Comett I

1) OBJECTIVE

To strengthen cooperation between universities and enterprises in training relating to technology.

2) COMMUNITY MEASURES

Council Decision 86/365/EEC of 24 July 1986 adopting the programme on cooperation between universities and enterprises regarding training in the field of technology (Comett).

3) CONTENTS

Definitions of the terms "university" and "enterprise"

Objectives of the programme

• to give a European dimension to cooperation between universities and enterprises in training relating to innovation and the development and application of new technologies;
• to foster the joint development of training programmes and the exchange of experience, and also the optimum use of training resources at Community level;
• to improve the supply of training at local, regional and national level with the assistance of the authorities concerned, thus contributing to the balanced economic development of the Community;
• to develop the level of training in response to technological change and social changes by identifying the resulting priorities in existing training arrangements which call for supplementary action both within Member States and at Community level, and by promoting equal opportunities for men and women.

Areas covered by Comett

Comett I was divided into five interdependent fields of action, each comprising one strand of the programme:

Strand A: the development of a European network of university-enterprise training partnerships (UETPs),

Strand B: programmes for the exchange of students and staff between universities and undertakings,

Strand C: the development and testing of joint university/enterprise projects in the field of ongoing training,

Strand D: multilateral initiatives for developing multi-media training systems,

Strand E: additional measures and assessment measures aimed at the analysis and monitoring of important developments relating to Comett.

Framework for implementation of the programme

The Commission is assisted by a Committee consisting of two representatives of each Member State. Two representatives of the social partners participate in the work as observers. The Committee members are responsible for liaison between Comett and similar initiatives in the Member States. The Committee delivers opinions on the guidelines, the financial assistance granted, the procedure for selecting the various types of projects and any measures which require a Community contribution of more than ECU 100 000.

Information centres have been set up to assist and promote the dissemination of information on Comett. A group of Comett experts has been set up by the Commission, to provide an additional source of advice and specialized technical know-how.