment. 

•  Article 169 initiative in the field of Metrology 

The  aim  will  be  to  launch  and  implement  a  cohesive  joint  metrology  R&D  programme 
integrating a number of national programmes, which will enable Europe to respond to the 
growing demands for cutting-edge metrology as a tool for innovation, supporting scientific 
research and policy. The initiative will support, in particular, the objectives of the European 
National Measurement Systems delivered via the National Metrology Laboratory networks. 

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LEGISLATIVE FINANCIAL STATEMENT 

1. 

NAME OF THE PROPOSAL: 

Proposal  for  a  COUNCIL  DECISION  adopting  a  specific  programme  for  research, 
technological development and demonstration activities: “Cooperation” (2007 to 2013) 

2. 

ABM / ABB FRAMEWORK 

RESEARCH. 

3. 

BUDGET LINES 

3.1. 

Budget  lines  (operational  lines  and  related  technical  and  administrative 
assistance lines) including headings : 

02  04  01  Space;  02  04  02  Preparatory  action  for  the  enhancement  of  European  security 
research;  08  02  01  Genomics  and  biotechnology  for  health;  08  05  01  Food  quality  and 
safety; 09  04 01 Information  society technologies;  08 03 01 Nanotechnologies, intelligent 
materials, new production processes and devices; 08 06 01 01 Sustainable energy systems; 
06 06 02 01 Sustainable energy systems; 08 06 01 03 Global change and ecosystems; 08 04 
01 Aeronautics; 08 06 01 02 Sustainable surface transport; 06 06 01 Aeronautics and space; 
06  06  02  02  Sustainable  surface  transport;  08  07  01  Citizens  and  governance  in  a 
knowledge-based  society;  08  08  01  01  –  06  06  03  –  09  04  02  –  11  05  01  -  Supporting 
policies and anticipating scientific and technological needs 

 (final budgetary nomenclature for FP7 will be established in due course) 

3.2. 

Duration of the action and of the financial impact: 

2007-2013 subject to the approval of new financial perspectives framework 

3.3. 

Budgetary characteristics : 

Budget 
line 

06, 
09, 

02, 
08, 
and 11 

XX.01 

Type of expenditure 

New 

EFTA 
contribution 

Contributions 
from applicant 
countries 

Heading in 
financial 
perspective 

Non-
comp 

Non-
comp 

Diff56/ 

Non-
diff57 

YES 

YES 

YES 

No [1a] 

YES 

NO 

NO 

No [ 1a…] 

56 
57 

Differentiated appropriations. 
Non-differentiated appropriations here after referred to as NDA. 

EN 

80 

   EN 

 
 
 
 
 
                                                 
XX.01.05 

Non-
comp  

Non-
diff 

YES 

YES 

YES 

No [ 1a…] 

EN 

81 

   EN 

 
 
4. 

SUMMARY OF RESOURCES 

4.1. 

Financial Resources 

4.1.1. 

Summary of commitment appropriations (CA) and payment appropriations (PA)58 

EUR million (to 3 decimal places)  

Secti
on 
no. 

Expenditure type 

Operational expenditure59 

2007 

2008 

2009 

2010 

2011 

2012 

2013 

Total 

Commitment 
Appropriations (CA) 

8.1 

a  4.955,289 

Payment 
Appropriations (PA) 

b  1.982,116 

6.450,321 

7.929,201 

9.553,215 

11.203,503 

12.811,940 

4.066,715 

6.097,835 

7.985,639 

9.578,238 

11.189,390 

14.568,94
6 

67.472,416 

26.572,48
260 

67.472,416 

Administrative expenditure within reference amount61 

Technical 
administrative 
assistance (NDA) 

& 

8.2.
4 

C 

TTOOTTAALL  RREEFFEERREENNCCEE  AAMMOOUUNNTT  

706,648 

720,781 

735,196 

749,900 

764,898 

780,196 

795,800 

5.253,418 

Commitment 
Appropriations 

Payment 
Appropriations 

  a
+
c 

  b
+
c 

5.661,937 

7.171,102 

8.664,398 

10.303,115  11.968,401 

13.592,136 

2.688,764 

4.787,496 

6.833,031 

8.735,539 

10.343,136  11.969,586 

15.364,74
6 

27.368,28
262 

72.725,834 

72.725,834 

Administrative expenditure not included in reference amount63 

Human resources and 
associated 
expenditure (NDA) 

8.2.
5 d 

Administrative  costs, 
other 
than  human 
and 
resources 
associated  costs,  not 
included  in  reference 
amount (NDA) 

8.2.
6 e 

11,633 

11,866 

12,103 

12,345 

12,592 

12,844 

13,101 

86,483 

0,807 

0,824 

0,840 

0,857 

0,874 

0,891 

0,909 

6,002 

Total indicative financial cost of intervention 

58  

59 
60 
61 
62 
63 

These  figures  refer  to  the  expenditure  for  the  entire  EC  Framework  Programme  -  see  COM(2005) 
119. 
Expenditure that does not fall under Chapter xx 01 of the Title xx concerned. 
Payment appropriations refers to 2013 and following years. 
Expenditure within article xx 01 05 of Title xx. 
Payment appropriations refers to 2013 and following years. 
Expenditure within chapter xx 01 other than articles xx 01 05. 

EN 

82 

   EN 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                 
TOTAL  CA 
cost 
Resources 

of 

TOTAL  PA 
cost 
Resources 

of 

including 
Human 

including 
Human 

a+c
+d
+e 

b+c
+d
+e 

5.674,377     7.183,791 

8.677,340 

10.316,316 

11.981,867 

13.605,871 

15.378,756 

72.818,319 

2.701,204 

4.800,186 

6.845,974 

8.748,741 

10.356,602 

11.983,321 

27.382,292 

72.818,319 

Co-financing details 

If  the  proposal  involves  co-financing  by  Member  States,  or  other  bodies  (please  specify 
which), an estimate of the level of this co-financing should be indicated in the table below 
(additional lines may be added if different bodies are foreseen for the provision of the co-
financing): 

EUR million (to 3 decimal places) 

n + 1 

n + 2 

n + 3 

n + 4 

Year 
n 

n  +  5 
and 
later 

Total 

Co-financing body 

…………………… 

TOTAL CA including co-
financing 

f 

a+c
+d+
e+f 

4.1.2.  Compatibility with Financial Programming 

⌧  Proposal  is  compatible  with  next  financial  programming  (Commission’s 
February  2004  Communication  on  the  financial  perspectives  2007-2013 
COM (2004) 101). 

Proposal  will  entail reprogramming of the relevant  heading in  the financial 

(cid:133) 
perspective. 

Proposal  may  require  application  of  the  provisions  of  the  Interinstitutional 

(cid:133) 
Agreement64 (i.e. flexibility instrument or revision of the financial perspective). 

4.1.3.  Financial impact on Revenue 

(cid:133) 

Proposal has no financial implications on revenue 

⌧ 

Proposal has financial impact – the effect on revenue is as follows: 

Certain Associated States may contribute to the funding of the framework programmes. 

In accordance with Article 161 of the Financial Regulation, the Joint Research Centre may 
benefit  from  revenue  from  various  types  of  competitive  activities  and  from  other  services 
provided for outside bodies. 

64 

See points 19 and 24 of the Interinstitutional agreement. 

EN 

83 

   EN 

 
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                 
In accordance with Article 18 of the Financial Regulation, certain revenue may be used to 
finance specific items. 

Budget line 

Revenue 

EUR million (to one decimal place) 

Prior to
action 
[Year 
n-1] 

[Yea
r n] 

Situation following action 

[n+1] [n+2] [n+3

[n+4]  [n+5]

] 

a) Revenue in absolute terms 

b) Change in revenue 

 ∆ 

4.2. 

Human  Resources  FTE  (including  officials,  temporary  and  external  staff)  – 
see detail under point 8.2.1. 

Annual requirements 

2007 

2008 

2009 

2010 

2011 

2012 

2013 

number 

Total 
human resources65 

of 

1.848 

1.848 1.848 

1.848 

1.848 

1.848 

1.848 

5. 

CHARACTERISTICS AND OBJECTIVES 

5.1. 

Need to be met in the short or long term 

The  Specific  Programme  “Cooperation”  addresses  the  need  to  strengthen  competitiveness 
and  underpin  EU  policies  through  gaining  leadership  in  key  scientific  and  technological 
areas.  This  need  will  be  met  by  supporting  research  cooperation  of  the  highest  level  of 
excellence between universities, industry, research centres and public authorities across the 
European Union as well as the rest of the world.  

5.2. 

Value-added of Community involvement  and coherence of the proposal with 
other financial instruments and possible synergy 

The value added of the support to be provided in this Specific Programme “ will be to bring 
together resources, disciplines, scientific excellence, thus achieving critical mass, learning 
and  synergies  which  could  not  be  attained  at  national  level.  The  better  integration  of 
European R&D will be achieved through, improved coordination of national policies, EU-
wide dissemination of results, creation of pan-European research teams and networks , and 
addressing pan-European policy challenges,  

65 

Figures indicated in the table refer only to the staff financed by the establishment plan for all indirect 
actions  under  the  responsibility  of  DGs  RTD,  INFSO,  TREN,  ENTR  and  FISH.    Therefore  these 
figures do not comprise the posts of the establishment plan from the operating budget and the posts 
from the JRC's establishment plan - see documents COM(2005) 439 & 445. 

EN 

84 

   EN 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                 
5.3. 

Objectives,  expected  results  and  related  indicators  of  the  proposal  in  the 
context of the ABM framework 

The  overarching  aim  is  to  contribute  to  sustainable  development  within  the  context  of 
promoting  research  at  the  highest  level  of  excellence.  The  objective  is  to  support  trans-
national  co-operation  in  a  number  of  thematic  areas  corresponding  to  major  fields  of  the 
progress of knowledge and technology, where research must be supported and strengthened 
to address European social, economic, environmental and industrial challenges.  

The nine themes determined for EU action are the following: 

(1) 

Health; 

(2) 

Food, Agriculture and Biotechnology; 

(3) 

Information and Communication Technologies; 

(4) 

Nanosciences,  Nanotechnologies,  Materials 
Technologies; 

and  new  Production 

(5) 

Energy; 

(6) 

Environment (including Climate Change); 

(7) 

Transport (including Aeronautics); 

(8) 

Socio-economic Sciences and the Humanities; 

(9) 

Security and Space.   

The  more  detailed  objectives  of  each  of  these  themes  are  set  out  in  Annex  I  to  the 
legislative proposal. 

Performance indicators will be developed at three levels: 

–  Quantitative  and  qualitative  indicators  to  show  the  path  or  direction  of  scientific  and 
technical  progress,  such  as  new  standards  and  tools,  scientific  techniques,  patent 
applications and licence agreements, new products, processes and services. 

–  Management 

indicators 

internally  and  support  senior 
management  decision  making.  These  could  include  level  of  budget  execution,  time  to 
contract and time to payment. 

to  monitor  performance 

–  Outcome  (impact)  indicators  to  assess  the  overall  effectiveness  of  the  research  against 
high  level  objectives.  These  could  include  assessment  at  the  aggregate  Framework 
Programme level (e.g. impact on the achievement of the Lisbon, Goeteborg, Barcelona 
and other objectives) and assessment at the SP level (e.g. contribution made to the EU 
S&T and economic performance). 

5.4.  Method of Implementation (indicative) 

Show below the method(s) chosen for the implementation of the action. 

EN 

85 

   EN 

 
⌧  Centralised Management 

⌧  Directly by the Commission 

⌧ 

Indirectly by delegation to: 

⌧  Executive Agencies 

⌧  Bodies set up by the Communities as referred to in art. 185 of the 

Financial Regulation 

⌧  National public-sector bodies/bodies with public-service mission  

ٱ 

Shared or decentralised management 

ٱ  With Member states 

ٱ  With Third countries 

ٱ 

Joint management with international organisations (please specify) 

Relevant comments: 

The  Commission  proposes  a  centralised  management  of  this  programme,  both  directly  by 
the  Commission  and  indirectly  by  delegation  to  an  Executive  Agency  or  to  structures 
created for the execution of research and development programmes undertaken by several 
Member States (Article 169 of the Treaty) or joint undertakings or other structures (Article 
171 of the Treaty). 

For  actions  deriving  from  Article 169  and  Article  171,  the  management  structures  will  be 
decided  on  a  case-by-case  basis  according  to  the  specific  characteristics  of  the  action 
concerned. These actions will involve management outside the Commission services. 

For  other  parts  of  the  programme,  where  the  link  between  the  detailed  follow-up  of  the 
actual  projects  funded  and  the  development  of  S&T  policy  is  clear,  an  executive  agency 
will  be  entrusted  with  the  administration  of  calls  and  evaluations  and  will  perform  such 
tasks as the reception and administrative management of proposals submitted, inviting and 
paying  expert  evaluators  (chosen  by  the  Commission),  providing  logistical  support  to 
proposal  evaluation  and  possible  further  tasks,  such  as  financial  viability  checking  and 
provision  of  statistics.  The  continued  possibility  to  sub-contract  specific  tasks  to  private 
companies  (e.g.  for  the  development,  operation  and  support  of  IT  tools)  will  not  be  ruled 
out. The evaluation, contracting and  project management of the projects  will generally be 
carried  out  by  the  Commission  services,  in  order  to  maintain  the  close  link  between  such 
activities and policy formulation. However, in some areas of the programme, these tasks too 
may be entrusted to an executive agency. 

6. 

MONITORING AND EVALUATION 

Monitoring  and  evaluation  aspects  are  set  out  in  the  Legislative  Financial 
Statement of the proposal of the 7th framework programme, COM(2005) 119 final. 

EN 

86 

   EN 

 
7. 

ANTI-FRAUD MEASURES  

Appropriate  measures  should  also  be  taken  to  prevent  irregularities  and  fraud  and  the  necessary 
steps  should  be  taken  to  recover  funds  lost,  wrongly  paid  or  incorrectly  used  in  accordance  with 
Council  Regulation  (EC,  Euratom)  No  1605/2002  of  25  June  2002  on  the  Financial  Regulation 
applicable  to  the  general  budget  of  the  European  Communities66,  Commission  Regulation  (EC, 
Euratom) No 2342/2002 of 23 December 2002 laying down detailed rules for the implementation of 
Council Regulation 1605/200267, Council Regulations (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 of 18 December 
1995  on  the  protection  of  the  European  Communities  financial  interests68,  (EC,  Euratom)  No 
2185/96  of  11  November  1996  concerning  on-the-spot  checks  and  inspections  carried  out  by  the 
Commission  in  order  to  protect  the  European  Communities’  financial  interests  against  fraud  and 
other  irregularities69  and  Regulation  (EC)  No  1073/1999  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the 
Council concerning investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)70. 

66 
67 
68 
69 
70 

OJ L 248, 16.9.2002, p. 1. 
OJ L 357, 31.12.2002, p. 1. 
OJ L 312, 23.12.1995, p. 1. 
OJ L 292, 15.11.1996, p. 2. 
OJ L 136, 31.5.1999, p. 1. 

EN 

87 

   EN 

 
                                                 
8. 

DETAILS OF RESOURCES 

8.1. 

Objectives of the proposal in terms of their financial cost 

(Headings 
of 
Objectives, actions 
outputs 
and 
be 
should 
provided) 

OPERATIONAL 
OBJECTIVE  No.1 
71 

HEALTH 

OPERATIONAL 
OBJECTIVE  No.2 
1 

BIOTECHNOLOG
IE, FOOD AND 
AGRICULTURE 

OPERATIONAL 
OBJECTIVE No.31 

INFORMATION 
SOCIETY 

Commitment appropriations in EUR million (to 3 decimal places)  

Year 2007 

Year 2008 

Year 2009 

Year 2010 

Year 2011 

Year 2012  

Year 2013 

TOTAL 

Total cost 

Total cost 

N
o. 
ou
tp
uts 

No
. 
out
put
s 

N
o. 
o
ut
p
ut
s 

Total cost 

Total cost 

No
. 
out
put
s 

Total cost 

Total cost 

No. 
out
put
s 

N
o. 
ou
tp
uts 

Total cost 

No. 
out
put
s 

No
. 
out
put
s 

Total cost 

636,272 

812,466 

986,760 

1.178,084 

1.372,497 

1.562,004 

1.768,704 

187,852 

239,871 

291,329 

347,815 

405,213 

461,163 

522,189 

969,315 

1.237,734 

1.503,259 

1.794,727 

2.090,901 

2.379,602 

2.694,495 

8.316,788 

2.455,433 

12.670,033 

71 

As described under Section 5.3. 

EN 

88 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                 
OPERATIONAL 
OBJECTIVE No.41 

NANO, 
MATERIALS 
AND 
PRODUCTION 

OPERATIONAL 
OBJECTIVE No.51 

ENERGY 

OPERATIONAL 
OBJECTIVE No.61 

ENVIRONMENT 

OPERATIONAL 
OBJECTIVE No71 

TRANSPORT 

OPERATIONAL 
OBJECTIVE No81 

SOCIO-
ECONOMIC 
RESEARCH 

OPERATIONAL 
OBJECTIVE No91 

SPACE 
SECURITY 

AND 

369,644 

472,004 

573,261 

684,411 

797,355 

907,450 

1.027,533 

224,210 

286,298 

347,716 

415,134 

483,642 

550,421 

623,258 

193,912 

247,609 

300,727 

359,035 

418,285 

476,039 

539,034 

454,480 

580,333 

704,829 

841,489 

980,355 

1.115,717 

1.263,290 

60,597 

77,378 

93,977 

112,198 

130,714 

148,762 

168,448 

302,987 

386,889 

469,886 

560,992 

653,570 

743,812 

842,240 

4.831,658 

2.930,678 

2.534,640 

5.940,493 

792,075 

3.960,375 

TOTAL COST 

3.399,269 

4.340,582 

5.271,744 

6.293,886 

7.332,531 

8.344,970 

9.449,190 

44.432,173 

EN 

89 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
8.2. 

Administrative Expenditure 

8.2.1.  Number and type of human resources 

Types of 
post 

Staff to be assigned to management of the action using existing and/or 
additional resources (number of posts/FTEs) 

Year 2007  Year 2008  Year 2009  Year 2010  Year 2011  Year 2012  Year 2013 

A*/AD 

B*, 
C*/AST 

Officials 
or 
temporary 
staff72 
(XX 01 
01) 

Staff  financed73  by  art. 
XX 01 02 

Other  staff74 
financed  by 
art. XX 01 05 

A*/AD 

B*, 
C*/AST 

TOTAL75 

1.848 

1.848 

1.848 

1.848 

1.848 

1.848 

1.848 

8.2.2.  Description of tasks deriving from the action 

Implementation of the Framework Programme 

8.2.3. 

Sources of human resources (statutory) 

(When more than one source is stated, please indicate the number of posts originating from each of 
the sources) 

Posts  currently  allocated  to  the  management  of  the  programme  to  be  replaced  or 

⌧ 
extended 

⌧ 

Posts pre-allocated within the APS/PDB exercise for year 2006 

72 
73 
74 
75 

Cost of which is NOT covered by the reference amount. 
Cost of which is NOT covered by the reference amount. 
Cost of which is included within the reference amount. 
Figures indicated in the table refer only to the staff financed by the establishment plan for all indirect actions 
under  the  responsibility  of  DGs  RTD,  INFSO,  TREN,  ENTR  and  FISH.    Therefore  these  figures  do  not 
comprise  the  posts  of  the  establishment  plan  from  the  operating  budget  and  the  posts  from  the  JRC's 
establishment plan - see documents COM(2005) 439 & 445. 

EN 

90 

   EN 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                 
(cid:133) 

Posts to be requested in the next APS/PDB procedure  

Posts to be redeployed using existing resources within the managing service (internal 

⌧ 
redeployment) 

(cid:133) 
in 

Posts required for year n although not foreseen in the APS/PDB exercise of the year 
question

EN 

91 

   EN 

 
8.2.4.  Other  Administrative  expenditure  included  in  reference  amount  (XX  01  05  – 

Expenditure on administrative management)76 

EUR million (to 3 decimal places)  

Budget line 

(number and heading) 

Year  

2007 

Year 
2008 

Year  

2009 

Year 
2010 

Year 
2011 

Year 
2012  

Year 
2013 

TOTAL 

Statutory staff 

xx.01 05 01 

304,222 

310,306 

316,513 

322,843 

329,300 

335,886 

342,603 

2.261,673 

External staff 

xx.01 05 02  205,478 

209,587 

213,779 

218,055 

222,415 

226,863 

231,401 

1.527,577 

Other administrative 
expenses 

xx.01 05 03  196,948 

200,888 

204,904 

209,002 

213,183 

217,447 

221,796 

1.464,167 

Total 
administrative assistance 

Technical 

and 

706,648 

720,781 

735,196 

749,900 

764,898 

780,196 

795,800 

5.253,418 

8.2.5.  Financial  cost  of  human  resources  and  associated  costs  not  included  in  the 

reference amount 

EUR million (to 3 decimal places)  

Type of human resources 

Year  

2007 

Year 
2008 

Year  

Year  

2009 

2010 

Year 
2011 

Year 
2012  

Year 
2013  TOTAL 

Officials  and  temporary  staff 
(08 0101 and ) 

Staff  financed  by  Art  XX  01 
02  (auxiliary,  END,  contract 
staff, etc.) 

Total cost of Human 
Resources and associated 
costs (NOT in reference 
amount) 

11,633 

11,866 

12,103 

12,345 

12,592 

12,844 

13,101 

86,483 

11,633 

11,866 

12,103 

12,345 

12,592 

12,844 

13,101 

86,483 

Calculation– Administrative expenditures  

Have been calculated taking into account the following hypothesis: 

76 

These  figures  refer  to  the  expenditure  for  the  entire  EC  Framework  Programme  -  see  COM(2005) 
119. 

EN 

92 

   EN 

 
        
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                 
–  the number of official staff on the ex part A of the budget remains at 2006 level  

–  expenditures increased by the 2% each year according to the inflation foreseen such as 
indicated  in  Fiche  1  REV  (working  document  of  commission  services  related  to  the 
financial perspectives), 

–  the  assumption  of  108  000  €  for  each  official staff,  and  70.000  €  for the  external  staff 

(2004 prices) 

Calculation– Staff financed under art. XX 01 02 

Reference should be made to Point 8.2.1, if applicable 

8.2.6 Other administrative expenditure not included in reference amount77 

EUR million (to 3 decimal places) 

Year 
2007 

Year 
2008 

Year 
2009 

Year 
2010 

Year 
2011 

Year  

2012 
and 
2013 

TOTAL 

XX 01 02 11 01 – Missions 

0,320   

0,326 

0,333 

0,339 

0,346 

0,713 

2,376 

XX 01 02 11 02 – Meetings & Conferences 

0,010   

0,010   

0,011   

0,011  

0,011   

0,023    

0,076    

XX 01 02 11 03 – Committees78  

XX 01 02 11 04 – Studies & consultations 

XX 01 02 11 05 - Information systems 

0,478   

0,487   

0,497   

0,507   

0,517   

1,065    

3,550    

 2  Total 

Other 
Expenditure (XX 01 02 11) 

Management 

3 

Other 

expenditure 

administrative 
including reference to budget line) 

nature 

of 

an 
(specify 

Total Administrative expenditure, other 
than human resources and associated 
costs (NOT included in reference 

0,807   

0,824   

0,840   

0,857   

0,874    1,801 

6,002   

77 

78 

These  figures  refer  to  the  expenditure  for  the  entire  EC  Framework  Programme  -  see  COM(2005) 
119. 
EURAB committee. 

EN 

93 

   EN 

 
 
 
           
           
           
           
           
          
                
           
           
           
           
           
          
                
           
           
           
           
           
          
                
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
           
           
           
           
           
                
                                                 
amount) 

Calculation - Other administrative expenditure not included in reference amount 

These figures are estimated on the basis of the 2006 DG RTD requests increased of the 2% 
for the yearly foreseen inflation. (Fiche 1 REV) 

The  needs  for  human  and  administrative  resources  shall  be  covered  within  the  allocation 
granted  to  the  managing  DG  in  the  framework  of  the  annual  allocation  procedure.  .  The 
allocation  of  posts  should  take  into  account  an  eventual  reallocation  of  posts  between 
departments on the basis of the new financial perspectives. 

EN 

94 

   EN