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Like
all the thematic research programmes under the Fifth Framework
Programme, the Information Society Technologies programme features
a small number of key actions. Each key action encompasses the
complete range of Research and Development (R&D) and take-up
activities - from basic research through to demonstration projects.
Apart from ensuring better links between basic research and market
needs, this will encourage a closer relationship between research
and public policy. This relationship is not only vital to the
successful introduction of new technologies and services - it
will also ensure that the resulting Information Society is cohesive
and socially inclusive.
The programme is much more than this, however. To begin with,
research into areas which are common to more than one key action
- the development of new man-machine interfaces, for example,
or the exploitation of satellite-based communications - will be
co-ordinated. The aim here is to reinforce the commonality and
complementarity of projects, creating a critical mass of resources
focused on issues of strategic importance and avoiding duplication
of effort across Europe.
Common
Principles
Moreover,
there are a number of themes running through everything the programme
does. All the new technologies, for example, must be usable, interoperable,
dependable and affordable. These four criteria are crucial to
the creation of a co-ordinated European effort capable of tapping
the resources of the entire continent and competing in the global
Information Society.
All research will take into account social issues, ranging from
Europe's ageing population to increasing the sustainability of
industry and society, as well as a major effort to improve the
number of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)
participating in the programme and benefiting from its results.
SMEs which are not research-oriented, for example, will find many
opportunities to improve their use of innovative technologies
in this programme - from taking part in demonstration projects
to receiving training on how to integrate these new technologies
into their businesses.
Finally, the programme does not forget the longer term, financing
a number of higher-risk research areas to reinforce Europe's scientific
excellence in fields as diverse as quantum computing and nanotechnology,
as well as improving Europe's basic research infrastructure.
Budget Breakdown
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