The European Union Fifth Framework Program

Summary form only given. The Fifth Framework Program (1998 to 2002) is the latest milestone in the series of large-scale multiannual R&D programs, which were started by the European Union in 1984 in order to improve the competitiveness of European industry and to stimulate growth. It responds to the major issues, which concern Europe´s citizens at the turn of the century such as the globalization of economy and trade, knowledge, job creation, and quality of life and health. Compared to its predecessors the Fifth Framework Program has shifted its focus from solely technological research and scientific excellence to a wider view, including societal and ethical matters: “research at the service of people”. It is structured in a concentrated and flexible way with fewer and more focused activities than before. This is reflected in its architecture of four Community activities, which are again supported by seven thematic and horizontal programs. The first activity covers the research, technological development and demonstration programs. The second activity is aimed at promoting cooperation on research, technological development and demonstration with Third World countries and international organizations. The third activity concerns the dissemination and optimization of the results of research, technological development and demonstration activities, and the fourth is intended to stimulate the training and mobility of scientists