Europe has started doing better in high-tech research but still has a lot more to do, particularly to capitalise on the results. This is the conclusion of the independent expert report, chaired by former Finnish Prime Minister Esko Aho, that analysed the effectiveness of Information Society research under the EU's 6th Framework Programme for Research and Development.

Although Europe has considerably improved its high-tech research, with the European Commission taking the lead in boosting Micro Computer and Nano-Electronic research, it now needs to move up a gear to bridge the innovation gap with other parts of the world. Thus, The EU has invested over €4 billion in Information Society research between 2003 and 2006, complementing the €100 billion invested by Member States and private companies. While implementing a new research programme that will run until 2013, the Commission has requested an independent panel of experts, chaired by former Finnish Prime Minister Esko Aho, to explore how the effectiveness of the EU's research spending could be improved in order to strengthen Europe's competitiveness.

"Aho Report" Recommendations

• It is recommended that efforts are made to continue to consolidate public-private partnerships of a more permanent nature, such as Joint Technology Initiatives (JTIs) from the 7th Framework Programme.
• It is recommended to continue the effort to ensure that support for SMEs and for large firms is not “compartmentalised” into different measures or tools.
• A platform should be created within the scope of the 7th Framework Programme for new and high-growth companies to meet venture capital investors.
• Encourage participation from outside Europe in all projects. Participation from both developing and industrialised non-European countries should be promoted.
• Internationalise the advisory system – e.g. the IST Advisory Group – by including top scientists and engineers from around the world
• Reflect the latest international developments and challenges in the work programme. A more flexible approach may be needed to integrate new, interesting developments in the field faster.
• Focus the research effort on creating and sustaining world leadership where Europe already has a comparative advantage and where Europe has a new opportunity to take the lead. Europe should be selective and not attempt to become a world leader in every area
• The eInfrastructures approach should be expanded to more application-oriented and user-oriented platforms in other sectors.
• The Panel recommends that accounting control in JTIs is carried out by Member States and participating companies, with a minimum of intervention at the Community level.

The full text of the "Aho Report" on the Effectiveness of Information Society Research in the EU's 6th Framework Programme 2003-2006 is also available online.