Brussels, 30/03/2005 (Agence Europe) - In view of the European Commission's forthcoming adoption in early April of the 7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (RDT-FP), the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR) requested recognition of the pivotal role played by regions in research and development and for appropriate means to be made available to them. At the invitation of the Valence region, the CPMR organised a conference on 11 March to debate the role of the regions in research, innovation and technological development policies with representatives from European regions and development agencies. Their work identified the need for actions to: 1) support: a) regional authorities by introducing a Regional Research Strategy (along the lines of the Regional Innovation Strategy / RIS in the field of innovation), allowing networking and an exchange of best practices between the regions, and clarifying how regional authorities should be involved in technological platforms; b) regional stakeholders, above all SMEs. A press release points out that RDT-FP actions need to be targeted in their favour by setting up intermediary organisations to assist small businesses, for example, but also to strengthen ties between large research facilities and regional business communities. The 7th RTD-FP could create instruments to this effect, said the CPMR, adding that “Multidisciplinary Liaison Offices” could be set up in each European region to boost interaction between universities and SMEs; 2) ensure dialogue with regional partners: to optimise regional delivery of European research policy tripartite meetings between the European Commission, member states and regions should be organised on a two-year basis; 3) take account of Europe's maritime dimension: marine research could be an innovative cross-cutting item in 7th RTD-FP, as a source of hitherto untapped potential for European growth, said the CPMR.