EUROPEAN TECHNOLOGY PLATFORM

To remain competitive, and to fulfil the Lisbon 2000 European Council agenda for growth and competitiveness in a knowledge-based European economy, European industry must specialise in high technology areas. Investment in research need to be continuously increased, co-ordination across Europe enhanced and the technological content of industrial activity maintained and steadily augmented. For this reason, the Commission promoted the establishment of European Technology Platforms which associate all principal stakeholders – industry, research bodies and academia – in key areas for European competitiveness.

European Technology Platforms focus on strategic issues where achieving Europe’s future growth, competitiveness and sustainability depends upon major technological advances. They bring together stakeholders, led by industry, to define medium to long term research and technological development objectives and to lay down markers for achieving them. The achievement of these objectives will significantly improve the daily lives of the European citizen in many areas. These platforms are seen as a crucial component in future European research policy and already play a major role in the EU Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) for research.

Platforms are also expected to impact on the development of national and regional research programmes and policies, creating the conditions for a stronger and more coherent European Research Area while making Europe a more attractive place for research investment and for innovation.

Today, the impact of some platforms such as the ENIAC Technology Platform have contributed to the establishment of Joint Technology Initiatives.