INFORMATION SOCIETY TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAMME

The Information Society Technologies Programme, part of the EU’s Fifth R&D Framework Programme , is the largest of the European research, development and demonstration programmes. The programme aims to realise the full potential of the Information Society for Europe through developing new technologies and services for individuals and businesses. This four-year, 3.6 BEuro (£2.5 billion), programme funds research into information and communication technologies, systems, applications and services through collaborative projects involving organisations from the public sector, research, academia and industry.

Scope

The programme comprises four sub-divisions or "Key Actions":-

1) Systems and services for the citizen

2) New methods of work and electronic commerce

3) Multimedia content and tools

4) Essential technologies and infrastructures

The programme also calls for longer term research on future and emerging technologies with a potential industrial and social impact, and research networking to encourage a Europe-wide network for the benefit of research and education.

Telecoms related R&D is primarily covered by Key Action 4. This includes technologies for communications and networks, including broadband, together with their implementation, interoperability and application; mobile and personal communications systems, including satellite-related systems and services; and advanced intelligent networks which can have multiple functionality yet remain user-friendly.

Participation

Projects are normally collaborative, involving participants from more than one Member State of the EU, or the European Economic Area , or certain other countries which contribute financially to the programme. All legal entities are eligible, although smaller SMEs in particular will need to recognise that participation is resource-intensive, expensive and highly competitive. Research and academic organisations and public bodies are also eligible.

Timetable Calls for proposals are launched by the European Commission on 2 or 3 occasions each year, until early 2002. Budgets offered for these Calls range from £130m to £280m. Details are on the UKISHELP site given below..

For further information, visit the website and contact the helpline set up by DTI as part of a one stop shop for information, promotion and advice on all the EU Information Society programmes:-

http://www.ukishelp.co.uk

UKISHELP phone: 0870 606 1515

UKISHELP fax: 020 8848 6660

e-mail: help@ukishelp.co.uk