The European Commission is to invite technology companies to bid
for parts of its €3.6bn (£2.28bn) information society technology
research budget for 2002-2006.
The Commission will display all calls for tenders from 17 December
onwards on its Web site at
www.cordis.lu/fp6/.
The budget covers a wide range of IT areas including communication
and network technologies; software technologies; micro, nano and
optoelectronics; microsystems; knowledge technologies, and digital
content.
The new budget, part of a €17.5bn research budget known as the
Sixth Framework Programme, will place a greater emphasis on
projects that develop content, said Per Haugaard, commission
spokesman on technology matters.
Content is what draws people to the new technologies, such as third
generation (3G) mobile phone services, Haugaard said. "Helping
develop it is important for ensuring demand for future
services."
The IT budget is an important tool for the EU to ensure that its
industries remain competitive in the future, according to Haugaard.
"Especially now, during difficult times, it is important to remain
focused on research and development."