Industry must now make the case for JTIs, says Commission

Brussels, 17 Jun 2005

In a staff working document published on 10 June, the Commission identifies six potential themes around which Joint Technology Initiatives (JTIs) could be established, but says that it is up to the relevant industries and Member States to make the case for doing so.

The report, which has been forwarded to the European Council, presents the current state of play in relation to European Technology Platforms, expands on approaches to implement them, before looking at options for the identification and implementation of related JTIs.

According to the report, in general, technology platforms 'follow a three-stage process and [...] successful completion of each is a prerequisite for effective implementation of subsequent stages'. These three stages are: the emergence and setting up of the technology platform, definition of a strategic research agenda (described in the report as the key deliverable), and implementation of the strategic research agenda.

Given the experience gained so far in establishing the 25 technology platforms currently operational in Europe, the Commission has identified a number of factors essential for their successful development. Technology platforms should have strong leadership with the necessary credibility and seniority to mobilise stakeholders, they must avoid becoming 'closed shops' of narrow industry groupings and promote openness and transparency, they must have the freedom to determine the most appropriate organisational structure, and they must secure the committed involvement of national authorities.

The Commission sees its own role in the establishment of technology platforms as ensuring that the European dimension is properly addressed. During the setting-up phase, its main task is to promote the concept to stakeholders. When a strategic research agenda has been developed, the Commission will take it into account when formulating proposals for the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) and support the implementation of those parts that fit in with the goals of European research policy.

Joint Technology Initiatives, meanwhile, can 'serve to implement a specific part or the entirety of a European Technology Platform'. As such, their main objectives are: to ensure coherent implementation of European research efforts; to concentrate efforts on key projects to help boost Europe's competitiveness; and guide investment in research and development towards operational and marketable solutions.

The criteria for assessing whether a JTI is necessary should take into account the strategic importance of the topic, evidence of EU added value, the existence of substantial and long-term industry commitment, and the inadequacy or otherwise of existing Community instruments, according to the report.

'Given the current stage of development of the strategic research agendas of the European Technology Platforms, the Commission has identified six areas where a Joint Technology Initiative could have particular relevance,' the report continues. These are: hydrogen and fuel cells, aeronautics and air transport, innovative medicines, nanoelectronics technologies (2020), embedded computing systems, and global monitoring for environment and security (GMES).

In terms of the possible structures for JTIs, the Commission feels that two options are emerging that offer the necessary balance of adaptability and coordination. The first would involve the Community itself setting up a dedicated structure under Article 171 of the Treaty, such as a Joint Undertaking, while the second would be to explore other legal options, for instance a non-profit organisation or a private limited company.

The report concludes that with broad and long-term public-private partnerships underpinning them, JTIs can become flagship projects for a more dynamic and competitive European economy. 'It is for the leaders of the industries concerned to build a case to demonstrate that the strategic research agendas that have been developed meet the detailed criteria for a Joint Technology Initiative and that their implementation will lead to concrete deliverables that will impact positively on Europe's industrial competitiveness,' it adds.

It ends: '[Member States] are asked to reflect on the extent to which they can join the Commission in developing further the concept presented with a view to setting up public-private partnerships in R&D to boost industrial competitiveness in the form of Joint Technology Initiatives.'

For further information, please consult the following web address:
http:///www.cordis.lu/technology-platform s/

CORDIS RTD-NEWS / © European Communities
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