EUCAR issues its recommendations for Mobility and Transport in the Eighth Framework Programme
16th November 2010 – EUCAR issues its recommendations for Mobility and Transport in the Eighth Framework Programme
EUCAR has issued a new position paper on Mobility and Transport as a Priority Theme in the Eighth Research Framework Programme, complementing its general paper on FP8 issued in April 2010. The paper recognises mobility and transport of people and goods as one the great achievements of mankind, whereby securing its sustainable future is essential for social and economic development. Ensuring sustainable mobility and transport should therefore be recognised as one of the Grand Societal Challenges for Europe, requiring the application of dedicated attention and resources of the European Union to this priority topic in the Eighth Framework Programme. Automotive R&D is a primary component of the Mobility and Transport theme and EUCAR therefore makes the following specific recommendations:
- Set up coherent programmes of transport R&D as an integral element of the Eighth Framework Programme.
- Include a dedicated automotive R&D initiative with a budget share consistent with the sector’s contribution to the EU economy.
- Ensure that EU automotive R&D is oriented towards providing solutions for the sector’s societal demands, including mobility, transport, environment, energy efficiency and competitiveness, by integrating expert input from the industry.
- Support relevant Innovation Partnerships with these dedicated automotive R&D activities in the Framework Programmes.
On the basis of these recommendations, EUCAR will continue to engage with policymakers and all stakeholders regarding the future of the Research Framework Programmes and looks forward to an intensive exchange of expertise as the policy debate progresses.