The European Commission is setting up an Advisory Group for the Preparatory Action on Defence Research.
A register has been opened for this purpose, calling for interest in participation.
Please note the deadline for applications: 21 April 2017.
The Preparatory Action on Defence Research is a concrete step, limited in time and budget, designed to demonstrate and assess, under realistic conditions, the added-value of EU supported defence research and technology (R&T). It will generate results which can foster further cooperation between Member States (as main customers) and between EU defence stakeholders. The core objective of this preparatory phase is to provide the basis for a legislative proposal to the European Parliament and the Council for a dedicated defence research programme in the post-2020 EU multiannual financial framework. Both the Preparatory Action and the subsequent defence research programme should promote the integration and strengthening of the global competitiveness of the EU industrial base. By acting as a catalyst for R&T programmes, they should create opportunities for joint follow-on programmes in support of agreed European capability priorities by emphasising complementarities while avoiding unnecessary duplication of national or multi-national initiatives. On the longer run, the defence research programme should stimulate the industrial uptake of novel technologies while reinforcing and boosting innovation in existing industries which are critical to Europe’s level of ambition. It is therefore key to stimulate out-of-the-box solutions involving “innovators”, such as universities, research and technology organisations and small and medium-sized enterprises.
More information on European Defence Industrial Policies and the role of the European Commission can be found here: https://ec.europa.eu/growth/sectors/defence_en
The European Commission has now set up an Advisory Group for the PADR. The members of this Advisory Group should provide consistent and consolidated advice to the Commission services during the preparation of the annual work programmes within the frame of the Preparatory Action. If deemed relevant, they should also provide advice for the preparation of planning or discussion documents setting out key orientations on a multiannual basis to guide the preparations of the work programmes. Advice should be given on relevant objectives and scientific, technological and innovation priorities. The group does not take binding decisions.
The profile of the members and members’ representatives should primarily allow addressing the technical nature of the advice needed to implement successfully the research and innovation (R&I) programme of the PA. They should possess a track record in areas such as research, manufacturing or procurement of military products or services, as well as competence in providing consultancy services to the defence sector. Experience at the European or international level would be considered as an advantage.
The Call for Applications for the selection of members of the Advisory Group is accessible under the tab “Additional Information” from the Advisory Group page in the Register of Commission Expert Groups: http://ec.europa.eu/transparency/regexpert/index.cfmdo=groupDetail.groupDetail&groupID=3523&NewSearch=1&NewSearch=1
