European research and policies for knowledge-driven innovation. The example of industrial informatics

The presentation provides an overview of research activities supported under 6th Framework Programme (FP6), particularly in the area of industrial informatics under the Information Society Technologies (IST). Priority, as well as activities under the world-wide collaborative R&D framework on intelligent manufacturing systems (IMS), involving the EU together with Norway, Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland and the USA. IMS provides a framework for industry and academia to cooperate throughout the full innovation cycle and to identify partners worldwide. It offers opportunities for broad-based technology trials and benchmarking, involving a worldwide user community, ensuring the general applicability of the technology developed. It also provides a better understanding of global markets through improved market intelligence. IMS offers a proven, effective and efficient framework for the protection of IPR that provides in particular for small and medium-sized enterprises a safe environment in global collaboration. The 10-year agreement is currently reconsidered for renewal. The project portfolio involved 300 Meuro worldwide total R&D investment so far