Research RTD, 6th framework programme 2002-2006: funding for projects on stem cells

The Council adopted conclusions on the coordination of Community funding programmes for research. It acknowledged the importance of improving synergies and complementarity between large Community funding programmes, including in the area of research and innovation policy as well as regional policy, in light of their respective goals.

It recognised the substantial work done by CREST in analysing the possibilities to better coordinate the use of the Research Framework Programme and the Structural Funds to support R&D and welcomed the guidelines document and the 14 recommendations adopted at the 314th CREST meeting on 7 May 2007.

The Council recalled the six priority domains identified in the CREST guidelines:

• Develop RTDI strategies and strengthen the governance,
• Strengthen and develop the RTDI basis,
• Develop RTDI excellence,
• Develop R&D cooperation at European and international level,
• Strengthen exploitation and economic and social valorisation of R&D results,
• Improve communication and information.

The importance of improved communication between actors involved in FP and SF activities, was emphasised.

The Member States were called upon to implement the guidelines at national and regional level on a voluntary basis. It encouraged policy-makers to disseminate them widely in their area of responsibility.

The Council welcomed the Commission's intention to bring forward a Communication on Competitive European Regions Through Research and Innovation. It supported the idea that the impetus created by the adoption of FP 7 should be used and that the subject merits further discussion and follow-up activities at a European, national and regional scale, for example through qualified bodies such as CREST, COCOF, EURAB, involving the Committee of the Regions and regional policy and research and innovation experts.

Lastly, it underlined the particular importance of further discussion and follow-up activities on the development of RDTI strategies and the strengthening of governance and the development of RDTI excellence in this context.