51998AP0457

A4-0457/98

Proposal for a Council Decision adopting a specific programme for research, technological development and demonstration on 'Improving the human research potential and the socio-economic knowledge base' (1998-2002) (COM(98)0305 - C4-0439/98 - 98/0183(CNS))

The proposal was approved with the following amendments:

(Amendment 1)

Recital 6a (new)

>Original text>

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Whereas the fundamental objectives of the RTD policy are the development of the international competitiveness of European industry and the strengthening of the Union's economic and social cohesion;

(Amendment 2)

Recital 7a (new)

>Original text>

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Whereas the industrial competitiveness, jobs and quality of life of the Union depend on it maintaining its leading position in the development and adoption of the technologies specific to the information society;

(Amendment 3)

Recital 8a (new)

>Original text>

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Whereas the Community policy on equal opportunities must be taken into account in the implementation of this programme.

(Amendment 4)

Recital 8b (new)

>Original text>

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Whereas if technology is a key element in innovation, human resources are an essential factor; whereas in this respect, as is stressed by the Green Paper on innovation, initial education and continued training play a crucial role;

(Amendment 5)

Recital 8c (new)

>Original text>

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Whereas the improvement of education and training systems is vital for innovative capacity, and thus for competitiveness and employment in the Union;

(Amendment 6)

Article 2(1), (2), and (3)

>Original text>

1. In accordance with Annex III to the fifth framework programme, the amount deemed necessary for carrying out the specific programme (hereinafter referred to as the amount) is ECU 1 402 million, including a maximum of 6.35% for the Commission's administrative expenditure.

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1.

In accordance with Annex III to the fifth framework programme, the amount deemed necessary for carrying out the specific programme (hereinafter referred to as the amount) is ECU 1 280 million, including a maximum of 6.35% for the Commission's administrative expenditure.

>Original text>

2. An indicative breakdown of this amount is given in Annex I.

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2.

An indicative breakdown of this amount is given in Annex I.

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3. Of this amount

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3.

Of this amount

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- ECU 288.5 million is for the period 1998 to 1999, and

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-

ECU 293 million is for the period 1998 to 1999, and

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- ECU 113.5 million is for the period 2000 to 2002.

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ECU 987 million is for the period 2000 to 2002.

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Where appropriate, the latter figure will be adapted in accordance with Article 3(3) of the fifth framework programme.

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Where appropriate, the latter figure will be adapted in accordance with Article

2 of the fifth framework programme.

(Amendment 7)

Article 2(4)

>Original text>

4. The budgetary authority shall, in compliance with the scientific and technological objectives and priorities laid down in this Decision, set the appropriations for each financial year taking into account the availability of resources within the multiannual financial perspective.

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4.

The budgetary authority shall, in compliance with the scientific and technological objectives laid down in this Decision, set the appropriations for each financial year.

(Amendment 8)

Article 5(1), 3rd subparagraph (new)

>Original text>

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The Commission shall publish the work programme and every updated version thereof in paper and electronic form (on the Internet).

(Amendment 9)

Article 5(2a) (new)

>Original text>

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2a. All calls for tender for RTD will take into account the EU's policies on equal opportunities.

(Amendment 10)

Article 6(3), 3rd indent

>Original text>

- any adjustment to the indicative breakdown of the amount as set out in Annex I.

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-

any adjustment to the indicative breakdown of the amount as set out in Annex I, if consistent with the allocations laid down annually by the budgetary authority.

(Amendment 11)

Article 7(1)

>Original text>

1. The Programme Committee shall deliver its opinion on the measures referred to in Article 6(3) within a time limit which the Chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter. The opinion shall be delivered by the majority laid down in Article 148(2) of the Treaty in the case of decisions which the Council is required to adopt on a proposal from the Commission. The votes of the representatives of the Member States within the Committee shall be weighted in the manner set out in that Article. The Chairman shall not vote.

>Text following EP vote>

1.

The Programme Committee shall deliver its opinion on the measures referred to in Article 6(3) within a time limit which the Chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter, if necessary by taking a vote.

>Original text>

The Commission shall adopt the measures envisaged if they are in accordance with the opinion of the Committee.

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The opinion shall be recorded in the minutes: in addition, each Member State shall have the right to ask to have its position recorded in the minutes.

>Original text>

If the measures envisaged are not in accordance with the opinion of the Committee, or if no opinion is delivered, the Commission shall, without delay, submit to the Council a proposal relating to the measures to be taken. The Council shall act by a qualified majority.

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The Commission shall take the utmost account of the opinion delivered by the Committee. It shall inform the Committee of the manner in which its opinion has been taken into account.

>Original text>

If, on expiry of a period of six weeks from the referral of the matter to the Council, the Council has not acted, the proposed measures shall be adopted by the Commission.

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The Committee shall meet as a rule in public, unless a specific duly motivated decision is taken to the contrary and published in good time. It shall publish agendas two weeks in advance of its meetings (also on the Internet). It shall publish minutes of its meetings (also on the Internet). It shall establish a public register of declarations of interest by its members.

>Original text>

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These provisions shall be adopted in accordance with the Parliament position on a new act laying down the principles governing European Union committees chaired by the Commission and the implementing powers of the Commission.

(Amendment 12)

Article 7(2)

>Original text>

2. The Commission shall regularly inform the Programme Committee of progress with the implementation of the specific programme, and shall in particular provide it with information about the results of the evaluation and selection of the indirect RTD actions.

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2. Pursuant to Article 5(4) of the Framework Programme the Commission shall regularly inform the Council and the European Parliament as well as the Programme Committee of progress with the implementation of the specific programme, and shall in particular provide them with information about the results of the evaluation and selection of the indirect RTD actions - including the participation of SMEs - and the simplification of administrative procedures.

(Amendment 13)

Article 7a (new)

>Original text>

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Article 7a

Protection of the financial interests of the European Communities shall be guaranteed in accordance with Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 on the protection of the European Communities financial interests(1).

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(1) OJ L 312, 23.12.1995, p. 1.

(Amendment 14)

Annex I

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Type of activity Total

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Type of activity Total

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TOTAL ECU 1 402 million

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TOTAL ECU 1 280 million

>Original text>

including the key action: Improving the socio-economic knowledge base 10.0%

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including the key action: Improving the socio-economic knowledge base

15.0%

(Amendment 15)

Annex II, Introduction, General objectives, 3rd and 4th indents

>Original text>

- to help make the Community an attractive location for researchers and to promote European research in the international arena and to promote a European scientific and technological culture;

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to help make the Community an attractive location for researchers and to promote an internationally-oriented European scientific and technological culture in particular through systematic networking and a comprehensive public presentation of research results;

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- to strengthen, through a specific key action, the socio-economic knowledge base for a better understanding of key problems facing European society;

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to strengthen, through a specific key action, the socio-economic knowledge base for a better understanding of key problems facing European society and for formulating recommendations for policy discussions;

(Amendment 16)

Annex II (1), Supporting training and mobility of researchers, 2nd paragraph

>Original text>

To address these issues, 'Supporting Training and Mobility of Researchers' will concentrate on helping to create a European Research Area through the following overall objectives: stimulating training-through-research of young researchers, especially those in the early stages of their professional career; promoting equality of opportunities between women and men in the research field; promoting transnational cooperation between research teams, particularly through networking around a common research project; promoting the mobility of researchers throughout Europe; encouraging cooperation, interactions and staff mobility between academic and industrial research; and promoting the scientific and technological cohesion of the Community, particularly with respect to its less-favoured regions.

>Text following EP vote>

To address these issues,

'Supporting Training and Mobility of Researchers' will concentrate on helping to create a European Research Area through the following overall objectives: stimulating training-through-research of young researchers, especially those in the early stages of their professional career; promoting equality of opportunities between women and men in the research field; promoting transnational cooperation between research teams, particularly through networking around a common research project; promoting the mobility of researchers throughout Europe; encouraging cooperation, interactions and staff mobility between academic and industrial research; and promoting the scientific and technological cohesion of the Community, particularly with respect to its less-favoured regions, with special reference to shifts in science towards an interdisciplinary approach.

(Amendment 17)

Annex II (1), Supporting training and mobility of researchers, 3rd paragraph

>Original text>

This action of the Programme will be implemented through two lines: Research Training Networks and a coherent system of Marie Curie Fellowships. They will be open to all fields of scientific research that contribute to the Community's objectives in research, technological development and demonstration, for projects chosen freely by the participants themselves.

>Text following EP vote>

This action of the Programme will be implemented through two lines: Research Training Networks and a coherent system of Marie Curie Fellowships. They will be open to all fields of scientific research that contribute to the Community's objectives in research, technological development and demonstration, for projects chosen freely by the participants themselves.

>Original text>

In the selection of projects, there will be no pre-established target in terms of scientific discipline or topic - the selection being made on the criteria of scientific excellence and relevance to the objectives of the actions alone (i.e. a bottom-up approach).

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In the selection of projects, there will be no pre-established target in terms of scientific discipline or topic - the selection being made on the criteria of scientific excellence and relevance to the objectives of the actions alone (i.e. a bottom-up approach).

However there will be a published (ex-post) assessment of project allocation in relation to scientific discipline and participation by men and women.

(Amendment 18)

Annex II (1), Supporting training and mobility of researchers, 3rd paragraph a (new)

>Original text>

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A special effort will be made to ensure balanced participation of men and women in the project selection committees.

(Amendment 19)

Annex II (1), Supporting training and mobility of researchers,

'Research Training Networks', 2nd paragraph

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Each network will be required to define an appropriate training programme for its young researchers. Its training programme will take advantage of the international nature of the network and, when relevant, the multidisciplinarity of its joint project, the complementarity of its teams and the network's connections with industry. Research training networks will, in particular, promote the training of researchers in an industrially relevant environment as well as encourage interplay between academic and industrial research. All networks will be required to offer equal opportunities to male and female researchers.

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Each network will be required to define an appropriate training programme for its young researchers. Its training programme will take advantage of the international nature of the network and, when relevant, the multidisciplinarity of its joint project, the complementarity of its teams and the network's connections with industry. Research training networks will, in particular, promote the training of researchers in an industrially relevant environment as well as encourage interplay between academic and industrial research.

Equal opportunities for male and female researchers will be guaranteed in all networks.

(Amendment 20)

Annex II (1), Supporting training and mobility of researchers,

Marie Curie Individual Fellowships, 1st paragraph

>Original text>

The scheme will provide advanced training through research for the best of Europe's young researchers with a view to these fellows becoming Europe's leading researchers. The research institutions will host young researchers with the necessary research experience.

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The scheme will provide advanced training through research for the best of Europe's young researchers with a view to these fellows becoming Europe's leading researchers. The research institutions will host young researchers with the necessary research experience.

Time spent bringing up children will be taken into account in any age-limits.

(Amendment 21)

Annex II (1), Supporting training and mobility of researchers,

Stays at Marie Curie Training Sites

>Original text>

The scheme will provide young researchers pursuing their doctoral studies with the possibility to undertake part of them at a Marie Curie training site, and by this means optimising the use of specialist training sites in order to create Community added value. In addition, organisers of international doctoral studies in the framework of a formal collaboration between participating organisations in different countries having the form of certain common requirements for achieving the doctoral degree, are considered possible training sites.

>Text following EP vote>

The scheme will provide young researchers pursuing their doctoral studies with the possibility to undertake part

or all of them at a Marie Curie training site, and by this means optimising the use of specialist training sites in order to create Community added value. In addition, organisers of international doctoral studies in the framework of a formal collaboration between participating organisations in different countries having the form of certain common requirements for achieving the doctoral degree, are considered possible training sites.

(Amendment 22)

Annex II (1), Enhancing access to research infrastructures, 4th paragraph

>Original text>

Another feature of Europe's research infrastructures is the relatively low level of transnational cooperation that exists between infrastructure operators in many fields. A strong Community added-value would arise if the same culture of cooperation could be created among infrastructure operators as is now beginning to exist between Europe's researchers.

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Another feature of Europe's research infrastructures is the relatively low level of transnational cooperation that exists between infrastructure operators in many fields. A strong Community added-value would arise if the same culture of cooperation could be created among infrastructure operators as is now beginning to exist between Europe's researchers.

An important and fundamental condition is that the Commission's list of research installations is made available to all infrastructure operators.

(Amendment 23)

Annex II (1), Promoting scientific and technological excellence, 1st paragraph

>Original text>

Scientific and technological excellence are essential prerequisites for Europe to succeed in the competitive environment of international research and scientific development. The promotion of excellence would be expected to encourage the best individuals and teams to become involved in and be committed to European research and to increase the visibility of outstanding research findings produced by European researchers.

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Scientific and technological excellence are essential prerequisites for Europe to succeed in the competitive environment of international research and scientific development. The promotion of excellence would be expected to encourage the best individuals and teams to become involved in and be committed to European research and to increase the visibility of outstanding research findings produced by European researchers.

It is desirable to encourage participation by women in these teams in order to capitalise on their contribution to scientific research in Europe.

(Amendment 24)

Annex II (1), Promoting scientific and technological excellence,

'Raising Public Awareness', 1st paragraph

>Original text>

The main objective will be to raise public awareness for scientific activities and technological developments, in particular those undertaken in European research programmes, and thereby bridge the gap between science in its European dimension and the public. This should help European citizens to better understand both the beneficial impact of science and technology on their day-to-day lives as well as limitations and possible implications of research and technological developments. The activity will also aim to increase scientists' awareness of issues and subjects that are of concern to the public.

>Text following EP vote>

The main objective will be to raise public awareness for scientific activities and technological developments, in particular those undertaken in European research programmes, and thereby bridge the gap between science in its European dimension and the public. This should help European citizens to better understand both the beneficial impact of science and technology on their day-to-day lives as well as limitations and possible implications of research and technological developments. The activity will also aim to increase scientists' awareness of issues and subjects that are of concern to the public.

The dissemination of information via the Internet plays a particularly important role here. In addition, key figures, in particular the media, must be persuaded to present the social role of research.

(Amendment 25)

Annex II (1), Key action: improving the socio-economic knowledge base, 2nd paragraph

>Original text>

In a period of increasing challenges, such as unacceptable levels of unemployment, an increase in inequalities, and a declining relative contribution to the world economy, European society will have to undergo changes towards achieving sustainable socio-economic development, the improvement of the quality of life of all its citizens and to maintain and enhance Europe's competitive position in the world. Social sciences must therefore be in a position to respond to these challenges, overcome national boundaries, reinforce their cooperation and enhance their analytical capacity. Furthermore the process of European integration itself has given rise to a new object of study - European society - which is different from the sum of its components, although clearly dependent on them.

>Text following EP vote>

In a period of increasing challenges, such as unacceptable levels of unemployment,

an ageing population, the globalisation of economies, an increase in inequalities, and a declining relative contribution to the world economy, European society will have to undergo changes towards achieving sustainable socio-economic development, the improvement of the quality of life of all its citizens and to maintain and enhance Europe's competitive position in the world. Social sciences must therefore be in a position to respond to these challenges, overcome national boundaries, reinforce their cooperation and enhance their analytical capacity. Science must fulfil more effectively its advisory and support function in the development of proposals for solutions to social problems for the political sector. Furthermore the process of European integration itself has given rise to a new object of study - European society - which is different from the sum of its components, although clearly dependent on them.

(Amendment 26)

Annex II (1), Key action : Improving the socio-economic knowledge base, 3rd paragraph

>Original text>

The objective of this key action will be to improve our understanding of the structural changes taking place in the European society in order to identify ways of managing change and to involve European citizens more actively in shaping their own futures. This will involve the analysis of the main trends giving rise to these changes, the analysis of the relationships between technology, employment and society, the re-appraisal of participation mechanisms for collective action at all levels of governance and the elaboration of new development strategies fostering growth employment and economic and social cohesion.

>Text following EP vote>

The objective of this key action will be to improve our understanding of the structural changes taking place in the European society in order to identify ways of managing change and to involve European citizens more actively in shaping their own futures. This will involve the analysis of the main trends giving rise to these changes, the analysis of the relationships between technology, employment and society,

the impact of new technologies on working conditions and the emergence of new occupational health and safety risks, the re-appraisal of participation mechanisms for collective action at all levels of governance and the elaboration of new development strategies fostering growth employment and economic and social cohesion.

(Amendment 27)

Annex II (1), Key action: improving the socio-economic knowledge base, 4th paragraph

>Original text>

This key action covers a number of subjects linked to the general objectives of the Framework Programme and aims at defining the base for employment, generating social, economic and cultural development and for building a European knowledge society. These subjects should not be seen in isolation, but as interrelated parts of a coherent and comprehensive framework.

>Text following EP vote>

This key action covers a number of subjects linked to the general objectives of the Framework Programme and aims at defining the base for employment, generating social, economic and cultural development and for building a European knowledge society. These subjects should not be seen in isolation, but as interrelated parts of a coherent and comprehensive framework.

T his link must therefore be given special status within the research activities of the framework programme. Integration of the objective of equality between men and women will be encouraged in the most appropriate socio-economic research projects.

(Amendment 28)

Annex II (1), Key action: improving the socio-economic knowledge base,

Societal Trends and Structural Changes, 1st paragraph

>Original text>

Against a background of profound structural, demographic and social changes, research within this theme will aim at elucidating the complex interactions between societal trends, life chances, economic changes, labour market institutions and cultural patterns, taking into account European regional diversities. The analysis will include the phenomena of xenophobia, racism and migration. Attention will be accorded on the impact on economic development, social integration and social protection.

>Text following EP vote>

Against a background of profound structural, demographic and social changes, research within this theme will aim at elucidating the complex interactions between societal trends, life chances, economic changes, labour market institutions and cultural patterns,

and the changes in social structures, social cohesion and mentalities, taking into account European regional diversities. It is the causes and scale of these changes which require a far-reaching analysis in order to be able to discuss prospects and alternative approaches to development. The gender dimension will be integrated as a specific research theme on women, men and societal trends and changes The analysis will include the phenomena of xenophobia, racism and migration. Attention will be accorded on the impact on economic development, social integration and social protection and initiatives by citizens to deal with problems of the disintegration and discontinuity of society.

(Amendment 29)

Annex II (1), Key action: improving the socio-economic knowledge base,

Societal Trends and Structural Changes, 2nd paragraph

>Original text>

The study of these interactions will provide a better understanding of the changing patterns of work and organisation of time, of the use of new types of atypical and part-time or temporary jobs, of the capacity of education and training to prepare individuals over their lifetime to a changing environment and to enhance knowledge and of the gender issue in European society. Research work will provide a sound knowledge base and contribute to the formulation and development of the relevant European policies.

>Text following EP vote>

The study of these interactions will provide a better understanding of the changing patterns of work and organisation of time, of the use of new types of atypical and part-time or temporary jobs

and of what could be appropriate forms of education and training. It will also enhance knowledge and of the gender issue in European society. Research work will provide a sound knowledge base and contribute to the formulation and development of the relevant European policies.

(Amendment 30)

Annex II (1), Key action: improving the socio-economic knowledge base,

Technology, Society and Employment, 1st paragraph

>Original text>

Research under this theme aims to understand better the relationship of interdependency and embeddedness between technology and society. While the need for integrating social, institutional and environmental concerns in the technological development process is now accepted, the possible options vary according to different kinds of technologies, the state of their development and diffusion in society. Research will be undertaken on methods of interaction between the various actors concerned - suppliers, users, advisory bodies, decision makers and public authorities. An improved understanding of the deployment and the impact of technologies in various socio-economic, territorial, institutional, political and cultural contexts in the Union is expected to arise from this work. Research will also examine the role of the public sector in the innovation process and how authorities interact with other partners.

>Text following EP vote>

Research under this theme aims to understand better the relationship of interdependency and embeddedness between technology and society. While the need for integrating social, institutional and environmental concerns in the technological development process is now accepted, the possible options vary according to different kinds of technologies, the state of their development and diffusion in society. Research will be undertaken on methods of interaction between the various actors concerned - suppliers, users, advisory bodies, decision makers and public authorities.

The aim is to move from an assessment at a later stage of the social consequences of new technologies to an integrated approach to planning and development. An improved understanding of the deployment and the impact of technologies in various socio-economic, territorial, institutional, political and cultural contexts in the Union is expected to arise from this work. Research will also examine the role of the public sector in the innovation process and how authorities interact with other partners.

(Amendment 31)

Annex II (1), Key action: improving the socio-economic knowledge base,

Technology, Society and Employment, 2nd paragraph

>Original text>

Attention will be paid to the relationships between technology and employment, in particular the new information and communications technologies and the new ways of organising production and labour, including newly emerging professions, the geographical location of employment, changes in the working conditions and in the workforce skills. The role of innovation in education and training, the concept of life long learning, as well as how education and training can stimulate innovation, promote employment, social integration and equal opportunities, will also be examined.

>Text following EP vote>

Attention will be paid to the relationships between technology and employment, in particular the new information and communications technologies and the new ways of organising production and labour, including newly emerging professions, the geographical location of employment,

new occupational health and safety risks, changes in the working conditions and in the workforce skills. The role of innovation in education and training, the concept of life long learning, as well as how education and training can stimulate innovation, promote employment, social integration and equal opportunities, will also be examined.

(Amendment 32)

Annex II (1), Key action: improving the socio-economic knowledge base,

Governance and Citizenship, 2nd paragraph

>Original text>

Research will set out to explain to what extent the various types of economic and social regulation in Europe are the consequences of a specific socio-institutional and cultural construction, in order to define better European integration strategies. It will address both regulation by public authorities as well as civil initiatives and structures such as political parties, public interest groups and social partners. The examination of the role of public authorities will also cover the re-assessment of their missions, and of the concept of public service and the notion of public interest. In this framework, the analysis of the evolution of welfare systems will be a key element.

>Text following EP vote>

Research will set out to explain to what extent the various types of economic and social regulation in Europe are the consequences of a specific socio-institutional and cultural construction, in order to define better European integration strategies. It will address both regulation by public authorities as well as civil initiatives and structures such as political parties, public interest groups

, voluntary sector and community sector bodies and social partners. The examination of the role of public authorities will also cover the re-assessment of their missions, and of the concept of public service and the notion of public interest. In this framework, the analysis of the evolution of welfare systems will be a key element.

(Amendment 33)

Annex II (1), Key action: improving the socio-economic knowledge base,

Governance and Citizenship, 3rd paragraph

>Original text>

The analyses will be accompanied by the study of the concept of citizenship across Europe, and of types and systems of regulation to which they give rise. Research will also analyse the influence of the various components of culture (traditions, language, history, heritage, religions, migrations) and of educational models on the development of values. Analysis at the level of the individual could complement, where appropriate, research in this area. The role of media in a global economy, in which international audiovisual cultural products are increasingly present, will also be examined.

>Text following EP vote>

The analyses will be accompanied by the study of the concept of citizenship across Europe, and of types and systems of

participation and regulation to which they give rise. Research will also analyse the influence of the various components of culture (traditions, language, history, heritage, migrations, gender relations) and of educational models on the development of values, mentalities and attitudes to politics. Analysis at the level of the individual and the local action group could complement, where appropriate, research in this area. The role of media in a global economy, in which international audiovisual cultural products are increasingly present, will also be examined.

(Amendment 34)

Annex II (1), Key action: improving the socio-economic knowledge base,

New development models fostering growth and employment, 2nd paragraph

>Original text>

Research will concentrate on analyses of issues such as organisational innovations, new types of work and employment, the responses to the increasing demand for services, the development of non-profit mutual supporting activities, and innovations in socio-economic partners cooperation. Socio-economic and demographic differences across Europe and the impact of the development models on economic and social cohesion will be included in the analysis.

>Text following EP vote>

Research will concentrate on analyses of issues such as organisational innovations, new types of work and employment, the responses to the increasing demand for services, the development of non-profit mutual supporting activities

in the third system, and innovations in socio-economic partners cooperation. Socio-economic and demographic differences across Europe and the impact of the development models on economic and social cohesion will be included in the analysis. The evaluation of the effects and results of the European Union's structural policy will also be taken into account.

(Amendment 35)

Annex II (1), Support for the development of scientific and technology policies in Europe

'Strategic analysis of specific political issues', 1st paragraph, introduction

>Original text>

This activity involves the provision of support for the analytical and collating work to be carried out on a limited number of specific issues relating to scientific and technology policy. This work will be carried out by groups of experts from specialised national and international organisations and include studies, seminars and conferences. The matters to be dealt with will be identified by decision-makers and other players concerned with science and technology policies in the following fields:

>Text following EP vote>

This activity involves the provision of support for the analytical and collating work to be carried out on a limited number of specific issues relating to scientific and technology policy. This work will be carried out by groups of experts from specialised national and international organisations and include studies, seminars and conferences.

They will also provide politicians with an important source of scientific advice for political action. The matters to be dealt with will be identified by decision-makers and other players concerned with science and technology policies in the following fields:

(Amendment 36)

Annex II (1), Support for the development of scientific and technology policies in Europe

'Common basis of science, technology and innovation indicators'

>Original text>

The design, coordination and assessment of RTD strategies in Europe require the availability of relevant and comparable indicators at different levels (national, regional, European, world), including indicators measuring progress towards sustainable development. This second type of activities, carried out in conjunction with the Statistical Office and the relevant Commission Services and in cooperation with the Specialist Institutes in Europe, should gradually establish a common European base of science, technology and innovation indicators. It will be a question of coordinating and funding the work needed in order to compile appropriate statistics and new indicators covering the Union and the main third countries; it will in this way be possible to make available to the authorities concerned in the Member States, the European and national parliamentary assessment offices, and the Commission Services and all interested parties, a coherent set of data sent electronically and accompanied by the services needed for their processing, analysis and proper use.

>Text following EP vote>

The design, coordination and assessment of RTD strategies in Europe require the availability of relevant and comparable indicators at different levels (national, regional, European, world), including indicators measuring progress towards sustainable development. This second type of activities, carried out in conjunction with the Statistical Office and the relevant Commission Services and in cooperation with the Specialist Institutes in Europe, should gradually establish a common European base of science, technology and innovation indicators. It will be a question of coordinating and funding the work needed in order to compile appropriate statistics and new indicators covering the Union and the main third countries; it will in this way be possible to make available to the authorities concerned in the Member States, the European and national parliamentary assessment offices, and the Commission Services and all interested parties, a coherent set of data sent electronically and accompanied by the services needed for their processing, analysis and proper use

, i.e. the data obtained using European research funds must be made accessible to all interested parties.

(Amendment 37)

Annex II (2), introduction

>Original text>

A major feature of this programme will consist of the coordination and support of relevant activities throughout the Framework Programme, concerning, in particular, researchers' training, support for research infrastructures and the overall socio-economic dimension of Community research. More specifically:

>Text following EP vote>

A major feature of this programme will consist of the coordination and support of relevant activities throughout the Framework Programme, concerning, in particular, researchers' training, support for research infrastructures and the overall socio-economic dimension of Community research.

It is this horizontal socio-economic research approach within the vertical thematic programmes of the framework programme which makes coordination an essential precondition if it is to be successful. It poses a challenge to European research which should not be underestimated. More specifically:

(Amendment 38)

Annex II (2), 3rd indent

>Original text>

- for socio-economic research: coordination will be achieved through participation in the elaboration of the work programmes, support in the creation of appropriate evaluation mechanisms and collection and dissemination of relevant information, in order to ensure that the socio-economic dimension is consistently taken into account in the specific programmes.

>Text following EP vote>

-

for socio-economic research: coordination will be achieved through participation in the elaboration of the work programmes, support in the creation of appropriate evaluation mechanisms and collection and dissemination of relevant information, in order to ensure that the socio-economic dimension is consistently taken into account in the specific programmes. In the development of the evaluation mechanisms the aim will be for a minimum number of socio-economic criteria for the approval of individual research projects in all research areas. To this end representatives of the social sciences and the humanities must be involved in the assessment teams.

(Amendment 39)

Annex III (1), Enhancing access to research infrastructures

Infrastructure Cooperation Networks

>Original text>

Infrastructure cooperation networks will be implemented as thematic networks. Each network will contain at least three non-affiliated legal entities which operate research infrastructure from at least three different countries of the Member States and Associated States and will be coordinated by a legal entity which operates a research infrastructure.

>Text following EP vote>

Infrastructure cooperation networks will be implemented as thematic networks.

Interdisciplinary networks are nevertheless possible and desirable. Each network will contain at least three non-affiliated legal entities which operate research infrastructure from at least three different countries of the Member States and Associated States and will be coordinated by a legal entity which operates a research infrastructure.

(Amendment 40)

Annex III (2), 4th indent and 4th indent a (new)

>Original text>

- information, communication and dissemination activities, including scientific publications and activities for the promotion and exploitation of results and the transfer of technology;

>Text following EP vote>

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information, communication and dissemination activities, including scientific publications and activities for the promotion and exploitation of results and the transfer of technology, including the means to overcome the language barriers;

>Original text>

>Text following EP vote>

- measures to establish research networks;

(Amendment 41)

Annex III (2), 7th indent a (new)

>Original text>

>Text following EP vote>

- monitoring, on an annual basis, the increase of women's participation in RTD at all levels;

Legislative resolution embodying Parliament's opinion on the proposal for a Council Decision adopting a specific programme for research, technological development and demonstration on 'Improving the human research potential and the socio-economic knowledge base' (1998-2002) (COM(98)0305 - C4-0439/98 - 98/0183(CNS))(Consultation procedure)

The European Parliament,

- having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council, COM(98)0305 - 98/0183(CNS) ((OJ C 260, 18.8.1998, p. 87.)),

- having been consulted by the Council pursuant to Article 130i(4) of the EC Treaty (C4-0439/98),

- having regard to Rule 58 of its Rules of Procedure,

- having regard to the report of the Committee on Research, Technological Development and Energy and the opinions of the Committee on Budgets, the Committee on External Economic Relations, the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, the Committee on Youth, Culture, Education and the Media, the Committee on Fisheries and the Committee on Women's Rights (A4-0457/98),

1. Approves the Commission proposal, subject to Parliament's amendments;

2. Calls on the Commission to alter its proposal accordingly, pursuant to Article 189a(2) of the EC Treaty;

3. Asks to be consulted again should the Council intend to make substantial modifications to the Commission proposal;

4. Instructs its President to forward this opinion to the Council and Commission.