ERA-NET on ICT for Traditional Manufacturing Industries launches €10 million Joint Call for research and development projects

A new transnational R&D programme on ‘ICT  for Traditional Manufacturing Industries’ was launched at the eTranet Conference in Vienna on 27 June.  This is the 1st Annual Joint Call from the consortium of national ministries and agencies that are participating in the eTranet project.  It has an indicative budget of €10 million and it is expected that around 20 projects will be funded.

eTranet is one of the ERA-NET Coordination Action projects that were established during the 6th RTD Framework Programme to support the development of the European Research Area.  These are aimed at addressing the fragmentation of research activities across Europe through increased cooperation and opening between national R&D programmes in similar thematic areas.  The eTranet project currently involves public sector organisations and agencies from 15 countries. 

At the launch of the 1st Joint Call eTranet Project Manager Angus Hunter said:

“This is indeed a historic day for the eTranet consortium.  In June 2003 we submitted our ERA-NET proposal to the Commission with the hope that we would be in a position to launch a Joint Call for transnational R&D projects at the Vienna Conference.  Now, after three years of hard work, we have made that dream a reality.  Our next steps will be to build on this 1st Joint Call by developing other ways of creating added value through international activities between our national programmes.  We will also be gradually developing relationships with other countries in Europe that have an interest in encouraging the strategic use of ICT in their manufacturing industries.”

Over 100 experts and programme managers from 15 countries participated in the two day eTranet Conference on 27-28 June.  In addition to the launch of the Joint Call on the first day, delegates were briefed by speakers from the European Commission on emerging plans for the 7th RTD Framework Programme and, in particular, the MANUFUTURE initiative and the ICT Theme perspective.  The second day of the conference allowed the experts to showcase their expertise and network with potential partners from other countries.  Over 40 conceptual ideas for eTranet projects emerged from the conference.

The deadline for outline applications in response to the Joint Call is Monday 16 October 2006 and it is expected that the first projects will commence in early 2007.

Details of the eTranet project and information on the 1st Joint Call can be found at www.etranet.net.  The eTranet coordination team can be contacted by email at support@etranet.net.