Research 5th EC framework programme 1998-2002: results dissemination, participation of undertakings, universities

OBJECTIVE: to lay down the rules for the participation of undertakings, research centres and universities for the dissemination of research results for the implementation of the 5th Framework Programme of Research (1998-2002). SUBSTANCE: alongside the framework programmes and specific programmes, the rules on participation and the dissemination of results contained in this proposal for a decision are designed to complete the legislative architecture of Community policy on research and technological development. The proposal follows the lines of the existing rules and experience gained in managing the 4th Framework Programme. It also reflects the conclusions of the Davignon panel assessment and the structure and priorities of the 5th Framework Programme. The Commission regards it as an operation of the 'innovation within continuity' kind, and says that it has been carried out with a concern to make the proposed rules transparent and comprehensible. With regard to continuity, mention may be made of: - the calls for proposals published in the OJEC, which are an excellent tool for selecting RTD actions; - the transnational nature of the research consortia carrying out RTD projects; - the requirement that international organizations or legal entities established in third countries participate by being added to a minimum number of entities established in a Member State and that such participation be permitted only if it is in the interest of Community policies; - the conclusion of contracts on the basis of actual costs; - the obligation either to use or to disseminate the research results. The following constitute innovations: - the inclusion of common definitions for all programmes; - rules governing the participation of legal entities established in third countries, drawn up in accordance with the guidelines for the 5th Framework Programme and applicable to all specific programmes; - the participation of legal entities established in third countries which have signed an international agreement in particular on the basis of Article 130m of the EC Treaty; - the definition of eligible costs; - the option of paying general costs on a flat-rate basis so as to facilitate participation on the basis of the total cost; - varying the rules on dissemination and use according to the project's proximity to the market; - encouraging the use of results by making it possible, under certain conditions, to sign exclusive rights agreements, especially where projects are close to the market; - the obligation to disseminate results if they are not being used; - improved protection for participants' pre-existing know-how; - a more important role for the technological implementation plan, which now constitutes a detailed and structured instrument for monitoring the use made of the research results. The Council Decision will be supplemented by implementation provisions after the ad hoc committee has been consulted. �