Information Society Technologies (IST) is one
of the key thematic priority of the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6). It
aims to find solutions for the social and economic challenges that the
emerging knowledge-based society will face.
What instruments are available?
In the 6FP two main new instruments are made available:
– IP Integrated Project
The
Integrated Projects instrument is designed to generate the knowledge
required to implement the priority thematic areas. This instrument will
support objective-driven research where the primary deliverable is new
knowledge. In addition, by mobilising a critical mass of resources,
integrated projects should also have a structuring effect on European
research.
– NoE Network of Excellence
The Network of
Excellence instrument is designed to strengthen excellence on a
particular research topic by networking together the critical mass of
resources and the expertise needed to provide European leadership and be
a world force on that topic. This expertise will be networked around a
Joint Programme of Activities (JPA) aimed primarily at creating a
durable integration of the research capacities of the network
participants, while, at the same time, advancing knowledge on the topic.
Other instruments will be also in use:
– Specific Targeted Research Projects (STRePs)
– Co-ordination Actions (CA)
– Specific Support Actions (SSA)
What are the strategic objectives?
In order to ensure
concentration of effort and critical mass, the activities foreseen in
the work programme for 2003-2004 will focus on a limited set of
strategic objectives that are essential to realise the IST in FP6 goals.
These strategic objectives fall in five thematic areas:
1. Applied IST for major societal and economic challenges
2. Communication, computing & software technologies
3. Components & systems
4. Knowledge & interface technologies
5. IST future and emerging technologies
In the period 2003-2004 the strategic objectives most relevant to regional and local actors may be:
· Networked organisations, businesses and governments
· Technology-enhanced learning and access to cultural heritage
· eInclusion
Which countries are involved?
The participation to IST is
open to Member States, Associated States and Third Countries. The
financing schemes and rules for participation in RTD activities may vary
from country to country.
Who may apply?
Any legal entity can apply, i.e. any natural
or legal person. In practical terms this means that universities,
research institutes, SMEs and big companies are equally eligible – as
are potential users of technologies and technological applications.
How to apply?
The IST work programme defines the priorities
for the calls for proposals in these two years, the implementation
plan, the procedures to be followed to make a proposal and the criteria
for evaluating proposals responding to these calls.
Both IPs and NoEs
need at least three participants from three different Member or
Associated States, of which at least two are Member States or Associated
Candidate Countries. In practice, however, to achieve ambitious
objectives there are likely to be significantly more partners per
consortium.
