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 Rationale: Mobility is essential to economic activity and the automotive industry itself is a major wealth creator. Vehicle production contributes 2 per cent to the European GDP; employs 1-8m (8-3 per cent of all manufacturing jobs). Environmental pollution, the risk of irreversible global climatic changes, traffic accidents and congestion are global problems requiring a global response. If European automotive manufacturers fail to collaborate to produce technological solutions to these challenges then they will enjoy a shrinking share of future global markets. 8. THE INFORMED CITIZEN Objective: To empower the citizen to take an active part in the Information Society, by individual self- development from easier, efficient access to information from public and private sector organisations. Includes: Demonstrating, and encouraging the use of information systems. Presentation of data in user- friendly forms, the man/machine interface, novel forms of input and output, multi-language systems. Usability, privacy and security. Innovative means of information distribution and exchange throughout Europe, including the use of satellites for mobile communications. Access and applications for urban and rural areas. Applications for libraries, culture, education, distance learning and leisure. Rationale: To make the best use of the growing mass of information in the “Information Society”, the individual must be able to access and assimilate this readily, to allow all members of European society to develop their potential, and quality of life. This will enrich Europe as a whole and offer coherent progress for all its citizens to form a community which can hold its place globally. This theme includes aspects of the current IT, Telematics and ACTS Programmes and of Space Technology in the Environment and Climate Programme. This FP5 theme complements “Intelligent Business and Administration”. 9. MOLECULAR AND BIO-TECHNOLGIES FOR COMPETITIVENESS AND QUALITY OF LIFE: INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS, PROCESSES AND TREATMENTS Objective: To enhance and demonstrate the capability of European bioindustries, their supplers and users. To promote innovation which will lead to increased competitivity and employment opportunities. Contents: “Cell Factories”, bioprocessing and biocatalysis, pharmaceutical development, bioremediation, technologies for health, agriculture, fish and forestry improvement (includes gene therapy, human, animal and plant biotechnology, immunology and vaccinology), quality and novel uses of agriculture, fish and forestry raw materials (including by-products) in food and non-food processing, food safety. Underpinning technologies in genome and gene function research, molecular physiology, structural biology and bioinformatics. Rationale: Biotechnology is likely to be (with IC&T) the dominant technological source of economic advantage in the next century. Concentrated European action is needed to enhance current capability, building on strengths in the chemicals, pharmaceutical and agro-industries and the biosciences. Biotechnologies will underpin the manufacturing economy and improvements in the quality of life. High-tech SMEs are a characteristic of this sector. Users already identified are the chemicals, bioprocessing, pharamaceutical, agriculture, food, fish, forestry, healthcare and other biotechnological-related industries and their suppliers, plus Government Departments. 10. SUSTAINABLE FARMING AND FISHING | Objective: To underpin European policies and regulations related to agriculture, fisheries, food, forestry and rural development, including the CAP and CFP. Contents: The theme would include viable, diversified environmentally friendly farming systems; food safety, plant and animal health and animal welfare; protection, development and exploitation of European forests; aquaculture and protection of natural fish stocks; rural and coastal communities dependent on natural resources and the impact of EU policies on them. The programme would bring a range of disciplines and technologies to bear, including applications of IT, engineering and earth observation technologies. Rationale: The CAP and CFP are expensive policies, supported by extensive legislation, which affect all member states. EU policy is néw aimed at developing systems capable of satisfying consumer demand for high quality, reasonably priced goods produced where possible within the EU, while at the same time meeting environmental and human and animal health objectives and regulations. Member states have many comparable problems and many run major national R&D programmes which would benefit from close coordination and unified development. The main users of the RTD would be the EU Commission, member states’ governments and enforcement agencies, Research Councils and farmers, fishermen, foresters, consumers, and rural and coastal communites.](https://iiif.wellcomecollection.org/image/b32218734_0032.jp2/full/800%2C/0/default.jpg)
