ABSTRACT
The EC-92 harmonization process brings into sharp focus how European integration is changing research and development (R&D) performed in Europe. It also has heightened interest in a wide range of European R&D efforts, some now several decades old. How do these programs function what issues do they address, and what do they tell U.S. policymakers about our own R&D priorities and policies?
The first thing that strikes the interested observer of European R&D policies and programs is the wide range of programs across Europe (often called “pan-European”) and particularly in the EC. In the United States we have some R&D programs which join Government and non-government interests, ranging from basic research to “pre-competitive” technology development. However, except for defense, the U.S. Government’s role and interests usually end when it comes to applications of technology with a specific commercial purpose. In Europe, there are a greater number of Government-industry efforts, from basic research to commercial technology development, and increased interest in transnational levels of support.
Therefore, many of the current pan-European efforts to support R&D are worthy of attention. These efforts can be categorized on three levels: Pan-European R&D, actions arising from the 1992 harmonization process, and the Framework R&D Programmes. The 310pan-European R&D programs represent a wide range of R&D efforts, many of which were in existence before the SEA. These pan-European R&D efforts set a precedent for cooperation of nations, industries and research facilities across Europe, particularly in basic research. Second, the EC-92 process itself, in an attempt to harmonize internal and external policies, will have a significant impact on “rules of origin” and the location of R&D facilities, potential non-tariff barriers such as mechanical and electrical standards, and the “flow” of scientists, engineers and technicians across European borders. Third, the EC Framework Programmes—arising out of the SEA mandate for the EC to establish a “framework” for science and technology R&D—has continued the process by which governments, industries, universities and independent research facilities are supported throughout the EC in key science and technology fields.
It is important to remember that most European R&D is still performed at the national and industry level. In 1987, the EC’s total budget for R&D was approximately 1.5 percent of the total the twelve EC nations spent on R&D. But Europeans supporting these EC efforts also recognize that transnational R&D creates ties and linkages which go beyond funding figures. The pan-European, EC-92, and Framework Programmes are all attempts to leverage scientific, technical, human and other resources in areas where national and industrial R&D efforts have not, or cannot, support R&D.
Still, these collective European efforts raise many questions. Can the national R&D priorities of the member states fit into the broader European, and especially EC, goals and objectives? At what point do these programs truly support R&D, at what point are they government subsidies for technology development which might not ordinarily be supported, and in either instance, how do issues of measuring “success” help us evaluate their progress? Finally, what do transnational R&D programs tell Europeans, Americans and others about cooperation and competition in R&D?
