Special edition
October 2002

Clearly, research is seen as a major policy which must help speed up the integration of these countries into the Union. But could it be otherwise in a knowledge society?

Such positive signs must not, however, conceal the difficulties which handicap science and technology in these countries. With the need to renew their infrastructures, halt the brain drain, modernise industry and improve their environment, they face major challenges of crucial importance.

This new approach must also remind us once again of the essential role played by science and technology in many sectors of our society: although their contribution to improving health, protecting the environment, and economic development is well established, this specific situation shows that they also play a necessary part in the general development of Union policy.

In this context, information and communication are essential. That is the reason for this special issue, which in itself is a building block - albeit a modest one - in the construction of the new Europe.

Introduction: New frontiers for an enlarged European R&D

Interview: Günter Verheugen, European Commissioner responsible for enlargement
RTD info talks to Günter Verheugen, the European Commissioner responsible for enlargement, about the latest state of play on the enlargement process, the role of R&D in an enlarged union, and the benefits awaiting candidate countries participating in FP6.

Interview: Michal Kleiber, Polish Minister for Science
What impact does research have on the economic development of the candidate countries? How well prepared are they for FP6? What new opportunities will it bring to scientists and researchers in the candidate countries? Polish Minister for Science, Michal Kleiber, gives his point of view on these and other pertinent issues.

Sixth Framework Programme: Widening the horizons of European research
The candidate countries have a long and fruitful history as regards EU research Framework Programmes. RTD info reports on the research collaboration to date and how the changes introduced under FP6 will affect these countries.

NAS research in action: The story of a successful collaboration
Candidate country participation in EU research programmes began in 1992 under the Third Framework Programme. Since then, the number of projects involving partners from the candidate countries has increased steadily to the benefit of the entire European research community. Case studies of FP4 and FP5 projects demonstrate the wealth of scientific expertise and know-how on offer in the candidate countries.

Centres of excellence add value to enlargement process
The Commission has backed the development of 34 centres of excellence in 11 candidate countries to help restructure their science and technology sectors.

International co-operation to the fore
The network of Innovation Relay Centres (IRC), which aims to support and promote the cross-border transfer of new technologies, has recently been extended. It is already yielding successful results. Similarly, the Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) has now opened its full range of activities to include scientists from the candidate countries.

Who's who: R&D address book for the candidate countries
A list of National Contact Points, Centres of Excellence and Innovation Relay Centres.

FP6 launch - at home and away

In addition to the official launch of FP6 in Brussels, the Polish State Committee for Scientific Research is organising a parallel conference in Warsaw on 25-26 November. This will provide an ideal opportunity to forge partnerships between the research communities in existing and future Member States. Speakers include the Polish President, Aleksander Kwasniewski and EU Research Commissioner, Philippe Busquin. The event will take place in English. For further information and registration details, see
http://www.npk.gov.pl/konf-6PR/index_en.html

Previous versions of RTD info on-line

You can order the paper version on-line on this site as well.