Explanatory Memorandum to COM(2005)119-2 - Seventh framework programme of Euratom (Euratom) for nuclear research and training activities (2007 to 2011) : building the Europe of knowledge - Main contents
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| dossier | COM(2005)119-2 - Seventh framework programme of Euratom (Euratom) for nuclear research and training activities (2007 to 2011) : building ... |
|---|---|
| source | COM(2005)119  |
| date | 06-04-2005 |
The political context and objectives for this proposal are set out in the communication “Building the ERA of knowledge for growth”[1] presented at the same time by the Commission.
Knowledge is at the core of the Lisbon agenda, and underpins all its elements. Research and technology are, together with education and innovation, the components of the “Triangle of knowledge”.
To become the “most dynamic and competitive knowledge-based economy in the world” while maintaining the “European Model”, Europe must increase its research effort to 3% of EU GDP and better exploit its capacities in this field, transforming scientific results into new products, processes and services.
Alongside the Member states and in close cooperation with them, the EU must mobilise its legal and financial tools towards this goal, starting with the research Framework Programme.
2. PRIOR CONSULTATION
In the preparation of the current proposals, the Commission has taken into account the views expressed by the other EU institutions, in particular the European Parliament and the Member States, as well as by many stakeholders in a broad consultation, including the scientific community and industry.
This proposal also relies on an in-depth impact assessment. This impact assessment was based upon inputs from stakeholders, internal and external evaluations and other studies, and contributions from recognised European evaluation and impact assessment experts. The assessment found that Europe faces many economic, social and environmental challenges that science and technology help address; that the European scientific and technological system has flaws, however; and that the EU successfully supported research through past Framework Programmes.
3. LEGAL ASPECTS
The proposal for the EC Framework Programme, which covers the period 2007-2013, is based on Chapter XVIII of the Treaty, articles 163 to 171, which provides for an EU research policy and its financial instruments, in particular the multi-annual Research Framework Programme.
In order to strengthen excellence and raise the average level of research in Europe, the basic principle is to stimulate, organise and exploit all forms of cooperation in research, from collaboration in joint projects and networks to the coordination of national research programmes, competition at the European level as well as the joint implementation of large technology initiatives and the common development of infrastructures of European dimension and interest.
The size of the action is proportionate to the volume of needs in the EU-25, due to the rising costs of research, the need to put together critical masses of human and material resources, as well as to answer to emerging needs or needs best covered at the European level.
In order to maximize the impact of EU financial support, the links and complementarities with both national activities and policies and other EU actions and sources of funding will be strengthened under the 7th Framework programme.
The “legislative financial statement” attached to this Decision sets out the budgetary implications and the human and administrative resources.
5. SIMPLIFICATION
A key feature of the 7th Framework Programme is a significant simplification of its operation compared with its predecessors. The measures envisaged in this respect are described in the Working Document on implementation accompanying the proposal. They will cover the entire funding cycle, including the simplification of funding schemes, administrative and financial rules and procedures, as well as the readibility and user-friendliness of documents. The Commission intends to externalise, under its responsibility, activities which generate a large number of small operations. An executive agency will manage, in particular the Marie Curie actions, the support to SMEs, as well as administrative tasks related to other research projects, including collaborative research projects. This approach will also be taken for implementing the activities of the European Research Council (ERC).
6. CONTENT
The 7th Framework Programme will be organised in four specific programmes, corresponding to four major objectives of European research policy:
- Cooperation
Support will be given to the whole range of research activities carried out in trans-national cooperation, from collaborative projects and networks to the coordination of research programmes. International cooperation between the EU and third countries is an integral part of this action.
- Ideas
An autonomous European Research Council will be created to support investigator-driven “frontier research” carried out by individual teams competing at the European level, in all scientific and technological fields, including engineering, socio-economic sciences and the humanities.
- People
The activities supporting training and career development of researchers, referred to as “Marie Curie” actions, will be reinforced with a better focus on the key aspects of skills and career development and strengthened links with national systems.
- Capacities
Key aspects of European research and innovation capacities will be supported: research infrastructures; research for the benefit of SMEs; regional research driven clusters; unlocking the full research potential in the EU’s “convergence” regions; “Science in Society” issues; horizontal” activities of international co-operation.
Through these four specific programmes, the aim is to allow for the creation of European poles of excellence.
In addition, there will be a specific programme for the non-nuclear actions of the Joint Research Centre.
The programme on Cooperation will be organised into sub-programmes, each of which will be operationally autonomous as far as possible while at the same time demonstrating coherence and consistency and allowing for joint, cross-thematic approaches to research subjects of common interest.
The nine themes identified for the “Cooperation” part are:
- 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.