More ideas needed, says report on tech platforms

No time for complacency, says the report.

“The last three years have shown an impressive build-up of momentum on the side of ETPs, and with the launch of FP7 [the Seventh Framework Programme] a major milestone has been achieved. There is no time for complacency, but a need to address the challenges ahead and keep the momentum alive,” says the report.

There are currently 31 ETPs in existence, spanning a range of technologies, and all have been established within the last four years.

The objective is to influence industrial and research policy at EU, national and regional level, while encouraging public and private investments in research and development (R&D) in key technological areas.

The report claims that the research priorities in FP7 reflect the growing influence of the ETPs.

ETPs are encouraged to apply for funding through FP7, but are to look elsewhere. Possible sources include the newly developed Risk-Sharing Finance Facility, national and regional initiatives, international initiatives such as EUREKA, and the European Union’s structural funds.

The report says the use of structural funds for innovation-related projects will increase as innovation becomes a priority in cohesion policy.

The Commission is also looking for new ideas for ETPs, but the aim is not create as many ETPs as possible. “Some topics, whilst important, may not justify the setting up of a dedicated ETP, either because they may overlap with existing platforms, or remain vague in concept or address issues which are more horizontal in nature,” states the report.