ECSEL Joint Undertaking for the implementation of the Joint Technology Initiative on ‘Electronic Components and Systems for European Leadership’
PURPOSE : to strengthen industrial research and innovation across the Union by means of the implementation, by the ECSEL Joint Undertaking, of the Joint Technology Initiative on ‘Electronic Components and Systems for European Leadership.
NON-LEGISLATIVE ACT: Council Regulation (EU) n° 561/2014 establishing the ECSEL Joint Undertaking.
CONTENT: the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, Horizon 2020, supports public-private partnerships in research and innovation in order that the Union might tackle certain key challenges.
This Regulation aims to establish a new Joint Undertaking (JU) for the implementation of the Joint Technology Initiative on ‘Electronic Components and Systems for European Leadership’ for a period up to 31 December 2024.
The ECSEL Joint Undertaking replaces the ENIAC and the ARTEMIS Joint Undertakings, established in the specific areas of nanoelectronics and embedded computing systems respectively and set up under the Seventh Framework Programme.
The ECSEL JU is a body entrusted with the implementation of a public-private partnership. Its seat will be located in Brussels, Belgium.
In order to take into account the duration of Horizon 2020, calls for proposals under the ECSEL Joint Undertaking must be launched at the latest by 31 December 2020 (in duly justified cases, by 31 December 2021). Calls for proposals will be published on the single portal for participants as well as through other Horizon 2020 electronic means of dissemination managed by the Commission.
The rules for participation and dissemination of the Horizon 2020 programme will apply to the JU.
Objectives of the JU: the ECSEL JU shall aim to:
· contribute to the development of a strong and globally competitive electronics components and systems industry in the Union;
· align strategies with Member States to attract private investment and contribute to the effectiveness of public support by avoiding an unnecessary duplication and fragmentation of efforts and by facilitating the participation of actors involved in research and innovation;
· maintain and grow semiconductor and smart system manufacturing capability in Europe, including leadership in manufacturing equipment and materials processing;
· secure a commanding position in design and systems engineering including embedded technologies;
· provide access to a world-class infrastructure for the design and manufacture of electronic components and embedded/cyber-physical and smart systems; and
· build a dynamic ecosystem involving Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs), thereby strengthening existing clusters and nurturing the creation of new clusters in promising new areas.
The ECSEL JU should seek to develop close interactions with the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF).
Funding: the Union financial contribution to the ECSEL JU shall come from Horizon 2020 and be up to EUR 1 184 874 000. The ECSEL Participating States shall make a financial contribution to the operational costs of the ECSEL Joint Undertaking that is commensurate with the Union’s financial contribution. The amount shall be at least EUR 1 170 000 000.
The Commission may terminate, proportionally reduce or suspend the Union’s financial contribution to the JU or trigger the winding-up procedure if members other than the Union, including their constituent entities and affiliated entities, do not provide contributions.
The Regulation contains provisions that aim to ensure the protection of the EU’s financial interests.
The discharge for the implementation of the budget of the JU shall be given by the European Parliament, upon recommendation of the Council in accordance with the procedure provided for in the financial rules of the ECSEL JU.
Evaluation: by 30 June 2017 the Commission shall carry out, with the assistance of independent experts, an interim evaluation of the JU. It shall send that report to the European Parliament and to the Council by 31 December 2017. The results of the interim evaluation shall be taken into account in the interim evaluation of Horizon 2020.
The JU’s mandate will end on 31 December 2024 and the JU will be wound up.
ENTRY INTO FORCE: 27.06.2014.