An amendment on the EU’s general budget for 2017 slipped through almost unnoticed in the vote in the European Parliament’s budgets committee at the end of September (see EUROPE 11635). Yet it could add significantly to the clout of the space industry in public-private research partnerships and the Horizon 2020 programme, according to a source contacted on Monday 10 October.
The amendment in question was put down by Marian-Jean Marinescu (EPP, Romania) and relates to a pilot project on space technologies. Marinescu proposes setting up a partnership with the industry and focusing on priorities in terms of competitiveness. The partnership will prepare the ground for a joint technology initiative (JTI) public-private partnership which will grant the industry a greater say in governance in determining the R&D priorities to be funded in return for increased private financial involvement, we have been told. This kind of partnership is used, for example, in the electronic component industry. In addition, a roadmap will also be developed in a structured dialogue with the industry.
The project will focus on two priority areas: innovative materials for space equipment and the deorbiting of satellites to bring about a “cleaner” orbital space.
Every year, Parliament can define pilot projects for the next financial year. Marinescu’s proposal has been well received by the European Commission. EUROPE has been informed that it was given the highest possible rating. (Original version in French by Pascal Hansens)