• Improvements to processes and systems that could be implemented under the current legal basis of the 7th Framework Programme (e.g. better guidance and communication, improved workflows, improved IT systems...).
• More profound changes of the modes of implementation of the EU research budget that would require adaptations to the legal basis (in particular the Framework Programme, Rules for Participation, model grant agreements).

The RD4SD exercise aimed at discussing how European research can be harnessed for sustainability. This was done with the help of an expert group chaired by Luke Georghiou from the Institute of Innovation Research at Manchester Business School. The mandate required the expert group to explore the following three questions:

1. To what extent does sustainable development require changes in the way we carry out research?
2. To what extent does sustainable development require changes in the way we elaborate research policies?
3. Which indicators do we need to grasp the contribution of research to sustainable development?

The final results of this exercise were presented and discussed at the conference, "Sustainable development: a challenge for European Research", held on May 26-28 2009. Contributions to this exercise were possible through the web-based consultation until end-March 2009. Please consult the final version of the expert group Report Gearing European Research towards sustainability. RD4SD Exercise  2.8 MB .

Central to the realisation of the goals of the Lisbon Agenda is the need to promote the knowledge economy, in particular through research, technological development and innovation (RTDI). EU support for RTDI is provided mainly through the 7 th Research Framework Programme, the Competitiveness and Innovation Programme and the Structural Funds. When operating individually, these three funding sources already act as effective tools in support of RTDI. However, their value can be further enhanced by combining them. How can this be done? The answer to this question is provided by the "Practical Guide to EU funding for research, development and innovation" that has been developed by the services of the European Commission. In addition to practical information on combining the different funding sources, the guide includes a description of each fund, advice for policy makers and an innovative Checklist and Scorecard. These allow potential beneficiaries to quickly identify exactly how they can access European funding at every stage of the development and implementation of a project.
The English text of the Practical Guide was presented in draft form by Commissioner Potočnik in conjunction with the recent conference on Research Infrastructures organised by the Commission and the Slovenian Presidency ( Brdo, Slovenia, 5-6 March 2008). At the conference, the Commissioner announced that potential users of the Practical Guide would have until the end of April to provide comments and suggestions as to how the text could be made even more practical and user-friendly, after which it be finalised and translated.

The European Commission is preparing a legislative proposal to support the implementation of a joint European Research Programme in the field of Metrology (EMRP) based on the integration of the national programmes in this field.
The initiative comes from a wide group of EU Member States who are willing to integrate the scientific, financial and management aspects of their national metrology programmes. By means of Article 169 of the Treaty, the Community can participate actively in this voluntary integration by means of providing additional financial support for EMRP.
With this consultation, the Directorate General for Research intends to consult all stakeholders and interested parties on the key principles of setting up such an EMRP using the Article 169.
Metrology should be understood in its widest sense as covering both the theoretical and practical aspects of measurement in all fields of research: ranging from standardisation, reference materials to instruments, measurement standards, techniques and procedures.

On 18 July 2007, the European Commission announced a public consultation on a Recommendation on a Code of Conduct for Responsible Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies Research. The consultation will provide input for a Recommendation on governance of this emerging area of science, which the Commission will put forward later this year. Contributions are expected from a broad cross-section of European society, including the scientific community, industry, civil society, policy-makers, media and the general public.

Public consultation on "Philanthropic Contributions to Support Research in European Universities"

The aim of this consultation is to gather more information on the interactions between European universities and philanthropic sources, especially those specifically geared towards raising funds for university-based research. The questionnaire is aimed at vice-chancellors and rectors of European universities who are invited to share their knowledge with the independent Expert Group set up by the Directorate General for Research last January. The objective of this group is to explore ways in which universities could raise more funds for research from philanthropic sources. (Please see more about the Expert Group: http://ec.europa.eu/invest-in-research/policy/expert_en.htm).

Public Consultation on the Green Paper 'European Research Area: New Perspectives'

The European Commission invites citizens and stakeholders to participate in the debate on the European Research Area (ERA), in particular by putting forward their views in this public consultation.
The consultation is based on the questions raised in the Green Paper 'The European Research Area: New Perspectives'.
The results of the debate will be used by the Commission to prepare initiatives that will be proposed in 2008.

Public consultation on the European Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET-Plan)

Europe has entered a new energy era. European competitiveness, climate change and security of energy supply are the drivers for the transformation of the energy system.
Transforming the energy system will take decades, but for this to happen it seems necessary to transform now the energy innovation system that will deliver the efficient and low-carbon technologies needed.
To achieve this goal the European Commission has proposed to develop in 2007 a 'European Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET-Plan)' (COM (2006)847)
This public consultation offers the opportunity to all interested stakeholders to express their views on the need and possible contents of the SET-Plan at a very early stage of its preparation.

Public consultation on transnational research cooperation and knowledge transfer between public research organisations and industry

The aim of this consultation is to identify the main problems public research organisations (such as universities) and industry experience when working together - be they cultural barriers or legal ones - and how the research and industry communities feel that they should be addressed. We therefore welcome the views of all stakeholders concerned, including those of universities, industry, SMEs, and publicly-funded research laboratories and public authorities.

Public Consultation on the Draft research agenda for Theme 8 “Socio-economic Sciences and the Humanities” in the 7th Community RTD Framework Programme (2007-2013)

This consultation invites the public, and notably the scientific community, to comment on the draft research agenda for the dedicated socio-economic sciences and humanities part of the next Framework Programme for EU research (FP7).
The consultation covers only Theme 8 of the ‘Cooperation’ specific programme, entitled ‘Socio-economic sciences and the humanities’.
This draft research agenda builds on earlier consultations, the progress of research in previous EU programmes, the current state of research in the fields concerned and takes account of policy needs.

FP7 – Rules for participation – simplification measures

The aim of this consultation is to provide an opportunity for all researchers, but especially those within the EU (and Associated Countries), to offer their views on the 10 proposed measures for simplification contained in the staff working document on simplification that accompanied the Commission proposal on the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7). We welcome inputs from all participants on other issues that would be addressed by the Rules for Participation such as intellectual property provisions, evaluation criteria, financial collective responsibility and other participation principles.

Comments on other aspects of simplification were also welcome after that date.

Consultation on Social Sciences and Humanities in the 7th Framework Programme

The aim of this consultation is to provide an opportunity for all researchers but especially those within the EU (and Associated Countries) to offer their views on the possible priorities for research in the Social Sciences and Humanities (Sciences humaines) in Europe with a view to the preparation of FP7. Please note that we welcome inputs from the humanities research community as from the Social Sciences (including Economic Sciences).

Research Themes in FP7

The Commission welcomes contributions to the debate on identifying future thematic domains for FP7 from the research community and users of research, including: research organisations and associations; industrial and sector associations; individual universities, enterprises and research institutes; and all individuals and groups with an interest in research.

EU Science and Technology Foresight in FP7

The Commission would welcome views and comments from all regarding EU Science and Technology Foresight in FP7. Contributions would be particularly welcome from the foresight practitioners, policy-makers at national and regional level, research organisations, universities, industry, international organisations and associations.

The results are on the Science and Technology Foresight web site on CORDIS

Science and technology, the key to Europe's future - guidelines for future European Union policy to support research

The Commission would welcome views and comments from all regarding the future European research policy. Contributions would be particularly welcome from the research community and users of research, including public institutes, universities, large companies, SMEs, research organisations, international organisations and associations.

Statistical overview of results
( 60 kB)

See, too, the page on Future European Union research policy.

The role of the universities in the Europe of Knowledge

The Commission wishes to initiate a debate on the role of universities in Europe's knowledge-based society and economy, and the conditions under which they will be able to fill that role effectively.

Please e-mail any questions relating to the consultation to the university consultation mailbox.

Environmental Technology Action Plan (ETAP)

The Commission intends to put forward an action plan on environmental technology by the end of 2003 and wishes to consult stakeholders and involve them in the preparation of the action plan.

Outcome of the stakeholders' consultation resulting from COM(2003)131 : 65 kB