Evaluation of European Technology Platforms - a digest

Digest

Idea Consult has released a detailed evaluation of the European Technology Platforms (ETPs) in Aug. 2008. The European Commission first introduced ETPs in its communication 'Industrial Policy in an enlarged Europe' in Dec. 2002. ETPs aim to bring together R&D relevant stakeholders with diverse backgrounds for developing a long-term R&D strategy in areas of interest to Europe, and to further mobilise private and public R&D investments. The digest below sums up the main conclusions and recommendations from the perspective of Eco Innovation, i.e., focusing on learning and eco-innovation policy.

The report concludes that:

• ETPs are still largely industry-led and under-represent NGOs, consumers and other users.
• Participation of knowledge-generating institutions is strong in the Strategic Research Agenda (SRA) but weaker in the development of the Strategic Vision Document itself.
• The concrete outcomes of the SRAs are not convincing at present in terms of dealing with higher-level societal and economic challenges in Europe.
• Communication efforts are on the rise but higher levels of interactivity with ETP members are desired.
• Identification of future education needs and provision of training and education initiatives have been left aside by ETPs (an 'underachievement').
  

The report recommends that:

• Fragmentation of activities between ETPs should be tackled through extended collaboration (e.g., common working groups) and systematic evaluation of possible overlap.
• Collaboration between ETPs could include joint proposals and projects, possibly resulting in economies of scale.
• An 'ETP label' is associated with advantages such as earmarked operational funding and general reputation effects, but also with obligations in terms of objectives, activities and their evaluation.
  
• ETPs become involved in policy-making beyond technology.
• ETPs should get concerned by the regulatory aspects of research commercialisation, including standards.
• ETPs should undertake training and education activities.
• ETPs should focus on Europe's main socio-economic challenges, play a facilitation role and mobilise more diverse stakeholders such as NGOs and consumers.
  
• ETPs be aware of potential fragmentation and remedy where needed.
• ETPs further internationalise their activities outside the EU.
• ETPs websites are professionalised and make use of more interactive communication tools.
  

Full notes are available here to members.

Source: Idea Consult, 2008; Evaluation of the European Technology Platforms (ETPs);  Final report. Request for Services in the context of the DG BUDG Framework Service Contracts on Evaluation and Evaluation-related Services, (Aug. 2008); Brussels, 144 p.

Download: ftp://ftp.cordis.europa.eu/pub/technology-platforms/docs/evaluation-etps.pdf

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Last update: Frédéric Morand, 04 Nov. 2008