The EU plans to invest over Euro9 billion in research on information and communications technologies (ICTs). This is the largest single budget item in Europe's 7th research framework program, according to an EU release, that will run until 2013 -- a priority set by the EU, acknowledging the importance of ICTs for Europe's growth and competitiveness.
"It is well-known that Europe spends less than half of what our main competitors spend on ICT research," said EU Commissioner for Information Society and Media Viviane Reding in her opening speech at the Helsinki meeting. "Less well-known is the fact that public procurement of hi-tech products, or pre-commercial public procurement schemes, plays an important role in innovation in the major Asian economies and in the U.S. where public authorities often act as first buyers for local suppliers.
"The demand of public procurers for innovative products and services that require R&D is today 20 times less in Europe than in the U.S. where pre-commercial procurement represents some $50 billion. This is not only driven by defense-related schemes but also by similar schemes applied in civilian sectors such as energy, transport, health and security."
"By investing heavily in collaborative ICT research projects," said Reding in a related release, "the Commission is giving a much-needed shot in the arm to European ICT research. With Euro9 billion we're challenging member states, industry and academia to join us in the fight for a more competitive Europe. But we don't just need more research; we need better-focused research too. To get our priorities right, we have relied heavily on the advice of nine European Technology Platforms in ICTs. In some areas we shall take this partnership a step further and pool resources in joint technology initiatives."
Researchers will hear in Helsinki what to expect from the first, and largest ever (Euro1,140 million), call for proposals, the selection procedure for receiving FP7 funds.
The work program will focus on key areas where Europe has competitive advantages and established strengths: communications, electronics and photonics, and software systems and architecture. It will also aim to ensure that ICT research benefits not only the European economy but also society by improving everyday life in areas such as transport, energy efficiency and healthcare.
