Resaerch RTD, 5th framework-programme EC 1998-2002: research, technological development and demonstration activities

The general thrust of the Commission proposal responds at least in part to the need for Community research to target precisely defined objectives and for flexible, transparent management and coordination. The proposal suffers, however, from the tendency of the specific sub-programmes of the past Framework Programmes to be self-perpetuating and from the lack of adequate instruments for defining strategic criteria. The Committee therefore calls on the Commission, the European Parliament and the Council to: - adopt an integrated approach closely binding the horizontal with the thematic programmes, together with other EU instruments for structural intervention and international cooperation; - provide the necessary interface for Community and national actions by applying the basic legal framework for Articles 130k, l and n; - adapt the multiannual programming of RTDD work and establish a real common European strategy that directly involves research players and end-users, particularly the various types of SME, from the planning of the Framework Programme right through to the innovative application of research results; - concentrate research on a limited number of key actions (9 or 10), each with a minimum threshold of combined public and private funding of ECU 1,000 million; - ensure visibility and coherence in international cooperation; - clarify and strengthen the strategic role of the JRC and its institutions, especially the IPTS; - ensure more transport, simplified and streamlined management procedures; - rebuild a relationship of trust with research players and end-users. �