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Category: Programmes

ESA has issued an Invitation to Tender (ITT) to analyse the evolution of GMES Services over the next decade.

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This ITT (05.1AE.08 on the EMITS system) was issued on 17-Oct and
will close on 25-Nov 12:00 am. A single contract (of 1.5 MEuro maximum,
& duration 12 months) is planned to analyse the evolution of GMES
services over the next decade, assess the requirements arising from
this evolution and formulate designs for operational implementation of
service production, delivery and use.
The prime objective is to generate clear and convincing answers to the following questions:
1. What is the full portfolio of GMES services in 2015 and who are they delivered to?
2. How can operational delivery and use of GMES services be organised?
3. What are the key steps and required developments to progressively roll-out GMES services?
This work shall include the following analysis:
1. A detailed specification of the service segment
architecture and implementation design for a few selected services
based on current capabilities and developments already underway
2. A future outlook assessing factors driving the evolving context in which GMES services will be provided.
The future outlook shall encompass as wide
a vision of GMES as possible beyond direct environment policies
presently addressed by on-going activities (such as GMES Services
Element contracts and Integrated Projects).
(Credits at ESA-EMITS)

The Co-operation programme is designed to establish European 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.

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The Co-operation Programme
The Co-operation programme is designed to
establish European 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. The Commission is proposing an amount of €44432
million, about 60% of total proposed FP7 expenditure. The programme
focuses on nine themes, corresponding to the major fields of progress
in knowledge and technology where excellent research must be
strengthened to address European social, economic, environmental and
industrial challenges.
Specific for EO domain:
Environment, including Climate Change,
where the objective is to promote sustainable management of the natural
and human environment and its resources by advancing understanding of
the interaction of the bio-sphere, ecosystems and human activities and
developing new technologies, tool and services to address global
environmental issues in an integrated way. Emphasis will be put on
prediction of climate, ecological, earth and ocean systems changes, on
tools and technologies for monitoring, prevention and mitigation of
environmental pressures and risks, including to health and the
sustainability of the natural and man-made environment. The amount tara
ed in this area is €2240 million.
Security and space, where the
objectives are two-fold. On the one hand to develop the technologies
and knowledge 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,
while on the other to support a European Space Programme, focussing on
applications such as Global Monitoring for Environmental Sustainability
with benefits for citizens and industry. The amount proposed in this
area is €3500 million.
The Co-operation programme will
focus on collaborative research, that is, fostering the creation of
excellent research projects and networks able to attract researchers
and investment from across Europe and the entire world. This
collaborative research will primarily take the form of collaborative
projects, networks of excellence, coordination and support actions. In
addition the Co-operation Programme proposes two new instruments to
support research and development in Europe:
Joint Technology Initiatives,
which will, in a limited number of cases, support the creation of
long-term private/public partnerships. These JTIs will mainly result
from the work of European Technology Platforms, to combine private
sector, national and European financing. The criteria for selection of
JTIs include: demonstrated added value of intervention at European
level; a clear objective; financial and other resources committed by
industry; clear impact on growth and competitiveness; contribution to
broader policy objectives; capacity to attract other funding; inability
of other existing instruments to achieve the objective.
Risk Sharing Finance Facility,
which will take the form of a grant to the European Investment Bank,
which will be use to cover part of the risks associated with loans to
research and development actions, which is inherently riskier than some
other economic activities.
The Co-operation programme is designed to
make it easier than in the past to focus on priority scientific areas
which cut across several themes: an example could be marine sciences
and technology (food and environment). The programme is also designed
with enough flexibility to allow it to meet emerging needs that cannot
be foreseen now, for example arising from scientific or technological
breakthroughs. It will allow research on topics identified by
researchers to develop new scientific and technological opportunities,
assess new discoveries or newly-observed phenomena, and focus on
specific objectives in emerging fields of science and technology that
promise major advances. It will also have the flexibility to respond to
new policy needs that arise during the course of the programme, such as
new epidemics, emerging concerns in food safety, or responses to
natural disasters.
The Ideas Programme
The Ideas programme will establish a
European Research Council (ERC), 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. The key principles
for the operation of the ERC will be scientific autonomy and
excellence. The ERC, with a proposed budget of €10483 million, will
consist of a Scientific Council, composed of 22 eminent scientists from
across Europe and from many different disciplines. The Scientific
Council will be supported by an implementation structure, responsible
for all aspects of administrative implementation and carrying out the
work programme. This structure will implement the evaluation
procedures, peer review and selection processes according to the
principles established by the Scientific Council and will ensure the
financial and scientific management of grants.
The Capacities Programme
The Capacities Programme aims to develop
the resources available to Europe’s research community, so that it can
operate in the best possible conditions. Measures to achieve this
include:
Development of research infrastructures
(large-scale research facilities such as super-computers, libraries,
networked databases, testing facilities, observatories), so that
European scientists remains at the forefront of advances in research.
(€3500m)
Strengthening the innovative capacity of small- and medium-sized enterprises and
their ability to benefit from research, by helping them outsource
research, increase their own research efforts, extend their networks,
make better use of research results and acquire necessary technological
know-how. (€1680m)
Development of Regions of Knowledge,
to strengthen the research potential of the regions by bringing
together regional authorities, universities, research centres,
enterprises and other interested parties. (€140m)
Unlocking the research potential of the EU’s convergence and outermost regions,
to stimulate their greater participation in EU research activities.
Such measures could include twinning, networks for exchanging know-how
and expertise, secondments, acquisition of research equipment,
awareness raising activities. (€490m)
Bringing science and society
closer together, to counter the lack of public participation in the
setting of priorities, and the perceived isolation of the scientific
world from everyday realities of life. Objectives include strengthening
and improving the European science system, including access to research
results and the link between science and policy-making, promoting
better understanding of issues that have an impact on society’s
perception of science, such as ethics, law, culture, improving the
gender dimension of research, attracting more young people into
science, and supporting the effective two-way communication between
scientists and the general public. (€490m)
In broader terms, support can be given
under this programme to the coordination of Member States’ research
policies, in particular with a view to putting into practice the EU’s
growth and competitiveness agenda.
Common themes and issues
The
Commission will be responsible for ensuring the coherence of these
Specific Programmes. There are a number of aspects that will reinforce
the operation of all the Specific Programmes as part of an integrated
European programme of research.
Joint calls for proposals, where
actions have strong relevance to different parts of the Co-operation,
People and Capacities programmes, or across different themes within the
Co-operation programme.
International co-operation will be
a specific theme of the Capacities programme, with an allocated €315m,
but it will form a part of all programmes, and all will have dedicated actions in this field.
The ethical framework for the
Specific Programmes is an issue of great importance for the European
Commission. All Specific Programmes contain clauses making clear the
necessity to operate with respect for fundamental ethical principles
and existing international law and conventions in this area. Human
cloning for reproductive purposes, research activity to modify the
genetic heritage of human beings, the creation of human embryos for the
purpose of research or stem cell procurement are explicitly ruled out.
No research can be financed by the Framework Programme in a particular
country that is contrary to the laws of that country. Further more
projects that raise any ethical questions are submitted to a rigorous 4
stage process before being funded (national ethical review, European
scientific review, European ethical review and consideration by a
Committee of Member States). A fuller explanation of the ethical
implications of the Commission’s proposals can be found in MEMO/05/121.
SME participation will be a major
priority of the new programme. In addition to the specific actions in
the Capacities programme, SME research interests are included
throughout the Co-operation programme and will be identified in more
detail in the work programmes and calls for proposals. The People
programme will have a special emphasis on involving personnel from
SMEs. The streamlining of the programmes and the funding instruments
should also boost the participation of SMEs.
Dissemination and knowledge transfer:
efforts to improve the take-up of research results are a key feature of
all the Specific Programmes, with emphasis on transfer of knowledge
across national borders, different disciplines, and between academia
and industry.
Simplification – making the
programmes more accessible and user-friendly – is a major priority for
the Commission. The most improvements can be made at the level of the
rules of participation, which will be proposed by the Commission later
this autumn. But a number of improvements are already possible at the
level of Specific Programmes, such as: improved efficiency through the
management of administrative tasks by an outside agency; streamlining
of the funding schemes available to participants, principles
established for evaluation criteria; streamlined systems for the
approval of projects; clearer programme architecture.
(Credits Europa)

In the face of globalisation and intense international competition, the
European Commission has launched a new industrial policy to create
better framework conditions for manufacturing industries in the coming
years.

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The manufacturing industry matters to the EU, it employs over 34
million people, it accounts for three quarters of EU exports and over
80% of EU private sector R&D expenditure. Whether or not a business
succeeds or not ultimately depends on the vitality and strength of the
business itself, but the overall environment can help or harm business
prospects.
The new EU industrial policy will
complement work at Member State level to support a strong and dynamic
industrial base. It includes seven new initiatives – on
competitiveness, energy and the environment, on intellectual property
rights, on better regulation, on industrial research and innovation, on
market access, on skills, and on managing structural change – which
will benefit a wide range of industry sectors. Seven additional
initiatives are targeted at specific sectors such as pharmaceuticals,
defence and Information and communication technologies.
The approach underlying the new
industrial policy is based on a detailed screening of 27 individual
sectors of manufacturing industry and construction. It builds on the
success of several joint initiatives undertaken by the Commission with,
for example the shipbuilding and car industries. This industrial policy
is an important step in the delivery of the Commission’s new Lisbon
“Partnership for Growth and Jobs”.
More information:
Background
In December 2002, a communication on ’Industrial policy in an Enlarged Europe’
laid the foundations that should underpin the Union‘s industrial
policy. Without a competitive industry, it is impossible to achieve
social and environment goals. The Communication recalled how equally
important are the three pillars of sustainable strategy. In addition,
two dimensions were particularly highlighted. Firstly, that all EU
policies need to contribute to competitiveness and it is important to
optimise the synergies between EC policies and industrial
competitiveness. Secondly, while providing the best horizontal
framework conditions for enterprises, horizontal policy has to take
into account the specific needs of industrial sectors.
The Communication ’Fostering structural changes: an industrial policy for an enlarged Europe’
(adopted in April 2004) aimed at deepening the guidelines already
outlined by the December 2002 Communication. More specifically, it
identified concrete initiatives to improve the competitiveness of
European industry while accompanying the process of structural changes
in which it is engaged. In addition, this Communication deepened the
analysis of deindustrialisation initiated in the Communication on an Integrated Approach to Competitiveness.
Unit B1 – Development of Industrial Policy
B-1049 Brussels Belgium
Fax: +32 2 29 21363
E-mail: ENTR-DEVELOPMENT-INDUSTRIAL-POLICY
PDF: European Industry.pdf

OASIS (Optimizing Access to SPOT Infrastructure for Science) is a
European project coordinated by CNES and financed by the European
Commission.

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OASIS (Optimizing Access to SPOT Infrastructure for Science) is a
European project coordinated by CNES and financed by the European
Commission.
By optimizing access to SPOT
infrastructure, OASIS aims at enlarging the scope and activities of
ISIS programme (Incentive for the Scientific use of Images from the
SPOT system) to a wider European dimension to facilitate European
scientific research.
OASIS provides free access to SPOT images for the European
scientific communities who must satisfy certain specific conditions.
To
be eligible, candidates must belong to a research laboratory or
institution carrying out research activities in one of the EU member
states (except France), including the candidate or associate countries
(Bulgaria, Romania, Slovenia, Turkey, Iceland, Israel, Liechtenstein,
Norway and Switzerland).
The project must be dedicated to research
activities, or to demonstration activities in the framework of GMES
(Global Monitoring for Environment and Security).
The OASIS Steering Committee is composed
of the partners of the SPOT programme (France, Belgium and Sweden) and
a scientific committee of European experts for the project evaluations.
More info at OASIS
(Credits Spotimage)

The Invitation To Tender (ITT), Response to Industry wide issues:
Geographic expansion for European EO services (ref: AO4942) is now
open, and will close on the 18 November 2005 at 12:00 hours.

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The ITT is available from the ESA‘s Electronic Mail Invitation to Tender System (EMITS). Please look at:
http://www.eomd.esa.int/events/event219.asp
The intention of this activity is to
analyse how demand for European EO based products and services can be
expanded into new geographic segments. This shall include
identification of geographic priorities, mechanisms for building
awareness and demand acceptance of the European service offering,
partnership structures for business development and communications
requirements. Promotional activities towards priority market segments
shall be tested out, reviewed and used to construct a long-term
implementation plan for how these demand segments can be approached by
European EO service companies to increase their presence.
The main effort within the analysis is to
ensure that the proposed approach to geographic expansion is driven by
and agreed with the European and Canadian EO Service Industry and that
the proposed approach will ensure, to the greatest extent possible, the
maximum impact on downstream industrial partners and end customers.
(Credits at ESA-EMITS)

For the first time the document reveals the likely components of the policy, namely: a strategy outlining objectives; a definition of the roles and responsibilities of the main actors; a European Space Programme identifying the priorities of the main actors; and a set of implementing principles.

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For the first time the document reveals the likely components of
the policy, namely: a strategy outlining objectives; a definition of
the roles and responsibilities of the main actors; a European Space
Programme identifying the priorities of the main actors; and a set of
implementing principles.

The draft outline has been prepared by a
joint EC-European Space Agency (ESA) secretariat, and follows
discussions with EU Member State representatives and industry. The
paper will be further developed following a meeting of the Space
Council on 7 June, and then submitted to the Space Council for
approval. The policy is expected to be finalised before the end of
2005.

The role of the EU within the future
European Space Policy will include defining the priorities and
requirements for space-based systems that will serve the EU‘s main
objectives and policies, as well as citizens’ needs, and building up
political will and user demand in support of these.

The
EU will also ensure the availability and continuity of services
supporting EU policies by funding relevant up-stream research
activities, securing deployment and operational phases of space systems
and, where appropriate, stimulating user funding.

ESA, in agreement with its member
countries and cooperating states will be responsible for the technical
specification of the space segment of space application programmes;
developing and implementing space technologies, in particular in access
to space, science and exploration; and pursuing excellence in
scientific research in, of and from space. ESA will also advise the EU
on space segment requirements needed to ensure the availability and
continuity of services.

The policy‘s
priorities relate to two objectives: the exploitation and exploration
of space. The EU‘s priorities will be driven by the potential that
space has to contribute to its policies and activities, and will
therefore focus on applications. In particular, the EU‘s current
priorities are Galileo, its satellite navigations system; GMES (global
monitoring for environment and security); and long term research into
satellite communication technologies in the context of the European
Information Society in 2010 initiative (i2010).

ESA
will focus on the exploration of space, and on the basic tools on which
the exploitation and exploration of space depend: access to space,
scientific knowledge and space technologies. The communication states
that the European Space Policy will be accompanied by three new
instruments:

  1. a sector-specific industrial policy, enabling Europe to
    ensure the industrial and critical technological sources and
    competences required;
  2. a policy on international cooperation that meets the wide geopolitical objectives of EU external relations policies;
  3. instruments for investing in programmes and for ensuring their efficient management.

In terms of international cooperation, the
paper reasserts that ‘space activities are global by nature’, and
recommends that Europe should intensify its partnership with Russia,
maintain cooperation with the US in the fields of science and
applications, and initiate or extend cooperation with emerging space
powers.

Much of the funding for the EU‘s
activities will come from the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) for
research and technological development. Galileo and GMES were taken
into account when the Commission put forward its proposal for FP7, and
other activities will also be eligible for funding under the
programme‘s various thematic priorities. Other funding may come from
sources such as the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme
(CIP).

The legal framework for the policy has
yet to be decided upon. The communication sets out a number of possible
scenarios, which include:

  1. the EU taking substantially more responsibility for
    identifying and bringing together user needs; aggregating political
    will; ensuring the necessary technology developments to meet these
    needs; and ensuring the availability and continuity of services;
  2. ESA responding to developments in the relationship with an enlarged EU;
  3. the EU reflecting upon whether it has the appropriate mechanisms for managing its space activities.

(Credits Cordis News)

Earth Observation Market Development (EOMD) is an element of activity within the Earth Observation Envelope Program (EOEP) of the European Space Agency. Since 2000, EOMD has been working directly with the EO Service Industry to support European and Canadian companies in the marketing and business development of geo-information services from EO data.
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Earth Observation Market Development (EOMD) is an element of activity within the Earth Observation Envelope Program (EOEP) of the European Space Agency. Since 2000, EOMD has been working directly with the EO Service Industry to support European and Canadian companies in the marketing and business development of geo-information services from EO data.

Over these five years EOMD has seen improved customer acceptance of and commitment to EO information services in a variety of industry sectors and enhanced partnerships with downstream partners to better integrate EO derived information in operational service portfolios. As a result, new business has been generated for the EO service industry and a better understanding of the prospects for EO in new market sectors has emerged.

EOMD has initiated 20 service development contracts (3+ year duration) and over 40 Exploratory and Innovative (1 year duration) contracts. These contracts focussed on EO services and required the active engagement with non-EO partners with emphasis on team-building within the service industry. Through these activities pre-commerical service trials were conducted by Value Adding companies with major industry players in a variety of international markets, for example: Oil & Gas – Shell (NL), BP (UK), Petroleum Development Oman (Oman), Western Geco (UK), Fugro-GEOS (UK); Mining – International Mining Consultants (UK); Engineering – Elsam Engineering (DK), EBA Consulting Engineering (CA), Soletanche-Bachy (F), Soldata (F); Insurance – Swiss-Re (CH), Munich-Re (D); Media – Reuters (UK) and Renewable Energy – Neg-Micon (DK), 3E (B) BC Hydro (CA), etc.

In parallel, a series of ‘market driver’ study contracts identified new opportunities – giving a forward view by documenting the factors driving demand for geo-information within a wealth of new markets, including pipeline management, mining, utilities management, offshore wind energy, transportation, insurance, tourism, location based systems, forestry, aquaculture, port authorities and coastal zone management. The EOMD web site provides further information on these contracts as well as related media publications.

ESA organises regular workshops where Value Adding companies, downstream industry players and other stakeholders of the EO service sector are invited for briefing sessions on industry issues and on new opportunities associated with the EOMD programme element. These events also allow companies to voice their messages concerning issues that the EO service sector as a whole is facing.

Further to on-going ‘market driver’ study contracts, a New EOMD tender opportunity has opened on 29 June 2005 on Corporate Sustainable Development. This aim of this activity is to look at the utilisation and integration of Earth Observation technology into business sustainability practises in support of Corporate Sustainable Development (CSD). This is a response to identified opportunities associated with the increasing need for accurate and timely information on the state of the environment in order to quantify progress towards (CSD), as acknowledged during the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD), held in Johannesburg in 2002. More information concerning this tender opportunity is available at: http://www.eomd.esa.int/events/event215.asp.

In addition, in December 2002, EOMD commissioned a survey of the European and Canadian Earth observation industry organised by UK-based consultancies VEGA Group PLC and Booz Allen Hamilton. The results of this first in-depth profile of the complete European EO service sector are also available on EOMD web site: http://www.eomd.esa.int/survey/study.asp.
The survey assessed the status of the geo-information products and services on offer, working practices, market impact, and underlying economic health of the EO industry. The industrial review aimed to give a comprehensive picture of how Value Adding companies operate – in terms of development, production, marketing, sales, strategy – and the challenges they face. The financial research was primarily targeted at quantifying revenue sources (sales, development), profitability, expenses and costs within the industry.

Based on the results of the EOMD industry survey and on direct feedback obtained during different industry workshops, a requirement was identified for a number of further activities concerning issues and opportunities affecting the EO service sector as a whole and dedicated to supporting greater consolidation
within industry.

To respond to this requirement EOMD in 2005 has begun a new line of action focusing on EO service certification & standards, EO service industry representation and the geographic expansion for European EO Services. Three preparatory studies will investigate some of the underlying challenges that many companies are facing within the industry, and fully define what future actions are required in order to grow and strengthen the complete EO service industry sector.

For these actions planned for the third quarter of 2005, as for all ESA originated actions, Invitations to Tender (ITT) are released via EMITS (emits.esa.int), ESA’s Electronic Mail Invitation to Tender System.

Looking further into the future, it is proposed to replace EOMD with the Value Adding Sector (VAS) element in the next Earth Observation Envelope Programme (EOEP-3). This will continue to work across the complete industry sector to address common problems, issues and basic challenges faced by the EO service industry. In addition, it will support improved industrial offerings to exploit new European space assets as they become available during the time period. It will also further support an expanded take-up of EO services with new potential customers in both the private and public sector.

EOMD welcomes any suggestions or ideas Industry may have for consideration in the planning of the future EOMD work programme (next year & beyond). Please send feedback to eomd@esa.int.

A series of information booklets, which give an overview of the current capabilities of the Earth Observation Services sector in both land and ocean domains for nine different thematic areas is available on the EOMD website at (http://www.eomd.esa.int/booklets/booklet_segment.asp).

For more information please visit the EOMD web site on: www.eomd.esa.int and visit the Earth Observation area of the ESA portal.

IMAGE CREDITS

Envisat satellite ESA/Denmann porduction; MERIS image Copyright ESA 2004; ERS image Copyright ESA 1998 processing Spot Image and Privateers NV.

(Text Credits ESA)

This central theme is inspired directly by the stated desire to make
the ‘Lisbon Strategy’ a success and to set out the “growth triangle”
formed by research, education and innovation policy.

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“Building the European Research Area of knowledge for growth”.
This central theme is inspired directly by the stated desire to make
the ‘Lisbon Strategy’ a success and to set out the “growth triangle”
formed by research, education and innovation policy. The Commission’s
proposal to establish the Seventh Framework Programme has been before
the Council and European Parliament for examination since the beginning
of April 2005.

To trigger growth and competitiveness,
characterised by a strengthened Europe of knowledge and commitment to
the excellence needed to achieve this: that is the primary inspiration
behind the new Framework Programme. It is built on five core priorities:

-
to resolutely support research able to create industrial applications
and establish Europe as a key player in a global and sustainable
economy;

- to give a new Europe-wide impetus to “pioneering”
scientific research as a source of future innovation (priority
expressed by the creation of the European Research Council – ERC);

- to help the research world recruit human resources
attaining a higher standard and to equip it with the most effective
common tools and infrastructure possible;

- to strengthen coordination between research efforts at national and regional level;

- to simplify and render more efficient the operating
methods of the Framework Programme and the procedures for participating
in it.

These ambitions will be realised by means of a Framework Programme consisting of four major sub-programmes:

Co-operation –

This
will cover all support for research or coordination projects under the
nine scientific and technological priorities. The programme includes
Euratom research (nuclear fission and protection and the ITER
international programme on nuclear fusion).

Ideas –

This programme is dedicated to the new dimension of “pioneering research” (support for the ERC).

Researchers –

Going from
strength to strength with each successive programme, this component
concerns the continuation of and building on present or future Marie
Curie mobility actions, as well as efforts to improve conditions for
carrying out research occupations.

Capacities –

This covers:

- support for research infrastructures;

- specific actions in favour of SMEs;

- efforts by the regions and for convergence in the quest for excellence throughout the Union;

- support for highlighting the role of “science in society” and its perception by the general public;

- the development of scientific co-operation and
international technologies (a theme that will also be incorporated in
all the aforementioned research actions).

The changes brought to the Seventh Framework Programme are very much in
keeping with the spirit of its predecessor in terms of priority
research subjects. There is also a desire for continuity in the forms
of support, the so-called “instruments”. At the call for proposals
stage, however, the choice will be rendered less predetermined and thus
more flexible.

Nevertheless, a limited number of new forms of action have been introduced:

-
support for “joint technological initiatives” that can be put into
place on the basis of various strategic avenues of innovation
identified by the “Technology platforms” in various industrial or
pre-industrial sectors;

- EU support for “variable geometry” projects involving a limited number of Member States, as provided for in the Treaties;

- the promotion of a new private financial dynamism for the
development of research with a high innovation potential, through the
Risk-Sharing Finance Facility device, developed with the European
Investment Bank (EIB).

As for the rest, there will be
strengthened synergy between the Framework Programme and the other
policies pertinent to the Lisbon Strategy, ranging from the Structural
and Cohesion Funds to education, and including European enterprise and
innovation policy and trans-European networks.

(Credits Magazine on Europa Research)

At an important juncture for EU research policy, this month saw the inauguration of the UK Presidency’s R&D and innovation portal. Top billing on the Union’s research agenda during Britain’s six-month stint at the helm goes to the forthcoming Seventh Framework Programme for Research (FP7).

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At an important juncture for EU research policy, this month saw
the inauguration of the UK Presidency’s R&D and innovation portal.
Top billing on the Union’s research agenda during Britain’s six-month
stint at the helm goes to the forthcoming Seventh Framework Programme
for Research (FP7).

The United Kingdom took over the Union’s
rotating presidency from Luxembourg on 1 July 2005 and will hold it for
the coming six months, until the end of December. “We will look to
deliver progress across the EU agenda by running an effective,
impartial and business-like EU Presidency,” said the UK’s Parliamentary
Under-secretary of State for Science and Innovation David Sainsbury.

On the science and technology front, Lord
Sainsbury noted that: “The agenda on research and innovation during the
UK Presidency will be dominated by negotiations on FP7 for supporting
research and technological development, which is due to run from
2007-2013.”

The Commission’s proposal for
FP7 was launched during the Luxembourg presidency, which has mediated
the initial discussion among Member States. According to the proposal,
FP7 is set to become bigger and more ambitious than its predecessor,
the current FP6 (2002-2006).

If given the green light by Member
States, FP7 will have nearly €65 billion at its disposal. The proposed
budget is double the current annual spending in FP6.

FP7 revolves around four specific
programmes: co-operation, ideas, people and capacities; and nine
themes. It places more of an emphasis on research that enhances
European competitiveness – through technology platforms and other
public-private partnerships – and on themes rather than instruments.
FP7 would represent a tenth of total public R&D spending across the
EU, and should help inch the Union closer to its target of investing 3%
of its gross domestic product (GDP) in research.

Also on the UK’s research and innovation
agenda is the proposed Competitiveness and Innovation Framework
Programme (CIP) and the European Space Programme (ESP).

Window on research

The UK Presidency’s R&D and Innovation
Information Service – which came on-line on 1 July with the hand-over
of the EU presidency – was developed jointly by the UK’s Department of
Trade and Industry and CORDIS, one of the EU’s research and innovation
information services.

It will provide a window on the UK
presidency’s efforts in this field of vital importance to European
competitiveness and prosperity. Visitors will be able to read the
latest news and press releases, and find out about R&D and
innovation events across Europe.

The website also provides insight into
the Presidency’s research and innovation priorities, as well as the
UK’s own R&D and innovation policies. This portal also contains a
wealth of links to other important web resources, both at national and
Union level.

The European Commission is also
organising a number of R&D-related events over the next six months,
including a major conference on the knowledge-based bio-economy on
15-16 September 2005, and an international conference on communicating
European research on 14-15 November 2005.

(Credits EU Research)

The Seventh Framework Programme: Cooperation, Ideas, People and Capacities
Published on

The European Commission has unveiled its plans for the Seventh
Framework Programme (FP7), which propose a duration of seven years
(2007 to 2013), a budget of 73 billion euro and a structure based on
four specific programmes: Cooperation, Ideas, People and Capacities.

For further information, please consult the following web address:
http://www.cordis.lu/fp7/
http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/research/future/index_en.cfm