The 5th Framwork Programme
Putting research at the service of the citizen
Introduction
The Fifth Framework Programme (FP5) sets out the priorities for the
European Union's research, technological development and demonstration
(RTD) activities for the period 1998-2002. These priorities have been
selected on the basis of a set of common criteria reflecting the major concerns of increasing industrial competitiveness and the quality of life for European citizens.
The Fifth Framework Programme has two distinct parts:
the European Community (EC) framework programme covering research,
technological development and demonstration activities; and the Euratom
framework programme covering research and training activities in the
nuclear sector.
FP5 differs considerably from its predecessors. It has been
conceived to help solve problems and to respond to the major
socio-economic challenges facing Europe. To maximise its impact, it
focuses on a limited number of research areas combining technological,
industrial, economic, social and cultural aspects. Management procedures have also been streamlined with an emphasis on simplifying procedures and systematically involving key players in research.
Programmes and Key Actions
A major innovation of the Fifth Framework Programme is the concept of "Key actions". Implemented within the specific programmes,
these flexible instruments are targeted at achieving solutions to
topics of great concern in Europe. "Key actions" will mobilise the wide
range of scientific and technological disciplines - both fundamental
and applied - required to address a specific problem so as to overcome
the barriers that exist, not only between disciplines but also between
the programmes and the organisations concerned.
Rules
Modifications to the rules
covering participation and the dissemination of research results under
the Fifth Framework Programme were proposed by the Commission. Forming
part of the FP5 legislative architecture, these rules will be
implemented in a harmonised manner by the specific programmes.
Budget
A budget of
13,700 million euro has been agreed for the implementation of the
European Community section of FP5. Combined with the 1,260 million euro
allocated to the Euratom programme, this should bring the global budget
for research during 1999-2002 to 14,960 million euro. (This represents an increase, in absolute terms, of 4.61% compared to the Fourth Framework Programme.)
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