European neural network initiatives and recent trends in Europe

Various initiatives, past, present and proposed, for the advancement and exploitation of neural networks are outlined. The preliminary findings of the first Europe-wide survey in this area are discussed, followed by the thoughts of the author on the current and future status of neural computing. Programs in the European Community (EC), non-EC programs, and UK programs are considered. The survey confirmed a lag before academic research activity is taken up by industry for prospective embodiment into their future products and an even longer lag before such products become available in the market-place. The author´s experience of commercial activities suggests that industry is exploiting neural computing techniques, though in many cases the implemented systems employ well-tried and well-understood networks. Priorities are suggested that are essential to the commercial exploitation of neural networks