Brussels, 30/05/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 29 May, the European Commission announced that it would provide €100 million to support five major projects to boost Europe's manufacturing competitiveness by bringing research closer to industrial needs. These projects are the first steps in putting into effect the European Electronics Strategy of 23 May (see EUROPE 10851). European Commissioner for the Digital Strategy Neelie Kroes said that “We do not have any time to waste. These projects will make a vital contribution to implementing our electronics strategy”. Around 128 partners will be participating in the five so-called “Pilot lines”. European manufacturers will work directly with technology companies, chip designers, researchers, and universities at the very earliest stages of product development. The purpose is to develop a new generation of microchips which will give European industry and products a global competitive edge. (IL/transl.fl)