Is open source software important for innovation and competitiveness of the ICT sector in the EU ? The European Commission launched a call for tenders for a study. Relevant documents can be obtained until 11/5/05.

Research and Innovation thematic priority call for proposals, for Specific Support Actions on the identification of new methods of promoting and encouraging transnational technology transfer.

The objectives of the study include: (i) the identification of models and tools that could satisfy the increasing requirements for evidence-based impact assessment and evaluation of policies and programmes; (ii) the assessment of their availability and capabilities for quantitative evaluation of the impact of IST research and investment in terms of growth, competitiveness, jobs and social inclusion.

The tasks are to examine the work carried out by technical experts under the frame of the grant agreements (2001-2004) and to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the grants awarded to CEN/Cenelec for assessing the quality of harmonised standards in support of European legislation. In particular, this includes the evaluation of the procedure for the selection of experts, the effectiveness of relevant working methods, the impact of their work with regard to adopted harmonised standards, cost/benefit of the grants and the potential for improvements and alternatives on the approach by CEN/Cenelec.

The FET open call deals with advanced, ground-breaking research ideas, and has been extended in the new IST 2005-06 Work Programme. This call is open only for STREP (Specific Targeted Research Project), CA (Coordination Action) and SSA (Specific Support Action) proposals. STREP proposals are submitted in a special two-step procedure. Proposals can be submitted at any time up to the closure of the scheme. For CAs, SSAs and the first-step (short) STREPS, this is 20 September 2005.

With an indicative budget of 638 million Euros, this electronic Call for Proposals covers the Strategic Objectives listed in the IST 2005-06 Work Programme in the Call 5 section. It comes under the specific programme for research, technological development and demonstration: 'Integrating and strengthening the European Research Area'

DG Information Society and Media needs rapid access to professional specialised resources needed to assist in conceptualising and implementing its Communications Strategy, providing services, and helping to exploit a number of communication channels/tools (for print, internet and audiovisual) in synergy. The intention is to select a range of specialised contractors (or consortia led by a main contractor), most suited for delivery of the wide variety of specialised support services sought. This Call for Tenders has been published in the Supplement to the Official Journal of the European Union S160 of 20/08/2005. It is divided into 10 separate Lots, each covering a broad but distinct area of professional expertise : Communications Strategy and Management, Editorial Support, Audio Visual Services, Interactive Web Services, Press & Public Relations, Events Management, Replication Resources, Promotional Items and Conference Kits, Translation Services and Surveys. Contract document and additional documents are obtainable until 15 September 2005.

The call is composed of 4 studies: 1) Study on Exchange of good practices in eHealth 2) Study on Patient identity in eHealth 3) Study on Legal and regulatory aspects of eHealth 4) Study on Conformance testing and accreditation schemes in eHealth The closing date is 03/10/2005. The opening date is 17/10/2005.

To support the review of the effectiveness of: (i) self-assessments of IST research and development implementation, and (ii) evaluation and selection of research and development proposals in 2006, with a view to changing procedures and criteria for the 7th Framework Programme.

Further information in EU Official Journal

This call for tenders is launched for the signature of a framework contract covering services such as : ICT consultancy focusing on the security of information systems in the context of the IDABC programme, providing technology, legal and market assessments, issuing guidelines and specifications, carrying out feasibility studies, risk assessments and security accreditation activities ; support in communication, publications and the organisation of expert conferences and events on the subject matter.

The evaluation will be expected to take account of, assess and build on analyses already undertaken of progress and impacts of eEurope 2005 and Modinis. This evaluation of eEurope and Modinis will provide an assessment of their relevance, effectiveness and impact, efficiency and utility. An overarching aim of the evaluation is to assess the EU added value of these initiatives: their impacts at national level and lessons to be learned that may inform the work programme development of i2010.

The objective of this study is to provide the Commission with well researched background materials on the current state of the art concerning the use of Information and Computer Technology in the area of Patient Safety and Risk Management in Healthcare

This IST Call for Proposals focuses on a single Strategic Objective with funding up to €52.5 million.

The objective of this study is to analyse the development of innovative European SMEs in the ICT sector, determining their role in the RTD and innovation process and to analyse policies for promoting their growth and competitiveness.

An invitation to offer the EU Commission assistance in the "Preparation and implementation of a series of consultation initiatives on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)" was published in the Official Journal. The work will involve the following tasks : preparation, implementation and follow-up of 5 workshops, rooms, multimedia, invitations, participants managements, helpdesk, preparatory material, printing, decoration, contracting experts to draft conclusions, follow-up of participants contributions, web-hosting, minutes and final conclusions ; analysis of the response to the public consultation and drafting of the final report based on the workshops and the public consultation.

The object of the contract is to organise and manage the European ICT Prize, which will be awarded annually by the European Commission. The objective of the European ICT Prize is to promote European innovation and entrepreneurship in Information and Communications Technologies (ICT). The Prize scheme will provide public recognition to researchers and entrepreneurs who excel in turning technology and research results into products, services and applications for the market. The European ICT Prize will build upon the success of the European IST Prize, which has successfully promoted information society technologies in Europe since 1995.

IST Call 6, with a total indicative budget of €140 million, opened on 22 December 2005 and will close on 25 April 2006. This Call covers Ambient Assisted Living (AAL), Advanced Robotics, Search Engines for Audio-Visual Content and International Cooperation.

eTEN is the European Community Programme designed to help the deployment of telecommunication networks based services (e-services) with a trans-European dimension. It focuses strongly on public services, particularly in areas where Europe has a competitive advantage. A call for proposals under this programme has just been launched. The call solicits proposals for validating and/or deploying transnational e-services in the common interest in the areas of eGovernment, eHealth, eInclusion, eLearning, Trust and Security and Services for SMEs. Information days related to the call for proposals will be organised in Brussels and many Member States.

A service contract to collect information and data on e-business policies, at national and regional level, in all EU-25 Member States, candidate and EEA countries as well as to maintain the eBSN portal and to provide support to the eBSN.