European Commission Research 1 The 6th FRAMEWORK PROGRAMME FOR RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT Richard ESCRITT Director Co-ordination of Community activities Research Directorate General European Commission NCP Training 28 October 2002

European Commission Research 2 FP6 and ERA: the context FP6 and ERA: the context Timeliness of the ERA debate. Ever greater importance of R&D -for the economy, as key to growth and competitiveness -for society, in response to its needs -from the highest level of policy in response to the competitive challenge: European Councils since Lisbon in March 2000

European Commission Research 3 FP6 and ERA: the competitive challenges FP6 and ERA: the competitive challenges -increase investment (private, public) towards 3% of GDP by develop human resources (research, education) -increase the coherence and impact of Europe’s research efforts (reduce dispersion, promote innovation) Ensure timely launch of FP6  Ensure timely launch of FP6

European Commission Research 4 FP6 : Contributing to the creation of the European Research Area FP6 : Contributing to the creation of the European Research Area Consolidate experience of previous FP’s: -S/T excellence; transnational partnerships; equal access Use leverage of FP to: -enhance coherence -increase impact -move to a true community of research and innovation FP6: A new approach  FP6: A new approach

European Commission Research 5 FP6 - Why participate ? A Unique Europe-wide research programme offering: -a range of scientific opportunities -wide contacts -productive partnerships -enhanced mobility -an international benchmark -a growing and secure budget - €17.5 bn

European Commission Research 6 FP6 - What are its objectives ? “Structuring effect”: contribute to a more coherent research landscape in Europe through -concentration of efforts -new instruments (autonomy, critical mass): smooth transition from FP5 -capacity building (human resources, infrastructure) -full integration of Candidate Countries

European Commission Research 7 FP6: How to find your place? Radical simplification; three blocks:€ million -focusing and integrating Community research (“thematic”) structuring the ERA (“horizontal”) strengthening the foundations of ERA (“underpinning”) 320 +nuclear 1 230

European Commission Research 8 FP6: Thematic Priorities (1) -limited number: concentration (wide consensus on choice) -European interest: competitiveness and benefits to society -assemble critical mass of resources and expertise  Achieve European Value Added and increased impact

European Commission Research 9 FP6: Thematic priorities (2)

European Commission Research 10 FP6: New Opportunities ……… and challenges, including: -wider partnerships (new instruments) -flexible policy support + new and emerging S/T areas - “8th priority” (€ 555M) -co-ordination activities (€ 270M) -science & society (€ 80M) -SMEs (€ 430M plus + € 1.7 bln -> more than € 2.2 bln!)

European Commission Research 11 FP6: Part of a wider debate For example; -aiming for 3% of GDP by 2010 (private and public sectors) -role of the regions -universities and enhancing mobility -national programmes (open co-ordination, benchmarking)

European Commission Research 12 FP6: What remains to be done? For participants; -think about the new possibilities -establish partnerships -start preparing proposals For the Commission; -intensive rationalisation of implementation (decreased administration budget) -preparation of work programmes and first calls (end of November?!)

European Commission Research 13 Launching FP6: A communication task New strategic goals New instruments New modalities for implementation (contracts, budget rules, IPR etc.) More autonomy for participants = more responsibility New terminology  A challenge for all giving information and assistance

European Commission Research 14 FP6: The role of NCPs - Main system for direct information, assistance and training to participants -Assistance on the spot and in participants’ own language (not only linguistically!) -Proactive role: Stimulation of participation of newcomers (e.g. SMEs) -Feedback to the Commission

European Commission Research 15 FP6: NCPs - Basic principles National governments: – establishing – nomination – financing, – supervision, quality assurance Commission: – publication of NCP network (infopacks, CORDIS, etc.) – continuous provision of information and training – moderation of transnational networking – additional financing (Specific Support Actions) for transnational activities and activities in favour of SMEs, candidate countries, newcomers, remote centres

European Commission Research 16 FP6: NCPs - Co-operation with other actors Increased coherence to provide a seamless service - co-operation with: – Commission helpdesks – Innovation Relay Centres (IRCs), – Euro-Info-Centres (EICs), – national and regional networks and actors