1. Support for the coordination of activities TECHNOLOGY PLATFORMS Context, Rationale and State of Play Presentation by Julie Sors European Commission Rotterdam, 21 April 2005

2. Support for the coordination of activities Elements of Presentation 1.Main features of technology platforms 2.Emerging experience 3.Governance aspects 4.Community role

3. Support for the coordination of activities Technology Platforms: Overall Concept The Stakeholders, led by industry, getting together to define a Strategic Research Agenda on a number of strategically important issues with high societal relevance where achieving Europes future growth, competitiveness and sustainability objectives is dependent upon major research and technological advances in the medium to long term.

4. Support for the coordination of activities Technology Platforms: Rationale Contribute to Competitiveness (Lisbon goal) Boost research performance - ERA, 3% target Positive impact on other Community policies Concentrate efforts and address fragmentation

5. Support for the coordination of activities Technology Platforms: Central Concept Framework to unite stakeholders around: a common vision for the technology concerned mobilisation of a critical mass of research and innovation effort definition of a Strategic Research Agenda

6. Support for the coordination of activities Technology Platforms: Characteristics Address challenging issues for growth Embody major technological advances - medium/long-term Bring Community added value Involve high research intensity Require a Common European approach – research and technological development… to demonstration…..to, in the longer-term, market penetration

7. Support for the coordination of activities Technology Platforms: Three Stages Stage 1: Stakeholders get together Stage 2: Stakeholders define a Strategic Research Agenda Stage 3: Stakeholders implement the Strategic Research Agenda

8. Support for the coordination of activities Emerging Topics for Platforms Radical Change in a Sector - example: Hydrogen / Fuel Cells Sustainable Development - example: Plant Genomics and Biotechnology Public Goods and Services - example: Innovative Medicines for Europe Strategic, High-Technology - example: Aeronautics Industrial Renewal - example: Steel Currently +/- 20 Emerging Fields

9. Support for the coordination of activities Governance Structure: Hydrogen/Fuel Cells Platform Overall Objective: Build Future Hydrogen Economy Advisory Council: Highest Level / Wide Range of Stakeholders Sub-Groups: Defining Strategic Research Agenda and Deployment Strategy Member States: Involved through Mirror Group Working Parties: Financial Engineering, Business Development, Public Awareness, Education and Training etc. Secretariat: Administrative Support

10. Support for the coordination of activities Technology Platforms: Factors for Success (I) Set out Vision before going ahead (is the platform approach the right one for this particular technology?) Openness,Transparency,Communication (code of best practice recently established) Consider financial aspects at early stage (mobilisation of a range of possible funding sources, including: Community Framework Programmes, Structural Funds, national, regional and private research funding, EIB, EUREKA)

11. Support for the coordination of activities Technology Platforms: Factors for Success (II) Operational focus at early stage (e. g. integration of relevant projects already completed or underway at European, national and regional levels) Commitment of national authorities (« Mirror » Groups formed by several platforms) Education and Training needs (numerous qualified researchers needed over a long period)

12. Support for the coordination of activities Openness and Transparency Code of Good Practice Key Elements: -Rotation of Membership of Advisory Council -Regular Stakeholder Meetings -Openness to Participation of New Stakeholders -Dedicated Platform Website

13. Support for the coordination of activities Technology Platforms: Commission Involvement NOT: Owner, Steering or Directing Formally Labelling Bound by Views of Platforms BUT: Fostering a Bottom-Up Approach Facilitating Guiding where Necessary

14. Support for the coordination of activities Community Support Run-Up to FP7 FP6 can potentially support: operational entities (Secretariat, Mirror Groups etc.) projects suitable for bringing within the platform

15. Support for the coordination of activities Community Support During FP7 Majority of Strategic Research Agendas Implemented through Existing Community Instruments (some adaptation possibly needed) Synergy between Strategic Research Agendas and Priorities for Thematic Research Limited Number of Long-Term Public- Private Partnerships – Joint Technology Initiatives

16. Support for the coordination of activities Joint Technology Initiatives The May Take the Form of Joint Undertakings – Article 171 of the Treaty Article 171 The Community may set up joint undertakings or any other structure necessary for the efficient execution of Community research, technological development and demonstration programmes

17. Support for the coordination of activities Next Steps 1.Continue discussions with key stakeholders 2.Continue to facilitate the development of technology platforms in the run-up to FP7

18. Support for the coordination of activities Further information Website www.cordis.lu/technology- platforms