Multiannual research and development programme (EEC) in the fields of basic technological research and the applications of new technologies (BRITE), 1985-1988

Part of the first Framework programme for research and technological development (1984-1987 under subactivity 2.1.: "New techniques and products for the traditional industries".
To encourage collaborative pre-competitive research and development projects in specified technical areas which industry has identified as meriting particular support.
Two types of R&D:

- Precompetitive basic R&D:
. Reliability, wear and deterioration;
. Laser technology and applications and other new methods of metal shaping and forming;
. Joining techniques;
. New testing methods, including non-destructive testing, on-line testing and computer- aided testing;
. CAD/CAM and mathematical models;
. New materials, in particular polymers, composites and other new materials with special properties;
. Membrane science and technology and problems in electrochemistry;
. Catalysis and particle technology;

- Precompetitive technological R&D, including pilot and demonstration projects, in new production technologies for products made from flexible materials.
The Commission, assisted by the Management and Coordination Advisory Committee (CGC) on Industrial Technology, was responsible for the execution and detailed implementation of the programme, which included contract research and concerted action.

Participants were industrial organizations, research institutes and universities from within the Community as well as organizations and enterprises from non-EC European countries with which framework agreements for scientific and technical cooperation had been concluded. The Commission installed procedures to permit appropriate cooperation with related COST actions.

Normally, research institutes participated in a group, together with an industrial organization, and projects were carried out by participants from more than one Member State. Priority was given to projects involving at least two independent industrial organizations from two different Member States. Research institutes funded mainly by industrial organizations were considered as industrial organizations.

Industrial participants were normally expected to bear at least 50% of the total expenditure of individual projects. Contractors from outside the Community were not entitled to Community financing and had to contribute to general administrative expenses.

The Commission, after consulting the CGC, defined procedures for the exchange of information between Member States and the Community.

The results of the programme were reviewed by the Commission during the second year after its implementation. A report thereon was sent to the European Parliament and the Council.