EU Framework Programme for European research and technological development : evidence / Select Committee on Science and Technology.
- Great Britain. Parliament. House of Lords. Science and Technology Committee.
- Date:
- 1997
Licence: Open Government Licence
Credit: EU Framework Programme for European research and technological development : evidence / Select Committee on Science and Technology. Source: Wellcome Collection.
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![6 November 1996 ] [ Continued for the purposes of illustrating the approach in practice. They do not represent the UK’s considered priorities for the thematic objectives to be included in FP5. More extended consideration will be needed to establish these. In addition, some areas of policy or industrial interest have not been addressed in these examples. The UK would want to propose further themes, as the model to be proposed by the Commission becomes clearer, for example in the field of health. Possible Examples of Objectives for FPS Intelligent business and administration: innovative use of information systems for competitiveness in business and public services Agile enterprise: developing the responsive, adaptable business More efficient, clean and sustainable processing industry: advanced manufacturing and processing with least environmental impact Energy for tomorrow’s Europe: Cheaper, more secure energy for Europe’s industry and citizens Better construction: delivering better value to construction industry customers European aeronautics for world markets: technologies for the safer, more efficient, more environmentally friendly plane Towards tomorrow’s car: technologies for the environmentally friendly, more efficient vehicle The informed citizen: empowering the citizen through easier access to information for culture, leisure and self-development Molecular and bio-technologies for competitiveness and quality of life: innovative products, processes and treatments Sustainable farming and fishing: underpinning European policies and regulations Sustainable transport: safe, environmentally friendly transport systems for accessibility, mobility and choice Supporting EU environmental policy: to support the implementation of the European Community Programme of Policy and Action in Relation to the Environment and Sustainable Development (AP5) Strengthening the single market: developing the European test and measurement infrastructure for makers and users of standards. 16. These descriptions are intended to exemplify some of the areas in which the Framework Programme might most fruitfully contribute to competitiveness, quality of life and support for EU policy. Many of them have been identified in the UK’s Technology Foresight exercise, which was based on wide and deep involvement of the academic and business communities and government. Many of them reflect two fundamental drivers for change in society: the need for sustainable development in its broadest sense and the need to capture and capitalise on the benefits of the information revolution. 17. It should be noted that key underpinning technologies such as IT will be relevant to most objectives, as will improved understanding of economic and social driving forces and impacts. Likewise the environmental dimension will need to be considered under most objectives, and space technology, marine sciences and technologies and other disciplines will have a contribution to make in a wide range of fields. These technologies will contribute to the achievement of the framework’s objectives, however, rather than form objectives in their own right. 18. One issue relevant to many themes is risk analysis. This should form an essential component in better EU policy making and implementation. More consistent and rigorous use of risk assessment techniques and of cost and risk/benefit analysis, based on common understanding, is needed to promote sound legislation with an appropriate balance of safeguards and compliance costs. 19. A higher profile should be given to risk analysis throughout the programme. Wherever relevant, specific programmes should embrace the research needed on relevant risk issues, for example those specific to policy development in health, transport, food, energy and the environment. There would be advantage in the Commission developing a centre of expertise (as part of the administrative machinery described below) both to support the advisory groups in identifying these needs and to act as a source of technical support as FPS proceeds. fi FUSION 20. In developing themes, it will be important to assess the contribution of nuclear fusion research to the objectives of the framework programme. The future of fusion is currently under review. The UK attaches importance to seeing a thorough and impartial assessment of fusion research before decisions needs to be taken on further funding through FPS.](https://iiif.wellcomecollection.org/image/b32218734_0022.jp2/full/800%2C/0/default.jpg)
