Technology Platforms

The Escalation of Industrial Competitiveness

Technology platforms are an innovation in EU research politics. They play a decisive role in the promotion of research and technological development in Europe and the mobilisation of knowledge for economic growth. The goal of the Lisbon Strategy, first passed in 2000, is to increase productivity and the speed of innovation in the EU using various (industrial) political measures. Through effective partnerships between public and private institutions, the essential research and technology focal points can be defined in the middle and long term using technology platforms. Public and private R&D investments can also be coordinated on a regional, national and European level.

The different areas, merged together on one platform, are chosen because of their strategic significance or their potential contribution to the goals of the European Union, i.e. knowledge based growth, competitiveness and level of engagement.

Thus European technology platforms make an important contribution to the development of the European research sphere.

By 2010 the EU should be the most competitive and dynamic market in the world. Numerous model projects will be implemented to modernise the federal administration in line with a resolution made by the federal cabinet.

One of the aims is to electronically process economic administrative procedures as completely as possible from 2012: quickly, precisely and cheaply.

As far as it is possible, all public inquiries should directly use computer supported administrative processes. The various different areas of responsibility for administrative services at the municipal, state and federal level should be taken into account and the inquiries should be handed over to the responsible authorities. This should occur whether dealing with generating motor vehicle documents, delivering birth certificates or enquiries about documents. Thus administrative processes should become faster, cheaper and more precise.

It is essential to consider and integrate all interest groups such as research institutions, public authorities and other institutions and user groups such as decision makers in specific sectors. It is equally essential to ensure that all technologies and services work together without the occurrence of media mismatches. Private partners can also be integrated via Public Private Partnerships (PPPs), for example.