Brussels, 28/04/2008 (Agence Europe) - The European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) published a strategic document on Monday 28 April 2008 to boost his role in European Research and Technological Development (RTD). In a press release, the EDPS, Peter Hustinx, said that protection of privacy and data should be taken into account and implemented as soon as possible when developing new technology in order to ensure better conformity with data protection legislation. His overarching aim is to boost 'privacy by design' whereby personal data protection is incorporated right from the start of the process of designing new technology. The EDPS' contributions to the EU framework R&D programme include his involvement in conferences to identify potential new projects and trends for the European RTD policy; helping research advisory committees set up by the Commission in connection with the R&D programme and issuing opinions; and helping the Commission in its assessment of proposals, particularly when they raise data protection issues. The EDPS can also publish his own opinion on individual RTD projects either upon request from the consortium in charge of the project or on his own initiative. (B.C.)