Brussels, 05/01/2007 (Agence Europe) - In its work programme, “Europe - succeeding together”, the German presidency of the EU clearly indicates its intention to continue with the promotion of research and development “in the spirit of the Finnish presidency”. In other words, it will highlight innovation in the public and private sectors by “taking into account the entire spectrum of the value-added chain, from promoting basic research to developing new products and services”.
Berlin believes that the launch of the 7th Research Framework Programme and the European Research Council at the beginning of 2007 will “start on the right note” for carrying out this work effectively. The German Presidency will also focus its efforts on other priorities such as the funding of research and development (R&D) through instruments in addition to the EU Research Framework Programme, such as the intellectual property rights area.
Funding R&D. The Presidency stated that as well as the EU Research Framework Programme, other European funding instruments should be used to consolidate investment in research and development. It considers that, “Structural Funds are also to be used to integrate the new Member States more firmly into the European Research Area to exploit this tool's potential to complement the EU Research Framework Programme, which is dedicated to the principle of excellence”. In this connection, the presidency announced its intention to support the Commission in drafting guidelines, for five of the new Member States, on practical assistance with issues related to financing research infrastructures by combining Structural Fund resources with funds from the 7th Research Framework Programme.
Strengthening European cooperation in education. In view of increasing innovation capacities in Europe, the German Presidency believes that technological and applied research should be strengthened. It also underlines the fact that, “existing potential in universities, various research establishments and enterprises should be better combined”. On this point the “Competitiveness” Council on 19 February is expected to adopt a series of conclusions based on a Commission communication on the transfer of knowledge between universities and industry.
Intellectual property rights. The German Presidency thinks that it is necessary to optimise the use of research but prevent the unchecked drain of know-how, and will be launching an initiative for a charter on the handling of intellectual property at public research institutions and universities, and thus help improve cooperation between these institutions and the business sector. The presentation of this initiative should take place at the “Competitiveness” Council on 19 February, together with a progress report that will be the subject of an exchange of views during the Competitiveness Council on 21-22 May.
Space. During the EU-ESA (European Space Agency) Space Council meeting on 22 May the keystone of the European Space Programme will be laid down. The Presidency's work programme indicates that this will be “taking into account … the shift in the space industry towards a more user-oriented approach and setting goals and priorities based on EU and ESA space activities”.
Investment in R&D. The EU has decided that by 2010, a 3% minimum of its GDP will be invested in research and development. The Competitiveness Council on 21-22 May will hold an exchange of views on the issue based on the future European Commission report on the contribution of research to national reform programmes (Lisbon Strategy and the 3% objective). (ol)