Brussels, 16 Dec 2003
The European Commission has published a call for proposals in the area of 'Nanotechnologies and nano-sciences, knowledge-based multifunctional materials and new production processes and devices' (NMP) under the Sixth Framework Programme's activity of the same name. This is one of the areas covered by the 'Integrating and strengthening the European Research Area' specific programme.
The areas covered by this call are:
- support to the development of new knowledge based added value products and services in traditional less research and technological development (RTD) intensive industries (area 3.4.3.1-3 of the work programme).
The objective is to promote the shift of the industrial sectors which are traditionally less RTD intensive to high added value sectors. The expected Integrated Projects (IPs) should focus on the incorporation of emerging technologies driving new production and organisation paradigms in all phases of the complete/extended value chain (design, production, supply and distribution) to allow development of new knowledge-based, added value and quality products and services in traditional sectors. Addressing the challenge of creating knowledge-based industries at the 2010 horizon, particular attention should be given in the different research projects to education, training and skill development.
- support to the development of new knowledge based and sustainable processes and eco innovation (area 3.4.3.3-1 of the work programme).
The objective is to support traditionally less RTD intensive sectors in the development of more sustainable and safer processes through eco innovation (new products and production systems and enterprises designed for win-win solutions for business and environment).
The expected IPs should be aimed at incorporating environmental technologies such as new materials processing technologies, eco design or recycling or through new organisational approaches to change unsustainable patterns of production and consumption. Appropriate attention should be given to health impact assessments on workers and consumers, as well as to education and skill development, and to a committed participation of the private SME sector. In addition this should give support to the Action Plan on environmental technologies
In specifying the instruments to be used in these areas, the call requests the use of Integrated Projects.
The total indicative budget for this call is 80 million euro. Proposals should be clearly led by SMEs. To see the call text, please visit: http://fp6.cordis.lu/nmp/call_details.cf m?CALL_ID=109 Remarks: The deadline for submitting proposal documents is 2 March 2004.
Before contacting the Commission, proposers are strongly advised to consult the original call text in the Official Journal of the European Union at the reference below.