Research and aeronautics: setting up the Clean Sky Joint Undertaking

The Commission presents its second interim evaluation of the Clean Sky; Fuel Cells and Hydrogen and Innovative Medicines Initiative Joint Technology Initiatives Joint Undertakings.

This report summarises the findings and main recommendations provided by the panels of independent experts (IEGs) who conducted the evaluations.

The overall conclusion of the IEG reports is that the Joint Undertakings have been successful in achieving their objectives, that they are relevant to the challenges of Horizon 2020 and they should be continued. The second interim assessments show that the existing Joint Undertakings have successfully demonstrated the viability of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) concept for research in strategic technological areas. They have been effective in delivering on the main objectives and have been able to reinforce Europe’s role in aeronautics, pharmaceutics and fuel cell and hydrogen R&D.

More specifically, the report presents the Commission’s observations and recommendations and highlights the areas in which follow-up actions should be planned.

Implementation of the Clean Sky initiative: the IEG concluded that the research undertaken in Clean Sky is of high quality. Already, a number of demonstrators are running or have been tested. In many cases, the preliminary assessments of the environmental benefits confirm the capability of achieving the targets by the end of the programme.

As regards the funding, Clean Sky has a budget of EUR 1.6 billion with a maximum EU contribution of EUR 800 million of which at least EUR 200 million is allocated to calls for proposals. By September 2013, 14 calls for proposals had been evaluated and a portfolio of projects was subsequently selected. At the time of the assessment, the project portfolio counts 349 projects for which grant agreements had been signed. The evaluation of the 15th call for proposals was ongoing and the 16th and final call was planned to be launched before the end of 2014.

Commission’s observations: the Commission notes the IEG conclusion that, despite the slow start, Clean Sky has accelerated its activities and is now running at full speed. Even though not all delays have been fully recovered, all planned implementation will be achieved. In general, the Commission acknowledges the IEG opinion that the decision-making process should be accelerated, but at the same time underlines that the streamlining process should be undertaken within the bounds of Rules for Participation and the Financial Regulation, thus maintaining control and allowing total transparency on the use of public funds. Further improvements are needed in the area of communication. Moreover, the Commission agrees that links between SESAR JU and Clean Sky should be strengthened.

The Commission is also committed to work closely with Clean Sky and all stakeholders including Member of the National State Representative Group in order to raise global awareness and visibility of Clean Sky 2. The Commission agrees with the IEG conclusion that Clean Sky 2 should become the focal point of a pan-European demonstrator-based innovation programme in aeronautics. It also notes that the IEG reported that the strategy and preparation of the final demonstrator phase, including flight tests, has been exemplary.

At the same time, the IEG and the Commission agree that a more intensive correlation between Clean Sky objectives and the overall objectives of the aeronautics sector as set out in the European Technology Platform ACARE is needed.

As regards site visits, the Commission accepts the IEG position and recommendation to ensure that site visits are contemplated in future assessments.

Perspectives: the Commission acknowledges the thorough and in-depth work carried out by the IEGs in undertaking the second interim evaluation of the three Joint Undertakings. It also notes that the IEGs recognised the validity of the PPP approach and expressed positive views about the future prospects for Joint Undertakings under Horizon 2020.

The IEG recommendations are considered valuable for removing or at least reducing the weaknesses identified in the current Joint Undertaking operations. The Commission undertakes to implement corrective measures when appropriate and within its powers of intervention whilst recalling that implementing the recommendations addressed to the next generation of joint undertakings requires the adoption of new Council Regulations.

Since 10 July 2013, when the Commission presented its proposed Regulations, the processes for continuing the JUs are fully underway.