Research RTD, 6th framework programme 2002-2006: results dissemination, participation of undertakings and universities

PURPOSE: to propose a Decision specifying the rules for participation on the EC RT&D framework programme (2002-2006) and for rules on the dissemination of research results. CONTENT: in line with the recently revised Community RT&D framework programme the European Commission is proposing a new Decision with the specific remit of revamping, simplifying and outlining new rules for participation on the programme. Also proposed are new rules for the dissemination of results. This Decision has been prepared with two objectives in mind, namely: - to adapt the rules on participating in research programmes and disseminating project results in line with the philosophy and characteristics of the new framework programme; and - to simplify and streamline existing provisions to make them clearer and easier to understand. The following new features have accordingly been introduced: - participation from Member States and from Associated candidate countries entitles them to equivalent rights and obligations; - European scientific cooperation organisations such as CERN, ESA ESO and EMBL are entitled to participate in the framework programme on exactly the same footing as any entity established in a Member State; - organisations from third countries are fully entitled to participate in actions carried out under the bulk of the framework programme. Organisations in third countries eligible to take part in specific international cooperation actions under the framework programme will in addition be fully entitled to receive funding; - general criteria have been drawn up for the selection of proposals taking account of the specific objectives of the new instruments; - the Community will make its financial contribution in the new forms of 'grants for integration' for the networks of excellence or 'grants to the budget' for integrated projects, providing important flexibility and involving less cumbersome and more effective controls, essentially ex post controls; - consortia responsible for networks and integrated projects are given the opportunity to change the partnership including through competitive calls, subject to clearly defined conditions and on the basis of simplified Commission consent. Similarly, the Commission proposes a clean sweep of the provisions in so far as intellectual property rights are concerned. In this context the provisions have been simplified. Furthermore, the rules are now identical for all participants. With SME's in mind, the Commission proposal now offers participants the option of agreeing their most appropriate joint arrangements within a clear and stable framework. In consultation with users, the scientific community and industry the Commission Decision offers some genuinely new options for those seeking EU support. For example, one new element is moderating the requirement for participation to take out property rights to protect all the knowledge related to the project since, in some instances, it may be in their interest to place the knowledge in the public domain. Other new initiatives include the option for projectparticipants to exclude some of their pre-existing know-how from the requirement to grant access to other participants and limiting a participant's access rights to knowledge arising from the work of other participants to only such information as is needed to make effective use of its own knowledge. Lastly, the current financial provisions in the model contract and grant application forms will be simplified.�