Decision 1988/279 - 88/279/EEC: Council Decision of 11 April 1988 concerning the European strategic programme for research and development in information technologies (Esprit) - Main contents

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88/279/EEC: Council Decision of 11 April 1988 concerning the European strategic programme for research and development in information technologies (Esprit)

Official Journal L 118 , 06/05/1988 P. 0032 - 0041

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COUNCIL DECISION

of 11 April 1988

concerning the European strategic programme for research and development in information technologies (Esprit)

(88/279/EEC)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and in particular Article 130 Q (2) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission (1),

In cooperation with the European Parliament (2),

Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (3),

Whereas by Decision 84/130/EEC (4) the first phase of the European programme for research and development in information technologies (Esprit) was adopted by the Council on 28 February 1984;

Whereas the framework programme for Community activities in the field of research and technological development (1987 to 1991) was adopted by Decision 87/516/Euratom, EEC (5);

Whereas the Esprit work programme periodically established in close consultation with the Esprit Management Committee, the Information Technology (IT) Industry, industrial users and scientists have proved to be an efficient means of programme management;

Whereas the Council, in its resolution of 8 April 1986 (6), took note of the conclusions of the independent high-level body known as the Esprit Review Board that the programme had been successfully established and was well on the way to meeting its original objectives, that it was progressing faster than initially expected, had initiated trans-European cooperation at all levels especially where small and medium-sized undertakings were concerned, had enabled more ambitious research projects and had accelerated the execution of these projects;

Whereas, in addition, the Council took note of the Review Board's recommendation that, for the future development of Esprit, emphasis should continue to be placed on pre-competitive research and development and that the research areas should be consolidated and restructured and particular attention paid to technology integration projects;

Whereas, in a broad consultation process with a large number of representatives from industry and science, the future technical scope of the programme has been defined;

Whereas it is necessary to ensure consistency between the Esprit programme, national programmes, Eureka projects and other international activities in the information technology sector while encouraging their coordination;

Whereas this programme meets the absolute need for the constitution or consolidation of a specifically European industrial potential in the technologies concerned; whereas its participants must therefore be the undertakings, universities and research centres in the Community which are best suited to attain these objectives;

Whereas Decision 87/516/Euratom, EEC provides that a particular aim of Community research shall be to strengthen the scientific and technological basis of European industry especially in strategic areas of high technology and to encourage it to become more competitive at international level; whereas the same Decision further provides that Community action is justified where research contributes inter alia to the strengthening of the economic and social cohesion of the

Community and the promotion of its overall harmonious development, while being consistent with the pursuit of scientific and technical quality; whereas it is intended that the Esprit programme should contribute to the achievement of these objectives;

Whereas it is necessary for small and medium-sized undertakings to achieve a high level of participation in the programme;

Whereas adequate dissemination of, and access to, results of projects of Community interest is essential to the pursuit of the aims of...

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