Boosting research

On March 7, Commission President Josè Manuel Barroso hosted a function in Brussels to mark the official launch of the latest European Union (EU) Research Framework Programme, to cover the years from 2007 to 2013.

This programme was approved by the European Parliament on November 30, 2006, and adopted by the Council of Ministers on December 5. Also present at the activity were German Chancellor Angela Merkel, since Germany currently holds the EU Presidency, and Commissioner for Science and Research Janez Potocnik.

In the words of the Commission President, the objective of the new programme is to shift the conception of research away from the preconceived idea that it is a subject of interest only to 'lab workers in white coats'.

Instead, "the EU wants to send out a clear message - research must become central to its future. It must become an activity from which solutions are found for the challenges of the 21st century, such as dependency on fossil fuels and external energy suppliers."

Research is important in many ways and this consideration has become even more relevant in the face of globalisation. Increased emphasis on industrial research and innovation translates into new products and services that are essential to boost Europe's international competitiveness.

A greater promotion of research is also critical in enhancing Europe's ability to address those challenges that loom very large in the future, such as energy security and climate change.

The latest Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development is the seventh of its series and, by far, the most ambitious to date. A budget in excess of €50 billion has been allocated to it.

At current prices, this represents an increase of more than 50 per cent over that for the preceding analogous programme. Since 1984, the framework programmes have played a leading role in the promotion, facilitation, development and support of multidisciplinary research and co-operative activities in Europe.

FP7 (as the 7th Framework Programme is referred to) retains and builds on the important and successful elements of the earlier research framework programmes. This includes financial support to consortia of European partners, the facilitation of collaboration across borders and the promotion of excellence in research.

As one would expect, there has also been a conscious attempt to address some of the criticisms that have been directed at some aspects of the previous programmes. Hence, it is now one of the stated objectives of the new programme to place a greater emphasis on those areas of research, which are perceived to be of more direct concern to European industry.

Another priority that has been specifically expressed is to make participation easier by simplifying the relevant application procedures with the intention of 'making life easier' for those entities and individuals who have not participated in previous programmes.

Participation in FP7 is open to a wide range of individuals and organisations such as universities, government entities, multinational corporations but also small and medium-sized enterprises.

In the literature introducing FP7, the Commission highlights four important keywords, which refer to the most important initiatives, or programme strands that will be covered by the programme but also reflect the underlying objectives. The four keywords are: co-operation, ideas, people and capacities.

The 'co-operation' programme represents the most important thrust of the latest framework programme as it had also been of its predecessor. The objective is to facilitate co-operation, at both the national but especially at a European level, between research and academic institutes on the one hand and industry on the other.

Ten principal themes for collaborative research projects have been identified, which are here listed in the same order as they appear in the Commission's literature: health; food, agriculture and biotechnology; information and communication technologies; nanoscience and nanotechnologies, materials and new production technologies; energy; environment; transport including aeronautics; socio-economic sciences and the humanities; and space and security.

In addition, two other themes, fusion energy research and nuclear fission, are covered under the separate Euratom Framework Programme.

The 'ideas' programme is being presented under the slogan 'Putting bright ideas to work for Europe'. Its objective is to strengthen the excellence of the science base in Europe by providing funds also for pure, investigative research with the emphasis placed on basic research in emerging fields at the frontiers of knowledge.

Funding under this initiative will be implemented by the new European Research Council.

The 'people' programme is intended to encourage and assist research careers in Europe. Its intention is to provide significant support for mobility and for career development in research.

The programme includes financial assistance for training and seeks to enhance opportunities for the lifelong development of researchers through transnational European fellowships and industry/academia partnerships.

The 'capacities' programme is designed to help strengthen the knowledge infrastructure in Europe under the rallying cry of 'top facilities for top scientists'. The objective is to strengthen research facilities and innovation capacity to stimulate knowledge resources in Europe and achieve its full research potential.

The FP7 represents the principal EU initiative that specifically targets research. However, there are also other important instruments that provide financial support to research activities in the EU.

These are the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP); the i2010 (European Information Society for growth and development) initiative and the European Institute of Technology, in addition to relevant programmes funded under the EU regional policy context.

In addition, the member states have bound themselves to increase their expenditure on measures in support of research.

The relevance and significance of these initiatives cannot be understated. To quote what the Commission had to say when the plans for FP7 were first announced almost two years ago: "Research is at the core of the EU's plan to stimulate growth and jobs.

"Together with education and innovation, it is a key component to the 'knowledge triangle'. Knowledge is Europe's best resources. Investing in knowledge is certainly the best way, and maybe the only one, for the EU to foster economic growth and create more and better jobs, while at the same time ensuring social progress and environmental sustainability.

"The EU's research policy and the new framework programme that will help to implement it, play a crucial role in delivering these goals."