51994PC0243(04)

Amended proposal for a Council Decision adopting a specific research and technological development programme in the field of industrial and materials technologies (1994 to 1998) (94/C 262/04) (Text with EEA relevance) COM(94) 243 final - 94/0082(CNS)

(Submitted by the Commission pursuant to Article 189 A (2) of the EC Treaty on 6 June 1994)

The proposal for a Council Decision adopting a specific research and technological development programme in the field of industrial and materials technologies (1994 to 1998) (COM(94)0068 final - 94/0082(CNS)) is amended as follows:

Recital 4

Whereas in accordance with Article 130i (3), it is appropriate to make an estimate of the means deemed necessary for the realization of this specific programme; and that the funds effectively available shall be determined by the budgetary authorities according to the resources available under the financial persepective and the relative priorities given within the First Action of the fourth framework programme;

Recital 5a

(new)

Whereas any increase in the overall maximum amount of the framework programme will depend in particular on the evaluation of the progress made in implementing the programme; whereas the progress in this programme will be deemed satisfactory only if the first commitments of appropriations are effected within a reasonable period following its adoption; whereas that period may not exceed 12 months;

Recital 6a

(new)

Whereas any action designed to place the development of Europe's industry on new technological foundations must be based on an adequate knowledge of technological demand in the various sectors which constitute Europe's industrial structure, including the whole range of scientific and technological strengths and their respective levels of competitiveness; whereas such knowledge is particularly necessary in order to give priority to general technologies for widespread dissemination among the sectors involved;

Recital 10a

(new)

Whereas the Commission's efforts to simplify and accelerate the candidature and selection procedures and make them more transparent must be continued, in order to support the implementation of the programme and to facilitate the action which firms, and particularly SMEs, research centres and universities have to undertake in order to participate in a Community RTD activity;

Recital 17

Whereas an assessment should be made of the economic and social impact and, in particular, the consequences for employment associated with the activities carried out under this programme; the impact of any technological risks associated with such activities will also have to be assessed;

Article 2 (1)

The funds estimated as necessary for the execution of the programme amount to ECU 1 623 million, including a maximum of 5,08 % for staff and administrative expenditure.

The first commitments of appropriations shall be effected no later than 12 months following the adoption of the programme, unless good reason is given for exceeding that time-limit.

Article 2 (4)

4. The budgetary authority shall lay down the available appropriations for each financial year in accordance with the availability of resources under the financial perspective and in agreement with the scientific and technological priorities fixed by the fourth Framework Programme.

ANNEX I

Area 2 (2)

By adopting an approach which takes account of the entire product lifecycle, the research activities should seek to harness the best and most appropriate means of ensuring the conservation of resources and satisfying consumer requirements in order to make quality products at a reasonable cost and to act responsibly with regard to the natural and social environment, especially in respect of employment, and social exclusion.

Area 2 (3)

Linked with the need for increased reliability, safety, health protection and cost-effectiveness, the need for a deeper knowledge of material, component and product behaviour is of growing importance. This area, studied at length in the past, is becoming increasingly important given the current economic, social and environmental challenges. The research topics in this field should be:

Area 3 (1), first indent

- development of design tools and support systems for configuration and concept design of vehicles and their components, equipment, subsystems and system interfaces, facilitating rapid and easy definition of users needs and product specifications;