Call made for greater UK participation in IST programme A UK support service aimed at assisting participation in the European Commission's research Framework programmes, UKISHELP, has called for greater UK participation in the Information society technologies programme. Peter Walters, a UK national contact point, said that the fun... A UK support service aimed at assisting participation in the European Commission's research Framework programmes, UKISHELP, has called for greater UK participation in the Information society technologies programme. Peter Walters, a UK national contact point, said that the funds available and the chance to play a formative role in the Sixth Framework programme, starting at the end of the year, were too big an opportunity for UK firms and organisations to miss. Pointing out that the European Commission dedicates almost one billion euro every year to European innovation, Mr Walters said that the IST programme also represented 'an important opportunity for UK organisations to help define, prepare and shape large-scale activities when the new Sixth Framework commences in 2003.' Mr Walters highlighted that it is not just UK firms who need to focus on the IST programme opportunities. He referred to the words of EU Commissioner for Information society and Enterprise, Erkki Liikanen, who said in December that the future competitiveness of Europe's industry and the living standards of its citizens depended to a largely on future efforts in IST research. But the Commissioner added that European countries have not taken full advantage yet of the IST programme. The end of the present round of funding, for which the deadline for proposals is on 21 February, represents not just an opportunity to secure some of the approximately 500 million euro on offer, but also a chance to help shape the next Framework programme. 'This means that organisations with the appropriate expertise can position themselves at the forefront of European innovation,' said Mr Walters. He also added that the format for funding in the Sixth Framework programme will mean less projects will be funded, but those that receive funding are likely to secure larger amounts. In response to these challenges, UKISHELP (which comes under the authority of the UK department of trade and industry) has organised three regional workshops in the UK to inform people about the opportunities on offer. To be held in the Midlands (7 February), the North East (19 February) and Wales (6 March), the workshops will provide free introductory information on, among other areas, means of application and securing partners and the half day events will include details of where further support can be found. Countries United Kingdom
