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MINISTERIODE CIENCIAY TECNOLOGÍA

The Spanish National Plan forScientific Research, Development

and Technological Innovation for the period -

COMISIÓN INTERMIN ISTER IAL DE CIENCIA Y TECNOLOGÍA

Summary

MINISTERIO DE CIENCIA Y TECNOLOGÍA

SPANISH FOUNDATION FOR SCIENCEAND TECHNOLOGY

The Spanish National Plan forScientific Research Development

and Technological Innovation for the period -

COMISIÓN INTERMIN ISTER IAL DE CIENCIA Y TECNOLOGÍA

Resume

Aprobado por el Consejo de Ministros en su reunión del 7 de noviembre de 2003.

Edita: Ministerio de Ciencia y TecnologíaNIPO: 400-03-021-3ISBN Obra Completa: 84-7474-991-3ISBN:Depósito Legal: M-48619-2003Realiza: Imagen&producto

ISBN

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Index

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Priority areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15International cooperation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Human resourcesl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Support for business competitiveness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Equipment and infraestructure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Promotion of scientific and technological culture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Basis research in the NP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Thematic areas and national programmes of the NP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

International dimension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Coordination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Interregional S&T cohesion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Priority areas of coordination with the ACs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Priority areas of cooperation with the ACs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35Performing actors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36Modes of participation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37Funding instruments and tax incentives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40Management assignment principles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42Coordination of actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43Evaluation and selection of proposals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43Guarantees and rihts of the performing actors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Monitoring and evaluation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47Instruments of the Integrated Monitoring and Evaluation System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48Elements of the Integrated Monitoring and Evaluation System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49Monitoring and evaluation rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49Review and updating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49Interministerial coordination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Budgetary scenario . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

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Áreas prioritarias . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57Área de ciencias de la vida . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Programa nacional de biomedicina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61Programa nacional de tecnologías para la salud y el bienestar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63Programa nacional de biotecnología . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65Programa nacional de biología fundamental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Área de ciencias y tecnologías agroalimentarias y medioambientales . . . . . . . . . 71Programa nacional de recursos y tecnologías agroalimentarias . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73Programa nacional de ciencias y tecnologías medioambientales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75Programa nacional de biodiversidad, ciencias de la tierra y cambio global . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Área de ciencias del espacio, matemáticas y física . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79Programa nacional de espacio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81Programa nacional de astronomía y astrofísica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83Programa nacional de física de partículas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85Programa nacional de matemáticas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87Programa nacional de física . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Área de energía . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91Programa nacional de energía . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Área de química, materiales y diseño y producción industrial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95Programa nacional de ciencias y tecnologías químicas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97Programa nacional de materiales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99Programa nacional de diseño y producción industrial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Área de seguridad y defensa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103Programa nacional de seguridad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105Programa nacional de defensa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Área de tecnologías de la sociedad de la información . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109Programa nacional de tecnología electrónica y de comunicaciones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111Programa nacional de tecnologías informáticas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114Programa nacional de tecnologías de servicios de la sociedad de la información . . . . . 116

Área de transporte y construcción . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119Programa nacional de medios de transporte . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121Programa nacional de construcción . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

Área de humanidades, ciencias sociales y económicas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127Programa nacional de humanidades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129Programa nacional de ciencias sociales, económicas y jurídicas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

Acciones estratégicas transversales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133Áreas horizontales y programas nacionales del PN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137

Programa nacional de cooperación internacional en ciencia y tecnología . . . . . . . . . . . . 139Programa nacional de potenciación de los recursos humanos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141Programa nacional de apoyo a la competitividad empresarial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143Programa nacional de equipamiento e infraestructura

de investigación científica y tecnológica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145Programa nacional de fomento de la cultura científica y tecnológica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147

ANEXO Siglas y acrónimos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149

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Introduction

The National R&D&I Plan 2004-2007 marks a new step forward inplanning actions financed by the National Budgets aimed at optimisingavailable resources by strengthening cooperation and coordinationwith the Autonomous Communities (Spanish regional governments),articulation of the important international dimension and design of thefinancial instruments and modes of participation needed to stimulateand foster R&D&I activities.

Building the European Research Area poses new challenges forintegration and coordination, not just as regards developingmechanisms for the creation of networks under national programmes,but also in relation to the initiation of evaluation processes thatfacilitate comparison of national R&D&I policies.

This National Plan is the public sector’s response to the economic,social and cultural demands regarding S&T matters. Defining thescientific-technical research programmes, preparing proposals formanaging government-funded activities, developing businesscompetitiveness support measures, organising international andinterregional cooperation programmes, and developing appropiatepolicies for training and recruiting R&D&I specialists, has requiredinvolvement of all actors in the system.

The design and preparation of this National Plan has drawn on theefforts of various executive offices of the general State Administrationand of the regional administrations, public research centres andauthorities, technological centres and interface units, enterprises andbusiness groups and a large number of experts from the science andtechnology community.

S PA N I S H N AT I O N A L P L A N F O R S C I E N T I F I C R E S E A R C H D E V E LO P M E N T A N D T E C H N O LO G I C A L I N N O VAT I O N 2 0 0 4 - 2 0 07

Objectives

S PA N I S H N AT I O N A L P L A N F O R S C I E N T I F I C R E S E A R C H D E V E LO P M E N T A N D T E C H N O LO G I C A L I N N O VAT I O N 2 0 0 4 - 2 0 07O B J E C T I V E S

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The R&D&I NP for 2004-2007 charts a set of objectives to be achieved atthe end of the Plan’s execution that are generally aimed at contributing toa greater and more harmonius development of the Spanish Science-Technology-Enterprise (STE) system.

This approach stems from the commitments adopted at the LisbonEuropean Council of March 2000. One of the objectives adopted at thatCouncil was for the European Union to become “the most competitive anddynamic knowledge-based economy in the world, capable of sustainableeconomic growth with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion”.

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The R&D&I NP maintains three general principles as its key objectives:

• to serve the general public and improve social welfare

• to contribute to generating knowledge

• to contribute to improving business competitiveness

A set of strategic objectives was formulated for this R&D&I NP, classifiedinto the following groups:

Strategic objectives relating to the STE system

• Enhance the level of Spanish science and technology, both in scale and quality

• Expand the number and quality of human resources in both thepublic and private sectors

• Reinforce the international dimension of Spanish science andtechnology, with special emphasis on the European Research Area

• Strengthen the role of the public sector in generating fundamentalknowledge

• Improve the visibility and communication of scientific andtechnological advances in Spanish society

Strategic objectives relating to coordination of the STE system

• Reinforce cooperation between the National and RegionalGovernment and, in particular, improve coordination between theR&D&I NP and the regional R&D&I plans of the RegionalGoverments.

• Improve coordination between the NP Administration, and improvethe NP evaluation and management procedures.

• Promote cooperation and coordination between public R&Dinstitutions.

Strategic objectives relating to business competitiveness

• Boost the technology and innovation capacity of enterprises.

• Promote creation of an innovating entrepreneurial community.

• Contribute to creating an environment that favours investment in R&D&I.

• Improve interaction, collaboration and partnering arrangementsbetween the public sector R&D and the business community.

S PA N I S H N AT I O N A L P L A N F O R S C I E N T I F I C R E S E A R C H D E V E LO P M E N T A N D T E C H N O LO G I C A L I N N O VAT I O N 2 0 0 4 - 2 0 07 O B J E C T I V E S

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The tables that follow show certain indicators for funding, results andhuman resources associated with the strategic objectives andprojections made for the first two years of the plan.

For 2005 the Plan envisages a revision of the quantitative indicatorstied to the objectives, which will serve as the basis for the nationalgovernment’s approval of their updating for 2006 and 2007.

Funding and results indicators

Indicator 2004 2005Total domestic spending on R&D activities as % of GDP 1.10 1.22

Spending on innovation as % of GDP 1.90 2.10

% R&D spending made by business 56.40 57.60

Function 54 as % of GSB 1.66 1.70

Scientific output as share of world total 2.75 2.77

Innovative enterprises as % of total enterprises 27.00 28.00

Cumulative increase in new technology-based enterprises set up by public sector initiatives 40 60

European patents by residents in Spain as % of total 1.00 1.30

% economic return on Spanish share in EU R&D FP 6.40 6.50

Human resources indicators

Indicator 2004 2005Researchers per 1000 persons in labour force 4.7 4.8

% researchers in business sector 26.0 27.0

Personnel employed in R&D per 1000 persons in labour force 7.1 7.2

% of personnel employed in R&D in the business sector 42.0 43.0

Net gain in new researcher posts and contracts in the public sector 700 800

Placement of doctorate-holders in business and in technological centres 300 350

Placement of technologists in SME and technological centres 500 550

Estimates for 2004 and 2005. Prepared internal elaboration

S PA N I S H N AT I O N A L P L A N F O R S C I E N T I F I C R E S E A R C H D E V E LO P M E N T A N D T E C H N O LO G I C A L I N N O VAT I O N 2 0 0 4 - 2 0 07O B J E C T I V E S

Structure

S PA N I S H N AT I O N A L P L A N F O R S C I E N T I F I C R E S E A R C H D E V E LO P M E N T A N D T E C H N O LO G I C A L I N N O VAT I O N 2 0 0 4 - 2 0 07S T R U C T U R E

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The structural elements of the NP are:

■ Priority areas, which include the priority areas deemed of strategicimportance for the Spanish STE system. The actions in each of the areasare set in motion by means of national programmes. The thematicbreadth of those programmes requires the establishment, whereappropriate, of subprogrammes with specific management structures.

■ Modes of participation that channel the activities of the differentexecuting agents.

■ Financing instruments associated with each mode of participation.

■ Monitoring, evaluation and management procedures, providing forprocedures at the micro level (for individual proposals and concreteactions) and macro level (for strategic programmes and objectives), andfor criteria for assigning management of the different NP actions to theappropriate executive bodies.

The NP 2004-2007 addresses all needs and stages of R&D&I activities,from non-priority basic research to technological innovation activities, withthe dual aim of generating new knowledge and solving concreteproblems.

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Scope of action of the R&D&I NP

The 2004-2007 NP will enhance the flexibility of the managementstructure and better adapt the modes of participation to each area andprogramme. The total resources allocated to an area must becontemplated as an integrated whole, so as to also include theinvestment made in public research bodies (PRBs), possible contributionsfrom the business community and non-profit private entities, as well asthe resources of universities and other R&D centres of the RegionalGovernment.

Distribution of resources in the priority areas

S PA N I S H N AT I O N A L P L A N F O R S C I E N T I F I C R E S E A R C H D E V E LO P M E N T A N D T E C H N O LO G I C A L I N N O VAT I O N 2 0 0 4 - 2 0 07 S T R U C T U R E

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These resources are distributed amongst the actions projected for thearea. Those actions are mainly performed by public and private centres,however they also provide support for major international facilities,programmes and organisations, actions promoting the internationalisationof the Spanish STE system, cooperation initiatives with the RegionalGoverments, etc.

Definition of the National Programmes on the basis of the PGC Programme of the NP 2000-2003


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Support for basic research in the NP 2004-2007

Priority areas

A NP priority area is defined as a collection of interrelated subjects, groupedaround national programmes, in which certain S&T objectives related to theNP´s strategic objectives are raised. Some of these subjects are grouped intosubprogrammes. In addition, each of the national programmes also embracesa collection of non-priority subjects.

Structure of a priority area


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The process of identifying the priority areas making up the NP hasinvolved both a sectorial focus (associated with technological interestsand needs of strategic business sectors or with public policy interests)and a thematic focus (having more to do with certain scientific andtechnical areas or disciplines that produce applications in the near,medium and long term). Identifying the NP areas and programmes hasbeen done balancing different types of criteria: scientific, technological,sectorial and public interest.

A distinction is made between two types of areas:

■ Thematic areas with a clearly defined scientific-technological domain;

■ Horizontal areas open to all scientific-technological domains.

The thematic areas embrace a given number of national programmesin which the intensity of the direction of their priority themes and actionscan vary.

The weakly directed national programmes are mainly based on high-riskor long-term R&D actions. Pursuit of these programmes will require strongpublic sector R&D involvement.

The strongly directed national programmes emphasise actions aimed attechnological development and innovation of an industrial or public nature, aswell as initiatives that contribute to fostering a favourable R&D&I environment,with the goal of strongly engaging the business community.

Strategic actions are defined as a set of interrelated R&D&I activities thatseek to achieve common medium-term objectives. These requireidentification of well defined, concrete targets and a plan of action forexecuting coordinated R&D&I projects.

The horizontal areas include generic NP actions that span all the otherareas and programmes, although their application must be adapted on acase-by-case basis to the particularities of each area and programme.Some of these areas are:

International cooperation

The international cooperation horizontal area is articulated in a NationalProgramme for International Cooperation in Science and Technology,as a complement to the specific international dimension of the thematicareas.

The international scope onto which a thematic area can be projected takes in:

■ International programmes (EU Framework Programme for R&D, COST,Eureka, CYTED, IGBP, etc.);

■ International organisations (ESA, EMBO, ESF, etc.);■ Major international facilities (CERN, EMBL, ESRF, GBIF, etc.);


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■ Opening of programmes to non-national entities and joint programmeswith other countries (in the framework of the European Research Area);

■ Other bilateral and multilateral agreements and accords.

The horizontal dimension of international cooperation will embrace thosesubjects not classified in the thematic areas or those whose multi- orinterdisciplinary nature does not allow them to be easily categorised and placedin one specific area.

Human resources

Human resources in scientific research and technological developmentand innovation represent the cornerstone of the STE system in anycountry. The projected actions will be pursued under the NationalProgramme for Development of Human Resources, with the followingobjectives:

■ Training of scientific-technical personnel in the priority thematic areas ofthe NP through grants for starting research, pre-doctorate scholarships,post-doctorate fellowships, and research and innovation managementtraining grants.

■ Hiring and recruitment of highly skilled professionals in public and privateR&D&I centres, through contracts for placement of doctorate-holders andtechnologists in public research centres, contracts for placement ofdoctorate-holders and technologists in technology enterprises and centres,and contracts for placement of technical support personnel in public R&Dcentres, medium and large-scale facilities, and non-profit private centres.

■ Mobility of personnel that have already been trained through initiativespromoting exchanges of doctorate-holders and technologists betweenSpanish entities and between Spanish and foreign entities.

Support for business competitiveness

In addition to the specific features of each sector of activity, considerationmust be given to the factors that condition the strategic position ofenterprises in the face of innovation processes: the heavy outlays requiredby all R&D&I activity if it is to pursue systematically and on a stable basisover time, and the long-term returns it can generates.

This area embraces the following actions, grouped together in theNational Programme to Foster Business Competitiveness:

■ Creation and fostering of new technology-based companies, includingventure capital initiatives.

■ Support for the creation and operation of interface units that will provideassistance for recruitment of skilled human resources.


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■ Support for standardisation and certification of business R&D&I activities.■ Support for management and development of patents.■ Support for the creation of R&D&I units within the private sector.■ Support for the creation of a culture of innovation.

Equipment and infrastructure

The NP seeks to foster the creation of new centres and facilities, help inthe maintenance and assessment of already existing ones and facilitatethe availability of scientific-technological equipment for the proper pursuitof the activities.

The NP will pay special attention to large-scale scientific facilities (LSF)which are unique or exceptional in Spain and whose investment and/ormaintenance costs are relatively large in relation to the R&D expenditurebudgets for their related area of activity.

Within the framework of the Advisory Committee on Large ScientificFacilities (Comité Asesor de Grandes Instalaciones Científicas; hereinafter,CAGIC), plans call for the creation of new types of facilities, including alsomedium-size facilities and technology platforms grouped together in thegeneral category of science and technology facilities (STF).

Several objectives have been charted along these lines:

■ Consolidate the programme to build the new Spanish STF which havealready been approved.

■ Guarantee the competitiveness of the STF by means of the necessaryupgrades, enhancements or expansions of their equipment.

■ Facilitate and promote access by researchers to domestic andinternational STF.

■ Promote the availability of the qualified technical staff needed to build,operate and maintain the STF.

■ Ensure the scientific, technological and industrial return on investments in STF.

■ Promote Spanish business participation in the creation and developmentof new STF.

Science and technology parks concentrate the innovative elements thatallow greater cooperation between the world of science and business.Support for these parks through actions under the National Plan must betied to the fulfilment of objectives that serve as a catalyst for achievingthat cooperation.

The National Programme for Scientific and Technological ResearchEquipment and Infrastructure will set the projected priorities and actions.


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Promotion of scientific and technological culture

In our daily lives we are surrounded by products with a large scientificand/or technological component that is not accompanied by a culturethat facilitates a clear perception of their true value. The objectives of theNational Programme to Foster Scientific and Technological Cultureare to improve social awareness of science and technology and increasethe value placed on scientific-technological activities as levers of progressin a modern society.

Basic research in the NP

Some of the national programmes comprised by the NP come from theold General Knowledge Programme (Programa de Promoción General delConocimiento; hereinafter, PGC) aimed at financing non-directed researchactivities in the public sector.

The R&D&I NP 2004-2007 will thus take up basic research (directed andnon-directed toward specific priorities) on various fronts.

Thematic areas and national programmes of the NP

� LIFE SCIENCES AREA

> National Biomedicine Programme

• Thematic priorities: cancer, cardiovascular disease, nervous system andmental disorders, infectious diseases and AIDS, genetic diseases,disease models and therapy, respiratory diseases, other chronicillnesses, pharmaceutical research, public health, investigation in healthservices.

• National subprogramme for basic research in pathological mechanismsand new therapeutic strategies and models.

• National subprogramme for clinical investigation of diseases, clinicaltesting, epidemiological studies, public health and healthcare services.

• National subprogramme in pharmaceutical research for discovery,development and evaluation of medicinal products.

> National Programme on Health and Welfare Technology

• National subprogramme supporting technologies for the disabled andthe elderly.

• National subprogramme for health technologies and research onhealthcare products.


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• National subprogramme on occupational safety and health.

> National Biotechnology Programme

• Thematic priorities: biotechnology of microorganisms and bioprocesses,plant biotechnology, human and animal biotechnology, horizontaltechnological developments.

• Strategic action on genomics, proteomics and metabolomics.

> National Programme on Fundamental Biology

• Includes lines of action that promote knowledge in all facets of this area.

• National subprogramme on molecular and cellular biology.

• National subprogramme on integrative biology and physiology.

• Strategic action on technology platforms.

� AGRO-FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGIES AREA

> National Programme on Agro-food Resources and Technologies

• Thematic priorities: improved agro-food production and processing,attainment and preparation of safe, healthy and high quality agro-foodproducts, agro-food production from the perspective of environmentalprotection and integral land use.

• National subprogramme on agricultural resources and technologies inconjunction with the Regional Goverments.

• National subprogramme on the conservation of genetic resources ofagro-food interest.

> National Programme on Environmental Sciences and Technologies

• National subprogramme on marine science and technology.

• National subprogramme on technologies for sustainable environmentalmanagement.

> National Programme on Biodiversity, Earth Sciences and GlobalWarming


• National subprogramme on biodiversity.

• National subprogramme on global warming and the atmosphere.

• National subprogramme on earth sciences.

• National subprogramme on polar research.


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� OUTER SPACE, MATHEMATICS AND PHYSICS AREA

> National Space Programme

• Thematic priorities: scientific instrumentation for space missions;technological development of platforms, payloads and subsystems;satellite navigation systems (Galileo) and their applications, applicationsin telecommunications and remote sensing.

• Strategic action for design and development of a satellite earth-observa-tion system.

> National Astronomy and Astrophysics Programme

• Thematic priorities: basic research in astronomy and astrophysics, designand development of astronomical instrumentation, scientific-technological exploitation of astronomical resources, researchand development of astronomy-related technologies.

> National Particle Physics Programme

• Thematic priorities: high-energy particle physics, astroparticle physics,experimental nuclear physics, technologies related to the CERN’s “LHCComputing GRID” project, technologies of particle detectors andaccelerators.

> National Mathematics Programme


> National Physics Programme


� ENERGY AREA

> National Energy Programme

• Thematic priorities: optimisation of conventional forms and uses ofenergy to make them cleaner and more efficient, promotion ofrenewable energies and emerging technologies.

• National subprogramme on thermonuclear fusion.

� CHEMISTRY, MATERIALS AND INDUSTRIAL DESIGN AND PRODUCTION AREA

> National Programme on Chemical Sciences and Technologies

• National subprogramme on basic chemistry research.


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• National subprogramme on directed chemistry research.

> National Materials Programme

• Thematic priorities: new materials and study of their physics andchemistry, development and processing of materials, application-oriented developments, support technologies.

• Strategic action in biomaterials.

> National Programme on Industrial Design and Production

• Thematic priorities: research and development of basic technologies;industrial design technologies; conceptualisation and development ofproducts and services; processes, components, means and systems ofproduction; sustainability of products and manufacturing systemsthroughout their entire life cycle; information management andproduction organisation.

• National subprogramme for capital goods.

• National subprogramme for the modernisation of traditional industries.

• Strategic action in complex systems.

� SECURITY AND DEFENCE AREA

> National Security Programme

• Thematic priorities: biosecurity; biometric identification systems;communications security; cryptography; surveillance and controlsystems; nanotechnologies for reconstruction of evidence; processing ofearth observation data; security in transportation systems.

> National Defence Programme

• Thematic priorities: guidance, presentation, process and control systems;simulators, trainers and artificial environments; information andcommunications systems; communications; munitions technology;propulsion, generation of energy and fuels; platforms; weapons,combatant technologies; specially tailored techniques and tools, tests,experiments and manufacturing; techniques applicable to infrastructureand the environment; electronic warfare and directed energy weapons;systems of sensors, control and footprint reduction; system integration.

� INFORMATION SOCIETY TECHNOLOGIES AREA

> Strategic action for security and reliability of information systems,communications and information society services.


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> National Programme for Electronic and Communication Technologies

• National subprogramme on communications technologies.

• National subprogramme on electronics.

• Strategic action on digital television and radio.

> National Programme for Computer Technology

• Thematic priorities: software engineering; software support anddevelopment technologies; intelligent systems; informationmanagement; advanced interfaces; distributed and open systems;advanced computing and storage features; complex intelligentinfrastructures; software system reliability and quality.

• Strategic action on human language engineering adapted to CastilianSpanish and Spain’s other official languages.

> National Programme for Information Society Services Technology

• Thematic priorities: e-business; e-SME; e-training; e-administration; e-home.

• National subprogramme on e-content.

• Strategic action for e-inclusion and e-care.

� TRANSPORTATION AND CONSTRUCTION AREA

> National Transportation Programme

• National subprogramme on the automotive sector.

• National subprogramme on air transport.

• National subprogramme on the maritime sector.

• National subprogramme on railways.

• National subprogramme on transmodal transportation.

> National Construction Programme

• Thematic priorities: construction materials and products; constructiontechnologies, systems and processes; construction assessment andmanagement systems; maintenance, assessment and rehabilitation ofinfrastructures and buildings.


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� HUMANITIES, SOCIAL SCIENCES AND ECONOMICS

> National Programme on Humanities


• Thematic priorities: historical and cultural heritage; cultural identities; theEuropean and international dimension of the cultures and peoples of Spain; ethics and scientific research; language, thought and society;communication; linguistics; development and application of newtechnologies in the humanities.

> National Programme on Social, Economic and Legal Sciences

• Thematic priorities: institutions, development and sustainability;economic, social, and territorial cohesion; personal and collectiveidentity; public and private decisions, contracts and organisations andgovernance; the internationalisation of societies, economies and politicaland legal systems; cognition, cerebral functions, behaviour andeducation; business competitiveness and sustainability and efficiency inservices of public interest.

� TRANSVERSAL STRATEGIC ACTIONS

• Strategic action in technologies for the tourist industry.

• Strategic action on nanoscience and nanotechnology.

• Strategic action on e-science.


Internationaldimension

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Spain participates ever more actively in major international scientific andtechnological cooperation programmes. The NP must foster participationin international programmes and organisations, particularly in Europe,and leverage the international context to best achieve the scientific,technological, sectorial and public interest objectives of the NP. Inaddition, the science and technology policy will be closely coordinatedwith development cooperation policy, seeking out synergies betweenthe NP and the Development Cooperation Master Plan.

In 2000 the European Commission issued a Communication proposingthe creation of a European Research Area (ERA) to combat thefragmentation of the European R&D&I system and intensify the impact ofEuropean research. In the Lisbon European Council the heads of Stateand government leaders gave the project their unconditional backing,establishing a series of objectives and a calendar for executing the project.And the 2002 Barcelona summit reaffirmed the objectives and posed thechallenge for the EU to bring its R&D expenditure up to 3% by 2010.

In this regard, the European Council asked the Council and theCommission to “...develop appropriate mechanisms for networkingnational and joint research programmes on a voluntary basisaround freely chosen objectives...” and “...encourage thedevelopment of an open method of coordination for benchmarkingnational research and development policies”.

The R&D&I NP is called on to serve as a first-line instrument for contributing,along with the other EU countries, to the realisation of the ERA and shouldlikewise serve to capture the opportunities offered by this Europeancoordination and integration project for strengthening the Spanish STE system.

The EU 6th Framework Programme for R&D (FP6), for its part, has beendesigned with the express objective of contributing to the creation of theERA, and includes a series of specific measures ( “ERA-Net” scheme) tosupport the coordination of national and regional R&D&I programmesand activities, especially networking national and regional R&D&Iprogrammes, including their mutual opening and preparation andmanagement of joint or common activities. The highest degree ofcoordination between national R&D programmes consists in jointexecution with other Member States of complete programmes orsignificant parts of such programmes.

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The opening of the NP programmes to R&D groups from othercountries can contribute to strengthening Spain’s foreign relations anddevelopment cooperation policy. Along these lines, measures will beimplemented to foster progressive participation in the NP by R&D&Igroups from EU countries, from accession candidate countries and othernon-EU countries, particularly those that have achieved greater scientificand technological development or which are a priority for Spain’s foreignrelations.

One area in which international cooperation is particularly important isMajor Scientific Facilities, where more coordination with other Europeancountries is necessary. These advances will be pursued by making effectiveuse of the possibilities offered by the European Strategic Forum onResearch Infrastructures (ESFRI) as the European coordinating body forsuch facilities. In addition, we need to optimise our participation in thelarge-scale international infrastructures to which Spain contributes,articulating the means for enhancing the returns on that participation. In addition we will also seek to promote the role of Spanish industry inbuilding and maintaining those infrastructures.

Spain takes part in European multilateral organisations in which wemust optimise our participation with contributions to the followingvoluntary programmes:

■ European Space Agency (ESA).

■ European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN).

■ European Molecular Biology Laboratory and Organisation (EMBL andEMBO).

■ European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF).

■ Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL).

■ European Science Foundation (ESF).

Of the other European programmes for scientific and technologicalcollaboration in which Spain plays a role, the following bear mention:

■ ESA programmes.

■ Eureka initiative.

■ European Cooperation in the field of Scientific and Technological Research(COST) initiative.

■ European Collaborative Research Programmes (EUROCORES) of the ESF.

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At the same time attention will be trained on the project to establish a“European Research Council”, an independent agency to fund basicresearch. Spain will support the creation of the Council and seek to maximiseand optimise its coordination with the FP. Cooperation will be strengthenedbetween the NP activities and those of the ESF, COST and FP with a view tocapturing synergies in fields of common interest. The coordination withEureka will be stepped up with the aim of increasing the strategic consistencywith the NP and the complementary nature of their funding mechanisms.The Structural Funds and their use must be taken into account in relation tothis international dimension.

Scope of action of the R&D&I NP in the international context

In addition to enhancing Spain’s integration in the European framework,efforts must also be made on reaching agreements and alliances withleading countries (such as the USA, Japan, Canada, Russia and China)and on cooperation with countries with fast growth in science andtechnology (such as South Korea, Turkey, Malaysia, Brazil and Mexico).Latin America and the Mediterranean basin are also of fundamentalstrategic importance to Spanish policy and actions.

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Coordination

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Even where the National Goverment (NG) is responsible for generalcoordination of this area, the central State’s powers for research anddevelopment are not mutually exclusive with those the RegionalGovernments (RG). The RGs have supported the development of theirown regional STE systems as a basis for their socioeconomic progress.Science and technology laws have been promulgated in various RGs,with the consequent creation of regional planning and decision-makingoffices and approval of regional R&D&I plans.

Cooperation and coordination with the RGs is regulated through theGeneral Council on Science and Technology (Consejo General de laCiencia y la Tecnología). “Cooperation” actions are understood to refer tothe implementation of joint actions with joint financing and decision-making responsibility in specific aspects, while “coordination” actionsentail mutual influence in the decision-making processes of each party.These actions must be guided by the following basic principles:

• NG cooperation in developing the capacity of regional governmentsfor planning scientific and technological objectives

• NG cooperation in monitoring and evaluating the actions envisagedin the regional R&D&I plans

• Voluntary nature of endorsement of general protocols and specificaccord

• Bilateral negotiation of concrete actions

• Increased assignment of resources to RGs on a competitive basis

• Co-funding of actions

• Joint decision-making responsibility

• Nationwide scope of action

• Stability of the agreements over time

• Transparency of the agreements

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Interregional S&T cohesion

The concept of interregional scientific and technological cohesionbasically refers to the role to be played by NP actions in assuring that allactors involved enhance their scientific and technological capabilities fromtheir current levels. Implementing interregional cohesion entailsestablishing concrete actions that require participation by the RGs fromvarious fundamental perspectives:

• The increasing use of Structural Funds to fund R&D&I activities,specifically in actions that contribute to regional development.

• The use of modes of participation in the NP specifically designed toaugment interregional cohesion and that stimulate greater budgetaryefforts by the RGs in R&D&I activities.

• The need to strike a balance between the cohesion actions in the NP asa whole and the funding of actions based on scientific excellence andtechnological opportunity.

• The quest for complementariness between R&D&I actions of the RGsand NP.

The regional dimension of the European Research Area is a keyelement for ensuring effective construction of the ERA. Synergies betweenregional R&D&I plans and the Structural Funds and FrameworkProgramme are compatible with those generated in opening programmesto other Member States or regions of the European Union.

Priority areas of coordination with the ACs

■ Exchange of information on science and technology policy planningactions:

• Strategic objectives and priorities of the R&D&I NP and of the variousregional R&D&I plans.

• Modes of participation, financing instruments and managementmethods implemented in the different R&D&I programmes and plans.

• Budget projections in the NP and in the regional R&D&I plans.

• Development of the processes for preparing new R&D&I plans in theRGs and the respective annual work programmes.

■ Exchange of information on execution of the NP and regional R&D&I plans:

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• Priorities and execution of the regional R&D&I plans to know and assessthe modes of participation and funding mechanisms used.

• Grants of subsidies to agents of the STE system.

• Signing and implementation of different agreements establishedbetween research entities and institutions of the NG and RGs.

• Methods for managing and evaluating programmes of the differentadministrations.

■ NG cooperation with RGs on sharing information:

• Cooperation of RGs in drawing up the annual R&D&I NP reports, withexpress inclusion of information on the RGs.

• NG cooperation in drawing up reports on the different regional R&D&I plans.

• Distribution of information on participation by regional governments inthe European Union Framework Programme for R&D and otherinternational programmes.

• Cooperation to establish standard forms for applying for aid, references,or research results that can be automatically processed later.

Priority areas of cooperation with the ACs

■ Creation and strengthening of centres of competence, provided suchcentres:

• Have been given priority ranking for pursuit of the NP in any of the NPpriority areas.

• Contribute to strengthening the national STE system by bringing in othernational centres.

The strengthening of existing centres must distinguish, on the one hand,between research centres that cooperate with public research bodiesand/or research centres of other ACs and, on the other, the regionalgovernments’ own technological or R&D centres.

■ Co-funding of specific NP calls

The participation of regional governments in NP calls must refer to thoseinitiatives that imply greater promotion for the regional system, throughthe following mechanisms:


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• Participation in proposing, funding and executing strategic actionswithin a given priority area.

• Co-funding of calls relating to NP horizontal actions.

• Synchronisation of calls.

■ Creation of scientific-technical infrastructure

• Support for creation of scientific or technological infrastructure.

• Participation in financing the construction and operation of large scalefacilities based in a given Regional Government. Initiatives along theselines will come from both the NG and the Regional Governmentconcerned.

■ IRIS Network

Some of the issues that must be addressed in relation to the IRIS networkthat links the computing resources of Spanish academic R&D centres are:

• Mutual commitments to improve bandwidths and service quality.

• Development of technical standards for connectivity.

• Development of information services that benefit the scientific andtechnological community.

• Establishment of a common policy on user access to the Iris network.

■ International participation

The NG-GS cooperation actions that can be carried out in coordinationwith the international actions taken at the State level are:

• Cooperation for pursuit of actions that can take place in underdevelopedcountries.

• Participation in international R&D&I programmes, supporting Spanishpresence by means of agreements for participation in programmes “à lacarte”, training of scientists and technologists, and institutional presence.

■ Promotion of scientific and technological culture

This area should be managed by means of complementary actions orspecific accords, according to the volume of resources and complexity ofthe action. The following types of actions bear mention:

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• Dissemination of research results through voluntary incorporation of theRGs in science and technology portals.

• Raising social awareness of science and technology.

• Increased dissemination of scientific and technological knowledge in thedifferent stages of the educational system.

• Participation in Science Week.


Management

The 2004-2007 National R&D&I Plan has identified a set of priorities,modes of participation, and funding mechanisims, that allow theperforming actors of the Spanish STE system access to the availablefinancial resources.

Performing actors

The STE system is composed of formal institutions directly involved in producing and disseminating new scientific and technologicalknowledge.

Those performing actors are:

> public R&D centres, including public universities, the public researchbodies recognised by Spanish Act 13/1986 and any other R&Dorganisation attached to the public sector, regardless of its legalstructure and personality;

> private non-profit R&D centres, including non-profit privateuniversities and entities with demonstrated R&D activities andcapabilities, as well as technological centres in which governmentagencies hold a majority of the ownership and managementcontrol;

> technological centres, including, amongst others, the innovation andtechnology centres recognised under Spanish Royal Decree2609/1996 in which government agencies do not hold a majority ofthe ownership and management control;

> science and technology parks;

> interface units, entities with their own legal personality andoperated on a non-profit basis that intermediate between theagents of the STE system;

> enterprises, that it, entities and institutions whose essential activityconsists in the commercial production of goods or services;

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Modes of participation

The term mode of participation is understood to mean any of themechanisms provided by Spanish law for performing actors to be able toparticipate in the NP activities and have access to the resources broughtinto play by the NP for funding those activities.

The involvement of the performing actors in carrying on R&D&I activitiesdisplays different profiles. In general, in public R&D centres, researchactivities take prominence over development and innovation; intechnological and in non-profit private centres, development andinnovation can carry similar or greater weight than research; and inenterprises, technological innovation activities take priority over the rest.These agents take part in NP-funded actions via modes of participationadapted to their peculiarities.

Distribution of resources by areas and agents

� HUMAN RESOURCES

The foreseen modes of participation are as follows:

■ Grants: pre-doctoral scholarships for preparing doctoral theses or acquiringspecialised training, in Spain or abroad, as well as post-doctoral grants toacquire specialised training outside Spain.

■ Aid for contracting research and technical staff, according to threetypes:

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• doctorate-holders in public and non-profit private R&D centres;

• doctorate-holders and technologists in enterprises and technologicalcentres;

• technical staff in public and non-profit private R&D centres.

■ Mobility: support for mobility of grant holders, researchers and technicalstaff, Spanish and non-Spanish, between entities belonging to the SpanishSTE system and between Spanish and foreign entities.

� R&D&I PROJECTS

The execution of R&D&I projects is the main mechanism for structuringand articulating the activity of the research groups, with a distinctionbetween the following types:

■ Research projects, whose objective is attainment of new general,scientific or technical knowledge. The new knowledge must entail anadvance in the field in question and, where applicable, be of use forcreating or improving products, processes or services.

■ Technological development projects, whose purpose is to apply theresearch results to determine the ideal conditions for creating orimproving products, processes or services. Determining those conditionsentails a design and, where appropriate, creation of a non-commercialprototype, pilot or showcase.

■ Technological innovation projects, which pursue technologicalmodernisation and enhancement of the capacity of enterprises toincorporate technology into their products, processes and services.

Depending on whether one or more agents are involved, and on theirdiversity, a further distinction may be made within the above groups asfollows:

■ Individual projects: the research team belongs to a single executingagent, in the public or private sector.

■ Cooperative projects: the research teams involved belong to differentcategories of executing agents, including projects executed by Spanishand foreign teams, especially from countries belonging to the EuropeanUnion.

■ Coordinated projects: teams from different types of entities belonging tothe same category or categories of executing agents.

■ Networks: coordinated activities in which there participate teams fromdifferent entities participate.


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� FOSTERING BUSINESS COMPETITIVENESS

This section includes the following actions:

■ The creation and fostering of new technology-based companies thatcould emerge from the initiative of entrepreneurs and other companies,researchers from the public R&D system and technological centres orthrough the interface units themselves.

• Creation and development of technology-based enterprises.

• Venture capital initiatives.

■ Support for creation and operation of interface units that nurturerelations and transfer of knowledge between the different agents in theSTE system.

• Assistance to action plans and for the development of new services ininnovation and technoloy transfer.

• Assistance in the recruitment and training of human resources ininterface units.

■ Support for standardisation and certification of R&D&I activities inenterprises.

■ Support for management and development of patents.

■ Support for creation of R&D&I units in enterprises.

• Strengthening R&D&I departments in enterprises.

• Support for creating joint R&D&I centres involving companies and S&T actors.

■ Support for the development of a culture of innovation.

� S&T EQUIPMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE

The actions projected for this area will be aimed at fostering improvementof infrastructures according to the strategic plans of the R&D&I executingagents and on a coordinated basis with the Regional Goverment. Those actions refer to the following types of equipment:

■ Small-scale scientific-technical equipment generally associated withR&D&I projects and activities of specific groups.

■ Medium-size equipment commonly used in public R&D centres andtechnological centres.

■ Large-scale equipment brought into operation in the new R&D centresand upgrade of large-scale scientific facilities with Spanish participation,based on the policy established by the Advisory Committee on LargeScientific Facilities (Comité Asesor de Grandes Instalaciones Científicas).


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Most of the actions in this area will be associated with programmes co-funded using Structural Funds of the European Regional DevelopmentFund (ERDF). This support will be channelled through public calls forproposals and allow funding of the following types of actions:

• Construction and/or expansion of research or technological centres.

• Acquisition and installation of S&T equipment.

• Creation and improvement of communication networks.

� COMPLEMENTARY ACTIONS

This area includes modes of participation aimed at coveringcomplementary requirements of R&D&I activities, including:

■ Assistance in fostering Spanish participation in internationalprogrammes, with special emphasis on the EU 6th FrameworkProgramme for R&D.

■ Support for creation of thematic networks.

■ Support for creation or improvement of banks of biological materialsor tissues, or of genome/proteome-related databases.

■ Assistance for organising conferences, seminars and workshops.

■ Activities onboard oceanographic vessels or in Antarctic bases.

■ Studies of the STE system.

■ Execution of science-technology policy actions of special urgency orimportance.

■ International cooperation actions of a bilateral or multilateral nature,in both the R&D&I and cooperation for development areas.

Funding instruments and tax incentives

The financing instruments are the resources made available to thedifferent executing agents by the NG for pursuing the NP priority areas.The following funding instruments are contemplated:

■ Grants covering all or part of the costs of the activity, applied to a givenpercentage (of as much as 100%) of the total or marginal costs.

■ Conditional grants and credits covering the financial costs associatedwith a business action project together with the application of differenttypes of credit facilities.


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■ Repayable credit at low or zero interest rates, with grace periods and arepayment obligation only if the activity financed by the funds is atechnical success.

■ Interest rate subsidies to cover the interest charged on credit extendedby financial institutions.

■ GSB direct subsidies specifically allocated to the recipient entity in theGeneral State Budgets.

■ Ad hoc subsidies regulated by agreement are subsidies or repayableloands specifically allocated by the NG to another entity as party to anagreement signed between the parties.

■ Equity stakes to foster technology-based start-ups by covering the riskattached to participation by financial institutions. These arrangements alsoenvision execution of integrated projects with public and private sectorinvolvement in which the State participates through the relevant entities.

■ Services procurement tendering for performing public R&D&I servicecontracts.

■ Membership fees associated with the NG’s participation in internationalorganisations.

■ Guarantee facilities through financial institutions and mutual guaranteesocieties to cover the security requirements of ok technology innovationprojects.

Measures are also implemented to allow Spanish businesses to makeefficient use of the tax relief provided under Spanish corporate income taxlaw:

• Reasoned reports on fulfilment of S&T requirements for applying taxdeductions earned by carryng out R&D&I.

• Reasoned reports on fulfilment of S&T requirements for categorisingthe activities of the taxpayer as research and technologicaldevelopment or innovation activities that can be submitted in therequests filed with tax authorities to clarify the interpretation andapplication of tax regulations.

• Reasoned reports on fulfilment of scientific and technologicalrequirements for classifying the activities of the taxpayer as researchand technological development or innovation activities, as well as foridentifying the expenditure and investments that can be imputed tothose activities, to be submitted in relation to requests for priorevaluations of the tax implications of those activities.


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The National Plan also contemplates extending the tax deductions to theactivities relating to the National Programme for Development ofHuman Resources.

Management assignment principles

It is critically important to establish an appropriate method for assigningthe management of the different programmes, subprogrammes andstrategic actions of the NP to departments of the NG.

This is mainly done by taking into consideration the following:

• availability of sufficient funds for the management units so that theycan carry out properly the actions called for in the various initiatives;

• the existence of administrative resources to take on the tasks arisingfrom the public calls and the implementation of agreements orcompetitive tenders.

The units that manage the NP actions must perform the following tasks:

• Preparing and publicising the calls approved by the SpanishInterministerial Science and Technology Commission (ComisiónInterministerial de Ciencia y Tecnología; hereinafter, the CICYT).

• Coordinating the management with other thematic areas, horizontal areas,national programmes or strategic actions included in the programmes orthose of a transversal nature.

• Participating in the monitoring committees.

• Preparing the annual monitoring reports.

• Preparing reports on each of the calls managed.

• Communicating the agreements signed with the ACs or other entities.

• Taking part in the discussion and implementation of monitoring andevaluation procedures.

• Disseminating the proposed actions.

• Interacting with related international programmes and actions.

Indicators associated with programme management

The NP provides for a series of indicators intended to provide informationon the managerial aspects of the calls. It is proposed that managementindicators be developed on the following major reporting areas:


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• Assistance granted/requested

• Personnel involved in the proposals approved/filed

• Amount of assistance granted and amount budgeted

• Assessment obtained in the final evaluation of the actions that havebeen funded

• Time employed in managing the calls

• Personnel involved in managing the calls

• Funds allocated to the management of the call

The ultimate aim of the management evaluation is to improve theattention given to users of the public programmes.

Coordination of actions

Coordinating the NP’s management must be an essential element of theNP that takes into account both the diversity of the actions envisaged andthe diversity of the actors in the STE system that are to participate in theirexecution.

The NP actions requiring the greatest management coordination mainlyrefer to:

• International cooperation

• Strengthening of human resources

• Projects

• Fostering business competitiveness

• Equipment and infrastructure

• Promotion of scientific and technological culture

• Complementary actions

Evaluation and selection of proposals

When selecting proposals or concrete projects, the related public calls willhave to determine objective criteria for providing support (evaluationcriteria). Where applicable, those criteria may have to be weighted. A clearly stipulated ex-ante evaluation process will have to be established,


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along with identification of the external entities that will collaborate inproposals evaluation.

The ex-ante evaluation will be carried out by the National Evaluation andForesight Agency (Agencia Nacional de Evaluación y Prospectiva;hereinafter, ANEP) through peer-review with external experts and fortechnology innovation proyects by the Centre for the Development ofIndustrial Technology (Centro para el Desarrollo Tecnológico Industrial;hereinafter, the CDTI). This ex-ante evaluation will be complemented withan internal stage by Selection Committees, reporting to the managementsunits of the National Plan actions or programme.

In the discharge of their duties as ex ante evaluators, the ANEP and CDTImust prepare an annual report on the scientific and technological quality of the actions evaluated and on the procedures followed, and submitproposals for improving the evaluation and selection system.

Guarantees and rights of the performing actors

The management quality indicators identified above (many of which areinternal) are intended to improve the management of public funds andthe analysis of the modes of participation and financial instruments withthe purpose of enhancing or adapting them. They need to be supplemented by a catalogue of rights andguarantees of the performing actors.

The aim is for the NG to undertake concrete commitments to theexecuting agents during the execution of the NP so that they can beactively engaged in improving the Spanish STE system.

There are also plans to create a “Researcher Support Office” as part of aneffort to achieve improved and more personalised management of theactivities thereby up holding the rights and guarantees of the Plan’sperforming actors.

Those guarantees and rights are:

• Guarantee of public disclosure of the actions.

• Guarantee of compliance with the time frames for public calls.

• Guarantee of confidentiality.

• Guarantee of compliance with deadlines.


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• Right to make enquiries and receive information on the administrativeprocessing of the requests.

• Right to file complaints.

• Right of rectification or modification.

• Right to control the dissemination of results.

• Right to present and discuss results.


Monitoringand

evaluation

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The evaluation must help control the design of the programmes, fulfilmentof the National Plan objectives and priorities, and the effectiveness andefficiency of the actions.

This requires the definition of an Integrated Monitoring and EvaluationSystem (Sistema Integral de Seguimiento y Evaluación; hereinafter, SISE)that takes into account all phases of the National Plan, from the designstage through to the impact of the activities carried out, includingcoverage of the programmes and even evaluation of the calls themselves.

Instruments of the Integrated Monitoring andEvaluation System

The SISE instruments are basically the collection of documents andinformation that must be produced regulary by the units and agencieswith managerial responsibility regarding the progress of the programmesand actions, as well as on the R&D&I system or the diverse fields ofscience and technology. Specifically, the SISE instruments shall include,at least, the following:

• Follow-up reports on programme actions.

• Reports monitoring R&D&I system indicators.

• Annual report on R&D&I activities.

• Reports by the evaluation panels on the programmes and actionsevaluation panels.

• Foresight studies.

• Technology watch activities.

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Elements of the Integrated Monitoring and Evaluation System

The bodies of the SISE are:

• The management units of National R&D&I Plan actions andprogrammes

• The National R&D&I Plan 2004-2007 monitoring committees

• The programmes and actions evaluation panels

• Entities that collaborate with the Integrated Monitoring and Evaluation System

The General Secretariat for Science Policy of the Spanish Ministry ofScience and Technology will be responsible for coordinating the NationalPlan programmes and actions monitoring activities.

Monitoring and evaluation rules

Ministerial Orders and the resolutions issuing public calls for theassistance offered by the National R&D&I Plan must include the followingin the terms and conditions governing the grants, in accordance with thenew Spanish Subsidies Act (Ley de Subvenciones):

■ Establishment of maximum quantitative targets regarding the aid that canbe granted, as well as the maximum budget allocations, differentiatingbetween subsidies and repayable advances, for each of the programmesor actions called.

■ Establishment of the financial resources, in chapters 2 and 7 of thebudget, that the management unit will allocate to monitoring andpromoting the evaluation of the programme and actions. The maximumsums established shall be notified to the SISE coordination office.

Review and updating

The R&D&I NP contains elements that will remain unchanged over itsentire four year life cycle. But there are others that will be updatedannually when the work plan for each year is prepared. The process ofreview and updating entails identifying new objectives and needs andreassigning resources accordingly.

S PA N I S H N AT I O N A L P L A N F O R S C I E N T I F I C R E S E A R C H D E V E LO P M E N T A N D T E C H N O LO G I C A L I N N O VAT I O N 2 0 0 4 - 2 0 07 M O N I T O R I N G

The objectives of the review and updating process are to:

■ Evaluate the execution of the National Plan.

■ Analyse the evolution of science and technology in each thematic area.

■ Identify new requirements and objectives.

■ Propose new priorities for the R&D&I activities and the actions asso-ciated with those priorities.

Toward this end, two review and updating processes have been identified:the annual update through the work plans and the interim review twoyears into execution.

The annual work plans will contain the programming for each year andthus serve as a tool for updating the objectives, priorities and actions ofthe National R&D&I Plan.

NP work plans

With the aim of adapting the execution of the National Plan to the needsof the Spanish STE system, an evaluation process has been programmedfor the end of 2005. That evaluation will involve review of the objectives,of the quantitative indicators relating to those objectives and of themodes of participation and financial instruments.

M O N I T O R I N G

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S PA N I S H N AT I O N A L P L A N F O R S C I E N T I F I C R E S E A R C H D E V E LO P M E N T A N D T E C H N O LO G I C A L I N N O VAT I O N 2 0 0 4 - 2 0 07

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Interministerial coordination

Spanish Act 13/1986 on Promotion and General Coordination ofScientific and Technical Research (Ley de Fomento y CoordinaciónGeneral de la Investigación Científica y Técnica) identifies theInterministerial Science and Technology Commission (CICYT) as the officeresponsible for planning, coordinating and monitoring the NP.

By virtue of the delegation of powers of the CICYT, the Spanish Ministry ofScience and Technology is responsible for:

• obtaining, coordinating and providing the scientific and technologicalinformation needed to execute the NP;

• submitting to the Government the proposals deemed necessary toexecute the NP;

• drawing up the R&D national programmes and proposing theassignment of the management, execution and allocation of annualpublic funds for those programmes;

• evaluating the fulfilment of the NP and of the related budgetaryprogrammes.

In addition, there are other ministerial departments and agencies thatmanage budget funds apportioned to the financing of scientific researchand technological innovation programmes. This requires efforts forcoordination between different ministries with the aim of ensuring:

• proper economic distribution of the annual budget by priority areas;

• identification of the management bodies;

• harmonisation of the calendar of public calls;

• approval of new actions or modifications of existing ones.

S PA N I S H N AT I O N A L P L A N F O R S C I E N T I F I C R E S E A R C H D E V E LO P M E N T A N D T E C H N O LO G I C A L I N N O VAT I O N 2 0 0 4 - 2 0 07 M O N I T O R I N G

Budgetaryscenario

S PA N I S H N AT I O N A L P L A N F O R S C I E N T I F I C R E S E A R C H D E V E LO P M E N T A N D T E C H N O LO G I C A L I N N O VAT I O N 2 0 0 4 - 2 0 07B U D G E T A R Y

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The budget scenarios have been prepared on the basis of the followingassumptions:

• nominal GDP growth rate will be stable through 2007, with estimatedannual increase of 5.8%;

• the private sector will increase its share of R&D&I activities, executing58.7% of total R&D spending by the end of the NP;

• public R&D&I expenditure will continue to be given priority budget policystatus in the GSB through 2007;

• the regional governments will maintain the average budget levelsreached in recent years;

• the level of use of Structural Funds will be constant throughout theentire period;

The projected evolution of Function 54, with average year-on-year growthof 9.2%, is as follows:

Evolution of F54 2004-2005 (in million euros)

2004* 2005

TOTAL 4414 4792

* General state budgets 2004

It must be taken into account that the data for 2006 and 2007 will beupdated after the interim review, although the projected scenario is basedon the growth rates mentioned above.

The trend for total domestic spending on R&D activities, differentiatingbetween public and private sector execution of the expenditure, isprojected as follows:

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Evolution of domestic R&D spending by public and private sector 2004-2005

% Public sector Private sectorof GDP as % of total as % of total

2004 1.10 43.6 56.4

2005 1.22 42.4 57.6

Taking into account domestic R&D spending by business, and that thisrepresents approximately 33% of total business spending on innovation,the projections indicate that an innovation expenditure level of 2.5% ofGDP could be achieved during the period covered by the Plan.

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ThematicAreas and

correspondingNational

Pogrammes

NationalProgrammes

of theNational Plan

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P L A N N A C I O N A L D E I N V E S T I G A C I Ó N C I E N T Í F I C A , D E S A R R O L L O E I N N O V A C I Ó N T E C N O L Ó G I C A - National Programmes

Despite the improvement registered bydiverse socioeconomic and healthindicators, there are still many problems thathave not been satisfactorily resolved in thebiomedicine area which contribute to thepersistence of major groups of disease(cardiovascular, neoplastic, degenerative,infectious and respiratory, amongst others)responsible for high morbidity and deathrates and potential loss of years ofproductive life.

The programme includes the followingthematic areas:

• Cancer

• Cardiovascular disease

• Nervous system and mental disorders

• Infectious diseases and AIDS

• Genetic diseases, disease models andtherapy

• Respiratory disease

• Chronic illnesses and inflammation

• Pharmaceutical research

• Public health

• Investigation in health services

The priorities are established around healthproblems that range from the molecular,genetic and physiopathological bases to theclinical phases of diagnosis, treatment,community issues and evaluation ofhealthcare services, with emphasis on groupswith the most social or health significance,taking into account disease load studies.

The programme will also promotedevelopment and consolidation of scientific

resource centres that can serve astechnological benchmarks for public andprivate research institutions in areas such asbioinformatics, molecular genotyping,genomics, proteomics and metabolomics,disease models, gene and cellular therapy,tissue and cell line banks, image analysis,multipurpose population and cohort registers,and epidemiological surveillance networks.

The programme is structured in threesubprogrammes, each of which pursuesspecific scientific priorities in each of thethematic areas.

National Subprogramme forBasic Research inPathological Mechanismsand New TherapeuticStrategies and Models

This subprogramme will use knowledgegained from the basic sciences to promoteresearch to determine the molecular,cellular, genetic and physiopathologicalmechanisms responsible for diseases, applygenomic and proteomic technologies tothose diseases, develop new disease animalmodels and use the existing ones, identifynew targets for intervention, regenerationand therapy. It must also embraceinvestigations that allow the advancesobtained from basic research to be appliedin clinical practice.

National BiomedicineProgramme

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P L A N N A C I O N A L D E I N V E S T I G A C I Ó N C I E N T Í F I C A , D E S A R R O L L O E I N N O V A C I Ó N T E C N O L Ó G I C A - National Programmes

National Subprogramme forClinical Investigation ofDiseases, Clinical Testing,Epidemiological Studies,Public Health and HealthcareServices

This subprogramme will spur investigationof epidemiological, diagnostic, prognosticand pharmacological aspects of the mostimportant diseases, population registers,development and standardisation ofmethodologies, protocols, identification ofbiological markers for early detection ofdiseases or determination of theirtreatability, development of clinical tests ofscientific interest and development andapplication of non-invasive diagnostic andclinical-surgical methods.

Research in public health, the effect ofsocial surroundings and the environment,the relation between lifestyle, eating habitsand health, as well as investigation to allowevaluation and improvement of healthcareservices, assistance initiatives, applications ofnew healthcare technologies, patient safetyand organisational innovations are alsoaddressed by this subprogramme.

National Subprogramme inPharmaceutical Research forDiscovery, Development andEvaluation of MedicinalProducts

This includes research, development andevaluation of new therapeutic agents,pharmacological investigation, developmentof pharmacogenomics, new pharmaceuticalforms and means for delivering activeingredients, miniaturisation and robotisationtechnologies in the evaluation of potentialdrugs, as well as studies of safety,effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of thetreatments, and the evaluation of systemsfor controlling pharmaceutical spending andproper use of medicinal products.

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This programme includes technologies thatenvision prevention, remedy and supportallowing citizens to take part in the welfaresociety.

Focus on different sectors of the society:children, adolescents, youth and the elderly,as well as taking stock of gender, disability,family and lifestyles, should allow thesetechnologies to more efficiently deal withvarying needs and expectations. The widerange of changing circumstances confrontedduring the course of a lifetime point to theneed for technologies in the areas ofhealthcare support and occupational healthand safety that give all people theopportunity to develop both individually andsocially to the benefit of the society at large.

National SubprogrammeSupporting Technologies forthe Disabled and the Elderly

The overall concept of technologiesdesigned for the disabled and the elderly isobviously very broad and is generally relatedto everything that involves innovation inintegration and social normalisation services,personal self-sufficiency, independence,health and standard of living for thedisabled (about three and a half millionpeople in Spain) and, where applicable, fortheir caretakers and the elderly (close to seven million Spaniards are overthe age of 65).

Technical assistance for the disabledincludes:

• Technical assistance for assessment,treatment and rehabilitation.

• Technical assistance in the area ofmobility and orthoprosthesis.

• Technical assistance for the visuallyimpaired.

• Technical assistance for the hearingimpaired (hearing aids).

• Access to information andcommunication.

• Access in urban settings and tobuildings.

• Technical assistance for activities of dailyliving.

• Accessibility to automobiles and othermeans of transport.

• Specially adapted furniture.

• Accessibility at the workplace.

National Programme on Healthand Welfare Technology

Área de ciencias de la vida

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• Products and services for the elderly.

• Design for all.

National Subprogramme forHealth Technologies andResearch on HealthcareProducts

The term healthcare product refers to anyinstrument, device, piece of equipment,material or article used alone or incombination, including computerprogrammes, designed by the manufacturerto be used in the treatment of humanbeings for purposes of diagnosis,prevention, control or treatment, amongstothers, and the main effect of which(whether meant for internal or topical use)is not obtained by pharmacological,immunological or metabolic means,although these may form part of thetreatment.

The thematic priorities envisioned are asfollows:

• Biomaterial.

• Micro-surgery.

• Implants.

• Information and communicationstechnologies in the area of medicine.

• Techniques, equipment andinstruments for the followingsubsectors: in vitro, cardiovascular,electromedical and kidney diagnoses.

• Disposable material.

• Development of manufacturing,production management andindustrial design technologies.

National Subprogramme onOccupational Safety andHealth

The aim here is to promote actionsintended to guarantee quality workconditions on the job by improving safetyand health conditions in order to provideour business community with safe andhealthy work environments.

The following thematic priorities areenvisioned:

• Society and work.

• Health and work.

• Safe technologies and materials.

• Technologies preventing occupationalhazards.

• Prevention system designed for healthand safety at work.

• Health and safety at work in specificsectors of the economy.

• Encourage innovation in health andsafety on the job.

• Consolidation of research inoccupational health and safety as partof the Science-Technology-EnterpriseSystem.


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Biotechnology is the technique by which lifeorganisms or parts of organisms are used toobtain or modify products, improve plants oranimals, and develop microorganisms forpurposes of attaining knowledge, productsand services.

The programme is set squarely in the so-called postgenomic age, characterised byimplementation of genomic and proteomictechnologies to allow vast amounts ofinformation to be obtained and bybioinformatic technologies that allow theinformation to be analysed. The focus is thusshifting toward intelligent use of these toolsto turn the “information” into “knowledge”.

The information derived from the genomerevolution must be put to use in developingtechnologies and processes. One of thefundamental goals should be to integrategenome tools with more traditionaltechnologies (for example, genetic andprotein engineering or biotransformations)and the new emerging areas suchbionanotechnology.

The programme is structured around fourthematic priorities:

Biotechnology ofMicroorganisms andBioprocesses

Diseases generated by microorganisms inhuman beings, animals and plants stillconstitute an important problem. Therefore,the fight against the continual appearance ofstrains resistant to antimicrobial agentsrequires a better understanding of the

molecular basis of the mechanisms ofresistance.

The following lines of actions are envisaged:

Characterisation of new microbial targets inorder to design new antibiotics and otherantimicrobial products; applications ofgenetic engineering to the improvementand generation of new bioactivecompounds; study of the molecular basis ofthe mechanisms of resistance to antibioticsand other antimicrobial compounds;molecular characterisation of themechanisms of pathogenicity and/orsymbiosis of microorganisms in humans,animals and plants; bioremediation. Study ofbiodegradation pathways and of thefunctioning of microbial communities in thefield of bioremediation; identification of newmicrobial activities of biotechnologicalinterest using high-performance andmetagenomic techniques;biotransformations and the engineering ofthese processes. Utilisation and design ofmicroorganisms and enzymes for obtainingmolecules and products of industrialinterest, with special emphasis on methodsinvolving genetic modifications. Metabolicengineering by means of geneticengineering of microorganisms; geneticengineering of proteins aimed at enzymaticimprovement and biocatalysis; commercialexploitation of industrial products and by-products for generating products ofindustrial application or biofuels using newbiotechnology approaches or through theuse of microorganisms with new properties.

National BiotechnologyProgramme


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Plant Biotechnology

The objective is to generate basicknowledge to clarify the processes by whichplants develop and adapt to processes thatdisturb their normal development, as well asgenetic modification of plants to achieve amore adequate use of resources.


Design and generation of genetically modifiedorganisms. Development of new vectors and

methods for transformation intospecies of agricultural andforestry interest; developmentand use of differentbiotechnological character toolsto obtain new species andvarieties; functional analysis ofplant development andenvironmental adaptationprocesses; use of plants and/orcell systems as ‘factories’ to

generate energy and produce substances ofagro-food, industrial and therapeutic interest.Implementation of production by means ofgenetic modification; optimisation by geneticmodification of plants as bioremediationorganisms for polluted environments;functional analysis of plants in the face ofabiotic and biotic stresses; use of high-performance techniques for studying primaryand secondary plant metabolism as potentialsource of new substances of industrial, foodand therapeutic interest; exploitation of naturalvegetable variability by means of genomictechniques as a source of new traits ofbiotechnological interest.

Human and AnimalBiotechnology


Development of innovative technologies fordesigning and obtaining new animalmodels. Use of genomic and proteomictechnologies to improve species of interestfor livestock or aquaculture activities; design,development and improvement oftechnologies for cell therapy and tissueengineering. Stem cells and somatic cells forcellular therapy; genetic transfer andmodification; development of new genomic,proteomic, metabolomic and bioinformaticdetection methods; development of new invitro tests to replace experimental use ofanimals; development of biotechnologicallydeveloped therapeutic agents. Newmethods for identifying therapeutic targets.Interference RNAs, monoclonal antibodiesand recombinant proteins. Systems fortransporting and releasing bioactivemolecules; preventive and therapeuticvaccines: recombinant vaccines based onprotein subunits, modified microorganismsor nucleic acids. New vaccine vectors,pharmacogenetics, pharmacogenomics andnutrigenomics.

Horizontal TechnologicalDevelopments

Action aimed at generating tools andmethods that can be applied in a widerange of thematic objectives through thefollowing lines of actions:

Genomic, proteomic and metabolomicapproaches to exploiting the naturalvariability of living beings; improvement ofmethods for production of recombinant


60


proteins in cellular and acellular systems;high-throughput technologies in genomics,proteomics and metabolomics; structuralstudies for designing and refining productsof biotechnological interest; bioinformatics;detection, identification and diagnostic tools;improvement in methods of molecularidentification of species, strains andvarieties.

Strategic Action onGenomics, Proteomics andMetabolomics

The development of genomic tools has madeit possible to sequence the genomes of anever larger number of organisms. In addition,the addition of proteomic tools has allowedinvestigators to monitor the levels andmodifications of all proteins in a cell or cellgroup. But detailed analysis is required of themetabolites existing in a cell or cell group toobtain more actionable information on thedifferent biological systems. The generation ofmetabolomic profiles can help identifypotential targets in disease control by allowingthe characterisation of the key activities andgenes for the progression of diseases ormaintenance of health.


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P L A N N A C I O N A L D E I N V E S T I G A C I Ó N C I E N T Í F I C A , D E S A R R O L L O E I N N O V A C I Ó N T E C N O L Ó G I C A - Área de ciencias de la vida

The programme includes research in biologyaimed at understanding the functioning ofliving beings and their structural andfunctional units, cells. It covers all areas ofinvestigation that allow bettercomprehension of biological systems andtheir alterations in a molecular, cellular andorganismic context. It also supportsmultidisciplinary approaches intended toresolve fundamental questions using, whereappropriate, model organisms for theproblem studied, and assumes theconceptual, experimental and technologicalnovelties proper to the “post-genomic era”.

National Subprogramme onMolecular and CellularBiology

The objective is research in the molecular,structural and functional foundations thatlead to a better understanding of livingcreatures, in particular, of the structure andfunction of biological macromolecules in thecellular and organismic context:

• Structures of biologicalmacromolecules

• Structural and functional bases ofmolecular processes

• Cellular bases of biologicalprocesses

• Molecular and cellular bases ofdevelopment and differentiation

• Inheritance and evolution

National Subprogramme onIntegrative Biology andPhysiology

The objective is research aimed at obtaininggreater knowledge of how interactionsbetween macromolecules and cellularcomponents lead to the development oforgans and systems, and to the functionalintegration of organisms. Thesubprogramme will study microorganisms,plants, animals and human beings.

• Developmental biology

• Morphological and functional bases ofsupport and motion structures

• Morphological and functional bases ofcommunication, control and integration

• Morphological and functional bases oftransport, defence, respiration, nutritionand excretion systems

• Morphological and functional bases ofreproduction, postnatal developmentand aging

• Systems biology

National Programme onFundamental Biology

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Strategic Action: TechnologyPlatforms Network

One of the objectives of the programme isto create technology platforms and serviceunits for developing tools, resources andtechnologies of general interest. Thetechnology platforms envisioned are:

Genomic and proteomicAimed at the large-scale development andapplication of tools and systems foranalysing gene and protein expressionprofiles, including bioinformatic processingand automation of the protein productionand crystallisation process.

High-field nuclear magneticresonance imagingSpecialised high-field MRI services make itpossible to obtain structural and dynamicdata on proteins and nucleic acids and toconduct large-scale projects to develop newdrugs.

Generation and phenotyping ofgenetically modified animalsPhenotyping service units allows genefunctions to be studied by generatingorganisms with gene deletions (“knock out”)or mutations (“knock in”).

In vivo brain imaging techniquesImaging techniques based on functionalnuclear magnetic resonance and onpositron emission allow scientists to conductmorphometric analysis of the brain, studiesof brain metabolism and the union ofligands to receptors.

Biological collections and tissue banks toallow analysis of genomes anddevelopment of other aspects of structuraland functional genomics.


National Programme on Agro-Food Resources and

Technology

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EThe programme’s thematic scopeencompasses the range of agricultural,livestock, forestry, aquaculture and fisheryactivities, those relating to the acquisition anddistribution of foodstuffs and aspectsconcerning food quality and safety, nutritionand the effects of eating habits on healthmaintenance and improvement.

The consumption, production, conservationand transformation of agro-food products,goods and services ought to form part of asustainable and competitive developmentsystem that effectively addresses consumerconcerns on food quality and safety,environmental protection and animal well-being.

The programme envisions twosubprogrammes in addition to the followingthree thematic priorities:

Improvements in production andprocessing in the agro-foodsector

The aim is to improve and optimise agro-food companies through the incorporationof techniques that guarantee sustainableproduction using non-polluting technologyand that contribute to augmenting and/ortaking advantage of the biological diversityof agricultural, livestock, aquaculture, fisheryand forestry systems. Other priorityobjectives include better understanding ofthe socioeconomic aspects underlyingcompetition, business management,agricultural policy, rural development,markets and consumption patterns.

Acquisition and preparation ofsafe, healthy and high-qualityagro-food products

In order to meet societal demands andfoster competitiveness within the Spanishagro-food industry it is important to producesafe, healthy and high-quality foodstuffs,defined not only in terms of their nutritional,organoleptical and functional properties, butalso as regards the interaction of productionprocedures with environmental factors andanimal well-being in light of society’sgrowing sensitivity to these issues. It is alsoimportant to establish the scientific-technicalgroundwork needed to assure theharmlessness of foodstuffs and tocomprehend their role in human health andwell-being.

Agro-food production from the perspectiveof environmental conservation and integralland use. The interaction of agro-foodproduction systems with terrestrial andaquatic environments serves as aninvaluable tool for wildlife management andconservation of biodiversity which must beborne in mind if sustainable land andresource use is to be achieved. Priorityemphasis must therefore be placed onimproving current systems of exploitation,production and processing while employingsustainability criteria and developingalternative systems able to guarantee theconservation and regeneration ofbiodiversity.

National Programme on Agro-Food

Resources and Technology

National Programme on Agro-FoodReources and Tecnology

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P L A N N A C I O N A L D E I N V E S T I G A C I Ó N C I E N T Í F I C A , D E S A R R O L L O E I N N O V A C I Ó N T E C N O L Ó G I C A - Área de química, materiales y

diseño y producción industrial

National Subprogramme onAgricultural Resources andTechnologies in Conjunctionwith the AutonomousCommunitiesThis subprogramme includes prioritiesintended to promote the effectiveness ofagricultural production, those fostering itssustainability and optimal use forconsumption and those encouragingagriculture activity as a basis for integratedrural development. Its aim is to implementR&D&I initiatives focusing on aspects ofspecial territorial interest for the AutonomousCommunities.

National Subprogramme onthe Conservation of GeneticResources of Agro-FoodInterest

The aim of this subprogramme is to guaranteethe proper conservation of phytogenetic andzoogenetic resources of interest to agricultureand food production and of microbial culturesuseful to the agro-food industry. Preferentialtreatment will be given to genetic resources(especially indigenous ones) in danger ofextinction.

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Natural resources, focal point of theenvironmental sciences, benefit society asraw materials for a number of humanactivities, including as a source of food andenergy and for industry. Environmentaltechnologies envision two specificobjectives: identifying the way in whichnatural resources should be used andpalliating or minimising the adverse effectsassociated with their transformation anduse; i.e. their sustainable management.

The programme is broken down into twosubprogrammes:

National Subprogramme onMarine Science andTechnology

The scope of this subprogramme rangesfrom basic aspects involving the study of thephysical environment and of how thatenvironment affects the operation ofecosystems to more applied aspects allowingfor the implementation of this know-how inthe form of technologies for risk preventionand the design of contingency plans viaoperational oceanographic techniques.Research aimed at the sustainable use of fishery resources, coastal conservationand rational development of costal areas in harmony with tourismfacilities and aquaculture are also key elements meriting consideration.

The thematic priorities identified focus onsubjects such as:

• sustainable use of marine ecosystems

• marine biodiversity

• research into the risks associated withmarine resources

• oceanographic research in the contextof global change

• processes taking place on the coastand the continental margin

• development of new and competitivemarine technologies

National Subprogramme onTechnologies for SustainableEnvironmental Management

The aim of this subprogramme is tominimise the environmental impact ofproduction and consumption of goods andservices and to facilitate compliance withinternational environmental commitmentssubscribed to by Spain in this field.

Efficient use of natural resources and theprotection of ecosystems are essentialconditions for sustainable development. Thisentails treating sustainability as a processand incorporating the environment indevelopment processes, internalisingenvironmental costs and benefits inproduction and service processes anddeveloping instruments designed for theirmeasurement and use.

National Programme onEnvironmental Sciences and

Technologies

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The thematic priority of technologiesassociated with production, consumptionand sustainable management includesactions such as the development of newproducts borne of environmental demands,development of improved techniques,encouragement of more efficientmanagement techniques that cut down onthe transfer of pollutants among differentenvironments, development of life cycleanalysis, the development of capital goods

for the cleanup of effluents or to minimisethe environmental impact of the activity inquestion, development of techniques toassess environmental effects, methods forthe detection and analysis of pollutants,cleanup of soils and the technologicalaspects of sustainable management ofwater resources.

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Natural resources generate a wide array ofgoods and services including newmedicines, food products and new materialsin addition to the growing importance ofnature areas as tourist attractions andcentres for environmental education. Theprogramme’s geographical scope is limitedto national territory and spheres of influenceand to other regions of special interestrelated with the activities of the differentareas of research envisioned. Theprogramme is structured in foursubprogrammes.

National Subprogramme onBiodiversity

This subprogramme focuses on the study ofthe evolutionary processes that have givenrise to the enormous wealth of biodiversityin genetics, populations and species, kinshipamong said species and the operation ofecosystems. The demographic growth ofour species and its ensuing use of naturalresources has led to the deterioration of theenvironment and the increasing depletion ofspecies thus giving rise to the need todetermine the causes of that deteriorationand to seek innovative solutions to thealarming loss of biological wealth.

The priorities of the subprogramme seek togain greater insight into biodiversity andecological functions and their interactionwith human activity. They also focus on thedevelopment of technologies designed fortheir management, conservation andrestoration. The priorities cover subjectssuch as:

• evolution of biodiversity

• ecology

• causes behind the loss of biodiversity

• conservation of genetic resources

• unique species, communities andhabitats

• development of new technologies

National Programme onBiodiversity, Earth Sciences and

Global Warming

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Área de ciencias y tecnologías

agroalimentarias y medioambientales

National Subprogramme onthe Atmosphere and GlobalWarming

This subprogramme is designed to acquirea deeper understanding into the behaviourof the atmosphere and climate as well as amore exact characterisation of climate viaatmospheric parameters. It includes anassessment of the impact of globalwarming on natural and socioeconomicsystems and the strategies that should beimplemented to mitigate its effects. It alsoenvisions activities designed to improvesatellite observation systems, to forecastextreme meteorological phenomena and togain greater understanding of therelationship between meteorologicalphenomena and environmentalconservation.

The aim of the subprogramme is to identifythe conditions that must be respected ifsustainable development is to beguaranteed and so that environmentaltechnologies contribute to improvedenvironmental quality.

National Subprogramme onEarth Sciences

The purpose of this subprogramme is togain a deeper understanding of how earthsystems function, environmentally friendlyuse of natural resources, natural riskprevention and mitigation and territorialplanning.

Subjects related to the earth sciencesinclude energy and mineral resources,characterisation and evaluation of soils,erosion and desertification, sustainable useof resources, natural risks, technologies for

the conservation and use of naturalresources and the storage of waste ingeological repositories. They also coveraspects of water resources, theenvironment, the society and economicactivities.

National Subprogramme onPolar Research

The poles are natural laboratories forresearch in the earth sciences, the seas andlife and its ability to acclimate to extremeconditions. They play a vital role in thecontrol of the world’s climate and globalocean currents. Polar research is carried outunder extreme conditions that requirecomplex, costly and specific equipment.Research in the Antarctic is carried outunder special restrictive legislation in relationto environmental protection (Antarctic Treaty– Madrid Protocol).

Subjects covered include the earth sciences,atmosphere and climate, marine sciences,life sciences, biomedicine andenvironmental technology, all applied to thepolar regions.

National SpaceProgramme

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Spain’s space activity is characterised bymembership in the European Space Agency(ESA), which sponsors a series ofmandatory programmes along with otheroptional ones.

The mandatory programmes include theScientific Programme that groups togetherthe basic science activities and in which theESA develops the platform, the launch andoperation of the mission, while theinstrumentation is developed by researchgroups funded by national agencies in eachcountry. The areas covered by theprogramme are mainly focused ondeveloping instrumentation andexperiments, as well as technologicaldevelopment of subsystems andapplications for space missions in general.

The thematic priorities of the programmeare described in the paragraphs that follow.

Actions for scientificinstrumentation for spacemissionsThese actions are aimed at strengthening theSpanish groups to play scientifically andtechnologically important roles. Spanishgroups are already participating or negotiatingtheir participation in various missions relatingto astronomy and astrophysics from outerspace, to planetary exploration, to explorationof the solar system (interplanetary space), tospace meteorology, to earth observation, tofundamental physics, to microgravity and todevelopment of instrumentation for a missionto explore Mars as part of the programme forinternational cooperation on that planet.

Actions for technologicaldevelopment of platforms,payloads and subsystemsThe objectives of this area are to improvethe position of the Spanish aerospacesector, increase the technological level andpromote the industrialisation of completesubsystems and equipment (specificallythose in which the industry already hassufficient experience), fostering the transferof technology to small and mediumenterprises.

The actions to be pursued are:

1. Development of latest generationtechnologies and upgrade of currenttechnologies for satellite and spacecraftsubsystems:

Thermal structure, mechanisms andcontrol; control of orbit position andattitude; onboard data managementsystem; electric power; datatransmission and communications;electronics of useful loads includingoptoelectronic technologies.

2. Development and upgrade of product-oriented technologies:

Systems engineering, reliability; interfacewith the payload, launcher and groundsegment; integration, simulation andmonitoring software; integration andtesting processes.

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Área de ciencias del espacio,

matemáticas y física

Actions for satellite navigationsystems (Galileo) and theirapplicationsGalileo is a programme aimed at meetingthe demands of European society in relationto navigation, localisation and universal timesynchronisation. The level of publicawareness and interest in the possibilitiesoffered by satellite navigation systems hasincreased spectacularly in recent years, andthe possibility of having a civilian system withsuperior features to those currently availablehas served as a catalyst for the penetrationof those systems in new sectors of activity.

The priority actions are related to thedevelopment of models and algorithms thatallow the extension of EGNOS to newgeographic areas (Latin America, India,Mediterranean); the definition, developmentand implementation of new services usingsatellite localisation and positioningtechnologies; the definition anddevelopment of local elementscomplementary to EGNOS/Galileo (e.g.: in-door navigation); the validation andimplementation of ADS surveillance inSpanish airspace and routes of interest (e.g.: South Atlantic); the integration ofnavigation technologies and applications withdifferent telecommunications, earthobservation, geographic information systemsand other available emerging technologies.Support will also be given to industrialdevelopments that help promote strongindustrial participation in the constellation ofsatellites and the associated groundsegment.

Actions for applications intelecommunications and remotesensingThese actions include special applicationsaimed at providing overall solutions andresponses to each of the questions.

The priority actions envisioned includemultimission communications based ongeostationary satellites for managing hazardsand emergencies, multimedia applications,governmental communications andnavigation; satellite broadband accessapplications and services based on DigitalVideo Broadcasting (DVB) standards;consolidation of the design, developmentand industrialisation of both mobile andfixed low-cost user terminals, mainly basedon the DVB-RCS open standards; definitionand development of remote sensing pilotprojects with operational systems; andinnovative applications that combinemultimedia communications, navigationand/or remote sensing techniques basedon existing or newly developed satellites.Other actions to be considered in the futuremay include design and development of anavigation and telecommunicationsgeostationary orbit satellite.

Strategic Action for Designand Development of aSatellite Earth-ObservationSystem

The main objective consists in acquiringthe technological capabilities needed inthe Spanish industry to perform theconceptual design of the satellite system,develop and integrate the missionplatform and useful loads, define theground segment and operations for themission, and to rate the system.

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In the coming decade the astronomicalsciences will reap important knowledge onsuch diverse subjects as determining theoverall properties of the universe and itsevolution, the origin and evolution of galaxies,structure and lives of stars, the sun andplanetary systems.

The programme is structured around thefollowing thematic priorities:

Basic research in astronomy andastrophysicsAchieving an understanding of theuniverse is a basic and essential drive ofhumankind. Acquiring this knowledgerequires both theoretical and observationalinvestigations ranging from a study of thesun, origin and composition of the solarsystem, search for exoplanets andextraterrestrial life, birth, evolution anddeath of the stars, interstellar space,formation, evolution and structure ofgalaxies, active galactic nuclei, to the studyof the early stages in the evolution of theuniverse, all aimed at obtaining a morecomplete grasp of its nature and the lawsof physics that govern it.

Theoretical modelling and understandingof the natural phenomena observed is abasic tool for proper interpretation ofastronomical observations. On theobservational side, astronomy researchmust explore all possible windows of theelectromagnetic spectrum (gamma, X,ultraviolet, visible, infrared, radio wave).Also, observations at different wavelengths

are the foundation for development andprecise verification of the theories.

Design and development ofastronomical instrumentationBasic research in astronomy, apart from itsunquestionable cultural interest, is the mainengine in the development of advancedtechnology. Thus, the goal in this area is todevelop instrumentation projects that entailcompetitive designs and developments.

Scientific-technologicalexploitation of astronomicalresourcesSpain takes part in many missions of theEuropean Space Agency and has joined theinternational ALMA project (Atacama LargeMillimeter Array). And Spanish researchgroups also have strong capabilities foraccess to the large-scale facilities on acompetitive basis. Another priority is toguarantee the scientific-technical efficiencyof the major facilities located in Spanishterritory, ensuring a proper strategy so thatthey can provide good service to theastronomy community.

Research and development ofastronomy-related technologiesDevelopment and construction of scientificinstrumentation is a very efficient vehicle fortechnology and innovation transfer. Effortswill therefore be trained on promoting thedevelopment of the technologies used in

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astronomy and astrophysics, with specialemphasis on precision mechanics, high-performance optic materials, high-resolutiondetectors, computational astrophysics,remote control and operation of telescopes,

solid-state high-frequency amplifiers, andhigh-speed communications.

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Particle physics studies the elementarycomponents of matter and thefundamental interactions between them.The programme is centred on the researchprojects carried out at the majorexperimental facilities, primarily in Europe,highlighted by the CERN (the Europeanparticle physics laboratory in Geneva,Switzerland), and is structured around fivethematic priorities:

Basic research in high-energyparticle physicsAn understanding of matter, its elementalcomponents and their interactions is abasic and essential goal of humanity. Thisfield combines status as an essentialcultural ingredient with the use ofextraordinarily powerful technologicalresources. Some of the essential problemsstill open are the origin of mass, theasymmetry between matter and antimatterin the universe, the origin of the replica infamilies of particles, supersymmetry, etc.

Basic research in astroparticlephysicsThe cosmos also provide a source of diffuseor scattered radiation of particles that reachthe earth or its neighbouring space, such ascosmic radiation of protons and nuclei, high-energy photons or neutrinos. Anunderstanding of the interactions betweenparticles allows scientists to reconstruct the

plasma of the primordial universe in theearly instants after the big bang. In addition,the dark matter and dark energy of theuniverse, detected in the most recentcosmological observations, can only beunderstand in relation to the advance inparticle physics. In this sense, particlephysics connects with cosmology, closingthe circle of the infinitesimally small with theinfinitely large.

Basic research in experimentalnuclear physicsThere is a great variety of beams available(stable and radioactive ions, neutrons,electrons, photons, etc.) with a broadenergy spectrum in diverse internationallaboratories, allowing researchers to conductinvestigations with relativistic heavy ions,nuclear physics (structure and dynamics ofnuclei) with radioactive beams or, ingeneral, nuclear physics in relation to theproblems of particle physics.

Technologies related to theCERN’s “LHC Computing GRID”project The experiments installed in the CERN’sLHC collider will start obtaining data in2007. This will require a new philosophy ofscientific calculation and of data treatmentand analysis, as the amounts of informationto be stored and transferred betweenlaboratories will reach unprecedented

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figures. Consequently, the CERN has leadthe GRID initiatives in conjunction with themajor Europe and American centres.

Technologies of particledetectors and acceleratorsBasic investigation in particle physicsrequires the development of detector andaccelerator technologies. Efforts willtherefore be focused on developing thetechnologies involved in particle physics,

with special emphasis on superconductormagnets, accelerator cavities, fastelectronics, precision mechanics, high-resolution detectors and ultra-fastcommunications.

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The oldest science, mathematics was bornof the human effort to understand nature.Mathematics has given the sciences thelanguage and the concepts in whichscientific subjects are expressed. In ourdays, mathematics possesses the languageand the capacity to treat not just exactphenomena, but random processes as well,making it a valuable vehicle for dealing withmany social problems.

The power of abstraction of mathematicsmakes it indispensable for spottingstructures amongst the enormous quantitiesof data which conventional reality, the worldof industry and technology, and otheremerging scientific fields place before us onan ongoing, growing and ever changingbasis. We must first construct mathematicalmodels and then devise algorithms to serveas a bridge between data and models.

The programme is structured around thefollowing thematic areas:

Foundations, logic andmathematics of computationalsciencesThis includes subjects which lie at the borderbetween mathematics and computer science,such as algorithmics, complexity, expertsystems, artificial intelligence and dataprocessing.

Combinatorics and discretemathematicsThe development of information technologiesand telecommunications has spurred

investigation in discrete and combinatorialmathematics (graphs, discrete geometry andanalysis, matroids, triangulations of finite pointsets, etc.) that have notable practicalapplications in robotics, image treatment,artificial vision, communications andtransportation networks.

Algebra, number theory andalgebraic geometryResearch in group theory, non-associative algebras, differentialalgebras, homologicaltechniques, and commutativeand non-commutative algebraare of unquestionable interestfor understanding the structureof crystals in mineralogy,quantum physics, modellingsocial relations, cryptography, security,design of network navigators, etc.

Number theory has undergone tremendousdevelopment that has translated into thesolution of major problems posed centuriesago (such as Fermat’s Theorem).

GeometryThe subjects taken up include Riemanniangeometry, Lorentzian geometry, symplecticgeometry, contact geometry, complexgeometry, Lie groups, Moduli spaces,submanifolds, foliation and singularitiestheories and non-commutative geometry.

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TopologyHere the subjects of interest include knottheory, theory of foliations and laminationson 3D manifolds, hyperbolic manifolds andother questions relating to geometrisationconjecture, as well as algebraic topology.

Mathematical physicsThe subjects of most interested coveredhere include classical mechanics,approached with differential geometry andpartial derivative equations methods, fluidmechanics, the theory of relativity andgravitation, quantum mechanics and thetheory of quantum and classical integrablesystems.

Mathematical analysisClassical disciplines in analysis are harmonicanalysis, real analysis, functional analysis,complex analysis and complex variablefunctions theory, etc.

Differential equationsThe most significant subjects are ordinarydifferential equations and partial derivativeequations, deterministic or stochastic,stationary or evolving, linear or non-linear.

Applied and computationalmathematicsThis field takes up mathematical researchrooted in the practical problems of scienceand technology. Topics such as mechanicsof solids and fluids, thermodynamics,materials science, biology, astronomy,cosmology and celestial mechanics,computer vision and financial engineeringare inexhaustible sources of mathematicalproblems, theories and developments.

StatisticsThe enormous amounts of information wehave available need to be processed usingstatistical techniques that serve as afundamental tool in such disparate fields asmedicine, environmental evaluation oreconomics.

ProbabilityProbability studies mathematical models forrandom experiences and, within this area,the stochastic processes that allow us tomodel random phenomena that evolve overtime.

Operational ResearchOperational research is concerned with theproblems of optimisation associated withthe functioning of complex systems with apronounced stochastic component. Its coreis mathematical programming.

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Physics is the basic discipline for expandingour fundamental knowledge of naturalphenomena and constitutes the paradigmbest studied by scientists, one in whichmathematical techniques and experimentalinvestigation complement each other tooffer precise knowledge of many processesof interest. This quantitative comprehensionembraces situations as different asgravitation and electrical conduction, orcollective phenomena such as crystallisationand superconductivity.

The programme is structured in thefollowing fields:

Physics of atoms, molecules andaggregates

The physics of atoms and moleculesconstitutes the basis for understandingthe structure of macroscopic matter in allits states of aggregation. Molecules aresystems of sufficiently small size to allowdetailed study of their interaction usingmodern femtosecond pulse lasers.

The application of the techniques ofmolecular physics to aggregations ofatoms of intermediate size between themolecule and the solid is an area ofenormous interest. A characteristic featureof these aggregations is that theirproperties vary at times abruptly with theirsize, which can make them interesting aspotential components with customisedproperties in diverse devices.

Non-linear and statistical physicsNon-linear and statistical physics takes upproblems of many different natures,including physical systems in the strict senseof the term at all scales, as well as chemical,biological, geological, economic and socialsystems. It is characterised by a theoreticalframework and methodology that havenproven to be highly fruitful in tacklingproblems of seemingly enormouscomplexity.

Fluids and plasma physicsThe physics of fluids covers subjects ofbasic interest, such as the study ofturbulence. Other important areas are theapplications arsing from the dynamics ofcombustion and convection processes, aswell as investigation of the problemsconfronted in the study of naturallyoccurring systems such as atmospheric andoceanic dynamics. These studies have led tothe development of highly advancedmodelling techniques, such as thedevelopment of chaos theory. Anunderstanding of plasmas is basic for thedesign of future reactors, new particleaccelerators and new types of lasers, suchas free electron lasers.

Mathematical physicsMathematical physics provides the toolsthat allow and unify theoretical works in allaspects of physics. Its far-ranging array oftechniques include very diverse facets ofmathematics, such as the study of exactlysoluble models and study of topological

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defects in statistical physics and condensedmatter physics, studies of solutions to theequations of general relativity in cosmology,and the many breakthroughs made in fieldtheory.

Condensed matter physicsThis includes subjects such assemiconductors, magnetism andsuperconductivity. The methods used rangefrom the large-scale facilities needed forproducing synchrotron radiation or neutronbeams to atomic-observation techniques.

Nuclear physics and the physicsof fundamental interactionsNuclear physics forms part of thefoundation for the development of modernsociety, from generating electricity to the useof natural or short-life isotopes inbiomedical or food-industry techniques. Theareas studied range from nuclearspectroscopy and basic nuclear processes tohigh-spin studies and the investigation ofthe structure of exotic or superheavy nuclei.

Research in the fundamental processes ofnature range from cosmology to theproperties of elementary particles, with agreat variety of experimental, observationaland theoretical techniques.

OpticsThe purpose of optics is to study thephenomena associated with the generation,propagation, manipulation and detection ofbeams of light, understood as the broadspectrum of electromagnetic radiationsincluded between microwaves and soft X-rays.

ElectronicsThe broad knowledge that has beenaccumulated on the properties ofsemiconductors such as silicon, germaniumand gallium arsenide allow devices to bedesigned on the micrco and smaller scaleswith new properties versus traditionalcircuits.

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P L A N N A C I O N A L D E I N V E S T I G A C I Ó N C I E N T Í F I C A , D E S A R R O L L O E I N N O V A C I Ó N T E C N O L Ó G I C A - National Energy Programme

The energy sector provides services that arevital to the everyday lives of citizens andcovers a wide spectrum of economicactivity, ranging from exploitation of naturalresources to their end use in industry,services, households and transport. Energyproduction, transformation, storage,transport and distribution services a broadrange of industries, and industrial activityrelated with the worldwide manufacture ofcapital goods and services used throughoutthe entire energy process is on the rise. Theprogramme is designed to reach sustainabledevelopment by which the legitimateaspirations for economic growth and socialwell-being of peoples can be achievedwithout wasting natural resources and whileprotecting the environment.

The programme is structured in twothematic priorities and one national sub-programme:

Optimisation of conventionalforms and uses of energy tomake them cleaner and moreefficientUse of conventional energy sources givesrise to a contradictory situation: although thetechnology associated with these forms ofenergy has attained very high levels ofcompetitive maturity, some fail to conformto the principles of sustainable developmentthus calling their long-term viability intoquestion. The transition from this situationto one characterised by renewable energy

sources in harmony with economic activityand social well-being is the most visiblechallenge faced by the energy industry as awhole. Within the conventional energysector, new technologies should focus onmaking this transition possible, especially inlight of the limited reserves of these energysources as well as geopolitical characteristicsthat affect the oil market, although this isnot the case with coal and uranium.

The main objective is to guarantee energysupply in a way that is both economical andrespectful of the environment, followingefficiency and quality criteria, usingconventional energy sources whileincorporating the technology necessary tooptimise their use.

The action plan includes initiatives focusingon improving fuels for transportationpurposes, clean coal and oil producttechnology, nuclear fission, multigeneration,improved energy consumption efficiency,transport of energy, and distributedgeneration and active distribution.

Support for renewable energyand emerging technologiesThe aim here is to facilitate the scientificand technological means allowing forgrowth in the relative importance of theseenergy sources in an efficient andcompetitive manner thus progressingtowards their incorporation into the nationalenergy system. In order to reducedependence on conventional sources of

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energy and increase the use of ‘home-grown’ resources so as to guarantee supplysecurity, it is necessary to implementrenewable energy, hydrogen and theemerging energy transformationtechnologies. At the same time, we mustpromote the competitiveness of nationalpower production systems based onrenewable sources in a global market.

The action plan includes assessment andforecast of renewable energy resources,wind energy, solar energy, biomass andother renewable energy, as well as the useof hydrogen and fuel batteries.

Subprogramme onThermonuclear Fusion

In order for our society to develop in asustained and balanced manner,industrialised countries must develop a widearray of environmentally acceptable energyoptions over the short, medium and longterm. The possibility of using nuclear fusionreactions as a virtually inexhaustible andsafe source of energy has driven ambitiousprogrammes in Europe and throughout theworld. Significant progress has been madeover the last several years in the

implementation of the European fusionprogramme known as JET, which hascollaborated with industry in developingadvanced technology leading to the set-upof sophisticated experiments aimed at large-scale production of electrical energy.

The European fusion programme iscollaborating in the development of theInternational Thermonuclear ExperimentalReactor (ITER) to demonstrate the scientificand technological feasibility of fusion bybringing together in one facility all of thetechnology needed for a power plant basedon these processes.

The action plan includes the scientific andtechnological exploitation of the Spanishmagnetic confinement fusion facility TJ-IIand of plasma physics in general; thedevelopment of technologies to measurethe magnitudes characterising nuclear fusionplasmas, of methods and technologiesassociated with the heating of plasmas, andof new materials that can be used in fusionfacilities; encouraging participation in large-scale European fusion projects, especially inITER, and the conceptual development ofelectrical energy production plants usingfusion processes.

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Chemistry is the science of molecules andtheir transformations and consists of study,syntheses, properties, structure andreactions of chemical elements, of theircomposites and of the molecular andsupramolecular systems they form, whethernaturally occurring, animate, inanimate orartificial.

The programme includes fundamentalresearch in chemistry and all processes thatapply chemical concepts and technologies,regardless of the industrial area and sectorto which they belong, including technologiesaimed at improving or solvingenvironmental problems arising from theproduction process or at the end of theuseful life of products or materials.

The programme is structured in twosubprogrammes:

National Subprogramme onBasic Chemistry Research

This subprogramme addresses everythingthat contributes to advancing chemistryknowledge, from the development of newsynthesis processes, including design andsynthesis of new products, study of newproperties, new analytical methodologies;as well as the design of newinstrumentation for studying the propertiesof materials at the atomic or molecularlevel, and development of the theoreticalfoundations and calculation tools thatallow design and behaviour prediction ofnew products or new properties.

Amongst other subjects, it covers:chemical synthesis and reactivity, catalysis,instrumental techniques and methods ofanalysis, spectroscopic and structuraltechniques, kinetics and dynamics ofchemical reactions, electrochemistry, solid-state chemistry and the chemistry of newmaterials, chemical engineering,theoretical, quantum and computationalchemistry, environmental and atmosphericchemistry, and biological chemistry.

National Subprogramme onDirected Chemistry Research

The scope of this subprogramme takes inall aspects that have or could have industrialapplication as final objective. Toward theseends it is structured around five thematicpriorities:

Development of chemicalprocesses

The objective is to develop new designs orapplications, ranging from the conception ofnew designs of reactors to the developmentof catalytic, electrochemical, photochemical,sonochemical, thermochemical,biotechnological, biochemical processes orsupercritical fluid processes. It alsoenvisages topics related to modellingchemical reactors and processes.

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Advanced separation operationsConceptual and technological developmentof the physical separation stages thatcondition the operation of industrialchemical processes. The separationprocesses use emerging techniques of greatinterest, such as the employment ofsupercritical fluids, molecular membranesand sieves, weak gradient separations, etc.,which merit further study and advances.

Innovation and development ofchemicals and their applicationThis includes study of the parametersdefining the quality of the product for itsend use and its relation to the molecularstructure or physical-chemical properties,design and attainment of new or improvedproducts and of chemical formulations, theirchemical characteristics and newapplications in diverse areas, as well as thedesign of the stages of chemical reactionsor physical treatments leading to an endproduct.

Sustainable chemical processesand development (greenchemistry)This priority brings together all thematicareas that seek an approach to chemistrycharacterised by processes of reducedenvironmental impact, with less productionof waste, and that foster the use ofsecondary raw materials and reduce theimpact on the surroundings during theentire life cycle of the products. Thisgenerally entails modifying and developingchemical processes. The treatment,destruction and/or elimination of wasteproducts, together with gaseous and liquideffluents, constitute areas of specialimportance.

Pulp and paper productiontechnologiesDevelopment of new technologicalsolutions for the pulp, paper and cardboardmanufacturing sector, embracing the entireproduct life cycle. Paper production is atechnologically complex process thatundergoes constant innovation, mainlydriven by the suppliers of the machinery,of raw materials and of chemical additives.This is a multidisciplinary industry thattakes in various thematic areas.

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This programme focuses on thedevelopment of new functions andenhancing the performance of materials andtransformation technologies, while acquiringa deeper understanding of the physical andchemical processes involved. Furthermore, itincludes research and development onmaterials and processes designed to coverthe needs of industrially and sociallyimportant sectors. It also focuses onadvances related to the application of cleanor no-waste technology or those providingenergy savings as well as improvements inthe health, environment and safety of usersand citizens.

The programme is structured in fourthematic priorities and one strategic action.

New materials and the study oftheir physics and chemistryThis includes the synthesis anddevelopment of new materials withcharacteristics of potential interest forindustrial use as well as the study of thephysical and chemical phenomena involvedin understanding the composition-structure-properties relationships of materials of anynature. Special attention will be given to thestudy of physical and chemicalphenomenology when the nanometric ormolecular scale is a determining factor.

Plan of action: new materials and theoryand physical and chemical phenomenology.

Development and processing ofmaterials The objectives envisioned cover thedifferent factors and parameters involved inthe composition-structure-process-properties-application relations, focusing onthe development of all types of high-performance materials using optimalprocesses. Attention will also be paid to thetransformations that allow the developmentof shapes and geometric structures relatedto their applications. The objectives alsoinclude improving already existing materialsand processes by adapting them toconditions of use and application, thusincreasing their added value.

Plan of action: modelling and simulation ofmaterials, processes and functionalbehaviour; development of high-performance materials and manufacturingprocesses and transformation of materials.

Application-orienteddevelopmentThe aim of application-orienteddevelopment is to pave the way forintegrating materials into more complexsystems while bearing in mind the specificfunction the materials must perform,aspects such as manufacturability andprocessability, costs and use or servicefeasibility and the concept of full life cycle.These activities are designed to providecompetitive solutions to the needs andobjectives emerging in other sectors inwhich the role of materials science andtechnology is vital.

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Plan of action: materials for construction,transport, chemical technologies, renewableenergy, electronic and communicationtechnologies, space, health and social well-being, machinery and capital goods orfor other priority sectors.

Support technologiesDevelopment of advanced methodologiesand technologies for the preparation,characterisation and processing of materials.This includes development of equipment toproduce materials under special conditions,improvement of characterisation techniques,equipment for the study of materials underextreme conditions, techniques for the studyof dynamics and fluid-dynamics of materials,technologies for analysis and inspectioninstrumentation with non-destructivesystems and instrumentation for large-scalefacilities.

Strategic Action inBiomaterials

This strategy focuses on developing newproducts with different properties in areassuch as molecular and cellular biology,pharmacy, medicine and surgery orveterinary medicine, with a view toimproving their behaviour and achievinghigher standards of living and well-being forpatients. The objective is to optimise theproperties of conventional biomaterials andto develop new treatments leading toimprovements in biomaterial.

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The aim of this programme is thedevelopment of know-how and technical ormethodological advancement improving thedesign and development of new productsand services, processes and their means ofproduction during their entire life cycle.

The concept of product includes thosecomponents and systems for use and salethat fulfil a function, whether simple orcomplex, whether individually or massproduced and whether composed of singleor multiple materials. Productionencompasses the entire life cycle,processes, components and means ofproduction for the transformation andassembly of products, disassembly and theirfinal recovery, including all aspects related toorganisation and logistics.

The programme is structured around sixthematic priorities, two nationalsubprogrammes and a strategic action.

Research and development ofbasic technologies

Industrial design technologies

Plan of action: improve industrial designtools; develop engineering systems in acollaborative environment and life-cyclemanagement.

Conceptualisation anddevelopment of products andservicesPlan of action: product conceptualisation;analysis and simulation of products andprocesses and trial, test and measurementmethodologies.

Processes, components, meansand systems of productionPlan of action: improve the dynamic andcomplex manufacturing and productionprocesses; foster the development ofcomponents and subsystems, sensors,critical components, high-dynamic andhigh-precision operations in manufacturingmeans and systems, flexible systems thatcan be reconfigured.

Sustainability of products andmanufacturing systemsthroughout their entire life cyclePlan of action: design of sustainableproducts and processes; use and life cycleof products and processes; disassembly,recovery and treatment and infrastructureand logistics.

Information management andproduction organisationPlan of action: supervision, maintenanceand plant control systems; programmingand operation management systems andintelligent organisational models in thecompany.

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National Subprogramme forCapital Goods

Capital goods are those needed for theproduction of other goods, products andservices. The capital goods sector includesactivities focusing on design, calculation,manufacture of prototypes, trials,manufacture start-up, assembly, installation,maintenance and repair of metal-mechanical and electrical-electronicmachinery, equipment, systems andinstallations.

The thematic priorities of thissubprogramme include those related todesign, calculation, manufacture ofprototypes, trials, start-up of machinerymanufacture, equipment, systems andinstallations.

National Subprogramme forthe Modernisation ofTraditional Industries

Traditional sectors feature a very differentset of characteristics when compared withother industrial sectors both from astructural standpoint and the importance oftechnological aspects. They thereforerequire specific support measures thatguarantee the competitiveness of thesecompanies that make one of the largestcontributions to Spain’s balance of trade.They are considered traditional in the sense

that they have lengthy experience in andcommand of their business, with aconstantly evolving range of manufacturedproducts. Their future should be based onproducts with assured quality and uniquedesign making use of the most advancedtechnology.

To make headway on these key factorsaction will be taken on the followingthematic priorities: product design anddevelopment, process technologies,processing of materials and sustainabilityand industrial management andorganisation.

Strategic Action in ComplexSystems

Technological development, newpossibilities opening up thanks tocomputers and communications and theneeds of industry and society all call forthe need for systems that are large,broken down into multiple nodes actingautonomously and characterised by thecomplexity of their operations and of thedecisions associated with them. They maybe applied to fields as diverse as air trafficsystems, supply networks for electricalenergy, water and gas, comprehensiveplant control and optimisation systems,logistics and supply chains or new formsof organisation with a high degree ofautonomy and creativity.

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Today’s societies face a number ofemerging risks that must be addressed byemploying all available legal means amongwhich technological instruments play a vitalrole. Threats or attacks on society may bedealt with on three different levels:prevention, police initiatives andsurveillance of delinquents. Theseinitiatives should go hand-in-hand withongoing technological training at all levelsand the development of modern forensicinvestigation systems.

The programme is structured around thefollowing thematic priorities:

Identification of persons or objects withthe subsequent recognition of the implicit riskthey pose or of their use in a given situationof risk.

Plan of action: development of biometricidentification systems for individuals;development of identification systemsfocusing on individual objects or substances;study, application and development of swiftgenetic identification systems.

Surveillance and monitoring of persons or goods already identified with a view to increasing confidence levels in the prevention ofdangerous situations or maintaining the status quo.

Plan of action: development of advancedpersonal surveillance systems facilitating themonitoring of certain individuals my meansof electronic tracking devices; overallimprovement in the surveillance ofgeographical areas with a view to detecting

intruders and the implementation ofappropriate corrective measures.

Protection of individuals with the aim ofmore thorough compliance with obligationsand decreased personal risk.

Plan of action: development of individual,ultra-light protective equipment;improvements in armoured vehiclesfocusing on weight reduction andmanoeuvrability; integrated informationsystems at the disposal of officers as an aidin decision-making; wireless, short-range,multimedia communication systems.

Protection of information from computer-based threats, theft, non-authorisedmodification and similar situations, focusingbasically on digital information of economic,informational or cultural value.

Plan of action: secure identification of digitalinformation; digital information scanning;communications security; integratedinformation management services.

Deactivation of objects containingchemical, biological or environmental agentsrepresenting an imminent or objectively

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high level of danger, whether or not theyhave been previously identified andsubmitted to surveillance.

Plan of action: on-site analysis andcharacterisation of potentially dangerousmaterials; explosive deactivation devices;improvement in the physical protection ofproperty in the vicinity (glass, vehicles,doors, etc.).

Rapid interception deployment followingthe identification of a man-made threat viaautomatic operations or protection forces.

Plan of action: unmanned vehicles asinterception support devices; riot controlvehicles; canons capable of sprayingparalysing, crowd disbursement, tracermaterial etc.; specialised devices fortakeover, liberation, etc.; communicationsinterception and surveillance.

Non-lethal arms (both in terms of theactual “munitions” as well as the way theyare “fired”) to incapacitate persons oranimals (individuals or groups). This priorityplan of action will feature some of the sameelements found in the National DefenceProgramme.

Plan of action: anti-sensor technologies todiminish the effectiveness of already-existingsensors; temporary paralysis technology toimmobilise persons or their means oftransport; anti-C41 technology to interruptchains of command; technologies disablingphysical infrastructures; anti-personneltechnologies.

Civil Protection focusing on improvementin response times and damage reduction inpanic and emergency situations.

Plan of action: early detection ofenvironmental alerts; deactivation of

explosives; rapid deployment of civilprotection forces.

Risk management methodologies for thedetection, assessment and implementationof response mechanisms to natural or man-made disasters including the sociologicalaspects related to the control of panicsituations or the dissemination of sensitiveinformation. Methods and organisationalaspects concerning the control anddeployment of security systems are alsocontemplated.

Plan of action: characterisation of risksituations; development of contingencyplans; simulation of risk analysis situations;development of integrated risk managementsystems.

Forensic investigation systems designed toimplement all of the existing means,techniques and medical, electronic, chemicaland physical equipment for investigationinvolving human remains and materials ofany other kind.

Development of print investigationtechniques and identification of humanremains via biological analysis of evidencethat could shed light on the facts of acriminal investigation. Special importance isgiven to genetic code analysis techniques,especially DNA identification.

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The aim is to provide the Spanish ArmedForces with technologically superiorweapons systems and equipment featuringa whole range of characteristics suited totheir future missions. The programme alsoseeks to help preserve and foster Spain’stechnological and industrial base in the areaof defence in line with the objectives setout in the Defence R&D Master Plan.

The programme’s thematic priorities are asfollows:

Guidance, presentation, processand control systems This includes the proper location ofplatforms and systems to carry out missionsand the processing of information allowingsystems to interact with users.

Simulators, trainers and artificialenvironments Simulation of battlefields in an “artificialenvironment” to train armed forces andimprove decision-making capacity in

procurement and in battle managementitself.

Information andcommunications systemsDesign of standardised and secure CISintegrated systems and digital support toolsfor such systems.

CommunicationsCommunication of a wide array ofinformation via all types of media withproper security.

Munitions technologyTechnologies aimed at effecting directdamage on enemies by kinetic means.

PropulsionTechnologies focusing on supplying thekinetic movement required by platforms andweapons to carry out their mission.

Generation of energy and fuelGeneration of the energy needed byplatforms and weapons to carry out theirmission.

PlatformsDesign of platforms capable of followingthrough with their intended mission, notincluding footprint reduction issues.

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Protection of platformsTechnologies focusing on limiting orminimising potential damage inflicted on aplatform by an outside threat; i.e. from thedetection and assessment of the threat tothe active and passive protection of theplatform including procedures aimed atdeflecting or destroying the threat andreliable means of guaranteeing that properdecisions are taken on the operationalcapacity of the platform after being hit.

WeaponsDesign of weapons able to carry out theirmission, not including footprint reductionissues.

Combatant technologiesProtection of the combatant from kinetic,electromagnetic, chemical, biological andenvironmental aggressions by means of awide array of technologies allowing thecombatant to consider himself as a soldier-system, an optimised ensemble consistingof the individual person and everything heuses, transports and consumes duringaction in a tactical environment.

Specially tailored techniques andtools, tests, experiments andmanufacturingAdvanced and efficient design, testing andmeasurements and automated andprecise production of the systems.

Techniques applicable toinfrastructure and theenvironment Set-up and repair of infrastructures andprotection and control of the environment.

Electronic warfare and directedenergy weaponsTechnologies needed to detect and interferewith the enemy’s electronic systems and forprotection against possible interferences. Thisalso includes technologiesaimed at damaging enemysystems by means ofelectromagnetic energy.

Systems of sensors,control and footprintreductionDevelopment ofelectromagnetic, electro-acoustic,mechanical, chemical and biological sensorsas well as technologies for footprint controland reduction for this entire range ofsensors in an active/passive structuralmanner.

System integrationIntegration of the different subsystems whilepaying attention to reliability, maintenanceand repair, interoperability and security, aswell as the monitoring and automation ofsystems.

NationalProgramme forElectronic and

CommunicationsTechnology

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Electronic and communications technologiesare becoming increasingly horizontal, i.e.they affect all areas of science andproduction as well as the living standards ofcitizens. This programme covers radiocommunications and antennas, signalprocessing, mobile and satellitecommunications, optic communications andbroadband networks and telematic andaudiovisual applications. In the field ofelectronics the focus is on the integration ofadvanced electronic systems by means ofactivities ranging from the development ofnew semiconductors, components anddevices and electronic and optic highperformance circuits and subsystems tocomplex electronic systems.

The programme is structured in two nationalsubprogrammes and a strategic action.

National Subprogramme onCommunicationsTechnologies

The main goal here is to enhancecommunications mobility and broadenbandwidth while optimising management. Itincludes the following thematic priorities:

Radio frequency headendsThe radio frequency headends of futureradio communication systems will feature aspectacular increase in their functionalcapacity and operational flexibility. Specialemphasis will be given to the developmentof adaptive and/or reconfigurable systems,multiple input/output MIMO systems andthose whose subsystems may be designedvia software.

Radio communication systems The fourth generation of mobilecommunications requires exploration of theuse of new bands and techniques for sourceand channel coding and new tools forradioelectric planning and management. Thedevelopment of new components, systemintegration, standardisation and thedevelopment of intelligent stations andterminals will be encouraged. Emphasis willalso be placed on new study andcharacterisation techniques on the

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Comunications Technology

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electromagnetic compatibility of theequipment comprised by those systems.

Signal processing and itsapplications The aim here is the development of newtechniques for the acquisition, modelling,storage, processing and synthesis of signals.

Network architecture andtechnologyThis includes areas such as broadbandnetworks, the development of photonicnetworks and subsystems that enhanceoptic transport and processing and opticInternet. Attention will be given to thedevelopment of network intelligence bymeans of suitable routing architectures andalgorithms.

Architectures and technologiesfor Internet useThe new generation of Internet shouldenvision new services and applicationsthrough the development of newarchitectures and technologies thatsupport the new telecommunicationsparadigm faced with the challenge ofoffering quality throughout the diversity ofservices that society is demanding.

New generations of wirelesscommunicationsOver the last several years, digital radiocommunications have been the principaldriving force behind the evolution of thetelecommunications industry. The newemerging technologies, in a position tocompete with fixed networks, satisfy a largeproportion of traditional communicationneeds and of those associated with

multimedia, including fixed and mobileInternet access. Operators are nowbeginning to use these technologies in theprovision of services.

NationalSubprogrammeon Electronics

The two priority objectives ofthis subprogramme are toachieve greater functionalityin electronic subsets andsystems and greaterintegration and smaller sizefor less money. Toaccomplish this, the following thematicpriorities have been established:

Components and devicesElectronic components and devices are thebasic functional building blocks needed forthe development of full-fledged circuits,systems and subsystems designed forspecific applications. Emphasis will be puton the development of newsemiconductors, devices, sensors andactuators with new or enhanced featuresand on new devices based on principles,composite materials and/or emergingtechnologies.

Circuits and subsystemsDevelopment and application of circuits,modules and subsystems for high-

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performance, analogue and mixed circuitsadaptable to multiple applications.

SystemsDevelopment of complex, high-performanceand multifunctional systems and of newtools for the design, integration andcapsuling of the different functionalmodules.

Essential transversal techniquesTest, capsuling and assembly techniquesand methods for the development of high-performance products (low energyconsumption, low voltage, high speed,reduced noise, etc.).

Integration of systems forspecific applicationsThe aim here is to consolidate activities insectors that are especially important to thenational electronics industry.

High reliability electronicssystemsImbedded electronics systems for sectorssuch as agriculture, health care, theenvironment, construction, security,mechanics, etc.

Strategic Action on DigitalTelevision and Radio

Terrestrial digital television, as a new meansof broadcasting television signals, allows foroptimal use of the radioelectric spectrumwithin the airwaves over the terrestrialsurface and represents a new model forcommunication with social and economicimplications. It is destined to replace today’ssystem of analogue terrestrial broadcast oftelevision.

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de la sociedad de la información

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The aim of the programme is to automateand represent processes, knowledge andinformation via the design, construction andimplementation of hardware and softwarebased on digital technology.

Software is a service without borders thatcan be marketed and downloaded from anylocation throughout the world withpractically no additional cost. Free softwarefurther enhances the global nature of themarket and reduces costs by makingsupport tools and software updates freelyavailable. The software industry needs tocome up with new methodologies, toolsand processes facilitating the developmentof applications in the fastest and mostreliable way possible.

The programme is structured in ninethematic priorities and one strategic action.

Software engineering Development of processes andmethodologies for the integration ofactivities vital to software developmentranging from requirement specifications todesign and architecture to testing andmaintenance activities.

Software support anddevelopment technologiesDevelopment of new tools leading to aqualitative leap in software developmentboth in terms of reliability and productivity.The action plan focuses on new languages,theories, programming environments, formal

techniques and related automated tools thatenhance productivity and lend systematicand rational support to softwaredevelopment.

Intelligent systems Intelligent system technologies providesystems with autonomy andcommunications capabilities. Technologymust provide the answers to the newdemands emerging from the developmentof the Internet and the new models forcommunication among users, businessesand government.

Information managementDevelopment of new systems such ascorporate portal managers, contentmanagers, knowledge managers or digitallibraries that permit the efficientmanagement of growing volumes ofcontent and make them available to users.

Advanced interfacesDevelopment oftechnologiescontributing to theevolution of interfacestowards multi-modalsystems able tointerpret the integrationof voice recognition,writing, humanexpression, gesturesand even interaction

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with 3D objects in virtual reality or enhancedenvironments.

Distributed and open systemsDevelopment of e-services as a solution tothe needs of the information society (e-service modelling, development ofbusiness integration platforms forinteroperability of e-services, openarchitectures focusing on e-services, etc.).

Advanced computing andstorage featuresFuture development of a new generation ofcomputers able to overcome today’s barriersto network-based computing and storage ofdata.

Complex intelligentinfrastructuresTechnologies applied to infrastructures inthe areas of transport, energy andagricultural and industrial production with aview to improving capacity, efficiency andsafety using complex systems comprised ofmultiple subsystems.

Software system reliability andqualityDevelopment of methods, languages andtools that guarantee a considerably greaterdegree of software reliability and qualitythan that available today.

Strategic Action on HUMANLanguage EngineeringAdapted to Castilian Spanishand Spain’s other OfficialLanguages

These activities range from automatedlearning, computational linguistics or thedesign of search engines based on naturallanguage processing to more applied topicssuch as team work.

In the case of Spain, the goal is to build uponthe technological base supporting therecognition and processing of Castilian Spanishand the nation’s other official languages, thetransposition of voice to text and vice versa,interpretation of voice commands,spontaneous speech, dialogue systems, theuse of natural language in databaseinformation searches, etc.



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This programme seeks to identify thecapabilities and possibilities offered by newtechnologies in order to devise newprocesses, business models, ways ofproviding services and interrelations thatfurther the development of new services,applications and content and, whereapplicable, improve or increase theefficiency of existing ones.

The goal is for the citizenry and productionsystem and society in general to reap thebenefits from information andcommunications technologies. This wouldmean greater flexibility as concerns timeand space restrictions, help take fulladvantage of the services and applicationsoffered by the new networks andbroadband and allow development ofmobile applications.

The programme is structured in fivethematic priorities, one nationalsubprogramme and a strategic action.

e-businessThe development of our society, the overallgeneration of wealth and the basicelements of our lifestyle are all closelylinked to the evolution of business dealings.The aim is to develop the computer toolsand procedures necessary to fully integratethe concept of e-business into businessrelations. This concept can be characterisedas a mutual agreement between two partiesserving as the basis for an electronicallyestablished commitment for the exchange

of goods or services at a given time andplace.

e-smeOne of the difficulties encountered by smalland medium enterprises (SMEs) in takingpart in the information society is the lack ofapplications specifically tailored for theirproblems and the lack of skilled personnelfor implementation. The aim of this line ofaction is to encourage SMEs to computerisetheir business processes by incorporatingapplications allowing them to interact andintegrate with other entities. To accomplishthis, multi-platforms for shared applications,services and suitable content managed bythird parties are needed if the current wayapproach of SMEs to their business is to beimproved.

e-trainingTraining is one of the fields with thegreatest growth potential thanks to thepossibilities that information societytechnology offers in removing space andtime barriers that restrict standardclassroom learning. The objective of thisline of action is to implement projectsfocusing on groups with a high potential forgrowth either because they spend a largeproportion of time in classroom trainingsituations or because the activity inquestion is not carried out due to therestrictions inherent to classroom learning.

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Technology

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e-administrationThe public administrations are called uponto play a leading role in the development,establishment, growth and consolidation ofthe information society in our geopoliticalenvironment. The goal is to improve thequality of public services by providing accessto files, granting certificates, allowing fordynamic 2-way interaction with theadministration or telematic processing ofpaperwork in order to avoid unnecessarytravel and to improve efficiency.

e-homeThe home is the place from which theInternet and the information society aremost frequently used. The goal of thisaction plan is to develop a set of initiativespromoting new home services in the areasof education, healthcare, entertainment,administration and info-inclusion. The set ofe-home systems will be equipped with anaccess platform and a series of devices,appliances, measurement equipment andsensors exchanging information through thisplatform.

National Subprogramme one-content

This subprogramme focuses on thedevelopment of systems for thedigitalisation, creation, management,distribution, sale and promotion of digitalcontent in all formats, with special attentionto those that have the most to gain fromtechnology (broadband, education,multimedia and interactive contents). Allmechanisms facilitating content location, useand search will also be promoted.

Encouragement will also be given toadapting standards and interfaces to specific

linguistic and cultural traits, along withefforts to adapt contents to the languages ofSpain within an international, multilingualenvironment.

Strategic Action for e-inclusion and e-care

The development of the information societyshould promote social and territorialcohesion while taking advantage of newtechnologies to facilitate the integration ofgroups of people with specific needs.

e-inclusion:The aim of e-inclusion is to come up withsolutions to help the disadvantaged andthose with specific needs, whether short-term or permanent or chronic, with a viewto attaining the maximum degree of socialand geographical cohesion. To do this onemust encourage the development ofassistance technology applications and thedevelopment of software and applicationsthat meet accessibility standards and can beeasily extended and replicated.



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e-careThe main goal of healthcare applications isto offer citizens the greatest possible qualityat the lowest possible cost. The transfer ofcertain healthcare services to the hometranslates into improved quality of life forthe users and helps increase theproductivity of healthcare personnel. Thisentails equipping the user’s residence withintelligent home and broadbandtechnologies and infrastructures and thedesign of services for the disabled, theelderly and the ill who can be treated at

home via internal networks with broadbandconnection to the outside environment.

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Programme

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This programme focuses on thedevelopment of new products, processesand services in the automotive, railway,aeronautics and maritime sectors. Effectivetransport of persons and goods is vital tothe advancement and development ofsociety.

The programme is structured in fivesubprogrammes.

National Subprogramme onthe Automotive Sector

The automotive sector encompasses activitiesrelating to the manufacture of vehicles, fromthe manufacturers and developers of vehicles,equipment and components to providers ofrepair, maintenance and technical inspectionservices. The subprogramme includes thefollowing thematic priorities:

■ Development of new models andproducts and the updating andmodernisation of existing processes.

■ Safety systems to improve both activeand passive safety features of vehicles.

■ Attention to environmental concerns tomeet the demand for more fuel-efficientand environmentally-friendly vehicles.

■ Maintenance, inspection and diagnosis ofvehicles and components.

■ Focus on mass transport and specialvehicles with specific safety requirements.

National Subprogramme onAir Transport

The aeronautics sector encompassessubjects dealing with the design,development, production andmaintenance of aeronautic systemcomponents. The subprogramme includesthe following thematic priorities:

■ New concepts in aircraft and analysis ofconcepts that meet the requirements ofthe “2020 Vision for EuropeanAeronautics.”

■ Aerodynamics, fluid mechanics andacoustics to improve the externalaerodynamics of aircraft and theperformance of internal fluids.

■ Structures, materials and processesoptimising structural solutions viaprocesses that are both cost and weight-efficient.

■ Propulsion systems that comply withsocial demands for reducing pollutionand noise.

■ Onboard equipment and systems thatcontribute significant added value to anaeronautics platform.

■ Advanced means and processes tostreamline and quicken the processes ofdefining, producing and operatingproducts and services.

■ Air traffic control, ground-basedoperations and support systems.

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Área de transporte

y construcción

National Subprogramme onthe Maritime Sector

The maritime sector is comprised ofshipping companies, shipyards, conversionand repair of all types of ships and ocean-going vessels, including sport andrecreational craft, port services, fishery andaquaculture facilities and auxiliary industries.The subprogramme includes the followingthematic priorities:

■ To increase the competitiveness andprofitability of Spanish maritime transportand its companies.

■ To develop new, technologically advancedships to meet strong short and medium-term demand.

■ To improve the design and constructionprocesses of ships and their componentsin order to meet the demand for moresophisticated ships.

■ New developments for the use of existingliquid and gaseous hydrocarbons in themaritime sector.

■ Development of platforms and devicesfor making better use of fishing grounds,aquaculture and other marine resources.

■ Improvements in port services so thattheir intermodal logistic servicescontribute to promoting the use ofmaritime transport.

■ Improvements in maritime safety andsecurity to ensure maritime operationsare carried out at minimum risk levelsand to strengthen protection againstillegal activities.

■ Pollution prevention and environmentalprotection at sea and in coastal areas.

■ Development of short-distance transportby sea with a view to transferring a shareof the predicted increase in the transportof goods to maritime transport.

■ Establishment of sheltered areas wheredamaged ships may be repaired.

National Subprogramme onRailways

The railway sector’s framework of activitycomprises the manufacture andmaintenance of infrastructures and rollingstock, the operators of railway services andinfrastructure management. Thesubprogramme includes the followingthematic priorities:

■ Improvements in the safety of railtransport remaining mindful of increasedtraffic and high speeds.

■ Improvements in rail transport servicecapacity.

■ Innovative solutions and novel design,production and maintenance methodsthat meet requirements on safety, speedand comfort.

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■ Reduction of the environmental impact ofrailways as concerns discharges, noiseand gas emissions.

National Subprogramme onTransmodal Transportation

Transmodal disciplines affect the differentmodes of transport. The subprogrammeincludes the following thematic priorities:

■ Intermodality to optimise modal transfer,service quality and safety in the operationof passengers and cargo terminals.

■ Networks and development ofmethodology tools for modelling,planning, forecasting and managing thenew transportation networks.

■ Safety to reduce the number of accidentsby means of new strategies.

■ Reduction of environmental impacts inthe form of emissions, noise andvibrations.

■ Information and communication systems.

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y construcción

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Construction, whether in the form of uniqueworks of artistic, social or economicimportance or borne of the universal needfor housing, is a prime activity within asociety seeking to establish a sustainableform of construction that contributes to theharmonic growth of our society and sets thestage for a brighter future for generations tocome.

The construction sector is comprised notonly of construction companies but also ofdifferent closely related sectors such asmakers of building materials and products,manufacturers of machinery and accessoriesand technical services.

The programme’s thematic priorities are asfollows:

Construction materials andproductsThe design and composition of materials andproducts used in construction must beredefined to comply with the need forpermanent updating of national andEuropean regulations to keep pace withsocial demands for sustainability and safetyand to take advantage of the opportunitiesopening up thanks to the development ofnew materials and production technologies.

Plan of action: the design of materials andproducts with reduced environmental impactas compared to those on the market today;technologies that minimise and envision therecycling of waste generated; development ofhigh-performance construction materials and

products and improvement on thecharacteristics and uses of existing ones; newconstruction materials and products;development and validation of tests to meetregulatory or pre-regulatory requirements;assessment of the performance ofconstruction materials and products underdemanding conditions; integration ofsensorial monitoring systems in constructionmaterials and products for the purpose ofcollecting data on their performance or usefullife.

Construction technologies,systems and processesThe aim is to raise the level ofindustrialisation and technical capacity ofconstruction systems and processes with aview to tackling problems related to theenvironmental impact of construction activity(waste and noise, atmospheric emissions,etc.), work-related accidents, processproductivity, etc.

Plan of action: design of constructionprocesses and systems aimed at reducing

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environmental impact and work-related risks;eco-building design and constructiontechnologies; development of machinery,equipment, auxiliary means and proceduresto improve quality, economy, safety andhealth in construction; development ofconstruction systems aimed at improving theaccessibility, durability, safety and habitabilityof buildings; design and development ofindustrialised construction subsystems;development of advanced productiontechnology to carry out laborious, repetitiveor dangerous operations; development ofexperimental analytical and technical modelsto realistically simulate the performance ofstructures and terrain.

Construction assessment andmanagement systemsThe purpose is to improve constructionsector assessment, planning andmanagement methods at each stage of theprocess and as regards construction as awhole with a view to increasingcompetitiveness and guaranteeing thesustainability of the construction sector andsocial satisfaction.

Plan of action: homogenous life cycleanalysis models for materials, products,systems and buildings; definition ofclassification structures and data modellingas concerns construction materials,products, systems and processes;development of cost estimation modelsapplicable to the phases of use and the endof the useful life of infrastructures andbuildings; definition of methodologiesaimed at assessing, simulating andmonitoring the characteristics and globalimpact of construction projects; tools

designed to improve construction projects;design of systems, instruments and tools forglobal construction management; integrationof information systems at the constructionsite; design of systems and tools forknowledge, training and cooperative workmanagement in all phases.

Maintenance, assessment andrehabilitation of infrastructuresand buildingsThis involves the development oftechnologies and methodologies allowingfor a deeper awareness of the realconditions of construction and theimprovement of materials, products andadvanced rehabilitation techniques withemphasis placed on landmark buildings andon the adaptation of already builtenvironments to a society calling for theremoval of different sorts of barriers.

Plan of action: regeneration of rundownurban areas and historically importantneighbourhoods; development oftechniques and methods for thecataloguing, study, diagnosis andmanagement of information on the state ofconservation of heritage buildings andestimation of the potential life ofconstruction materials or systems;development and improvement of materials,products and systems for the conservationand rehabilitation of heritage buildings;construction systems and typologiesfacilitating the maintenance andreplacement of elements; damageassessment and analysis studies ofconstruction system and subsystemtypologies and of initiatives implemented.

Área de transporte

y construcción

NationalProgramme for

theHumanieties

118



The thematic scope of the humanitariansciences encompasses the followingdisciplines: history, art, architecture andurban planning, music, literature, language,linguistics, communication, philosophy andlogic. Other related disciplines that areinterdisciplinary by nature include: libraryscience, document management, archivism,geography and anthropology.

The humanities play a fundamental role inthe recuperation, conservation anddissemination of heritage and culture. Theyconstitute the “scientific” and innovativetradition of the most important knowledgein Spain’s cultural history thanks to their vastlinguistic, historical and cultural diversity.

The programme is broken down into thefollowing thematic areas:

The study, recuperation,conservation, restoration anddissemination of historical andcultural heritageHistorical and cultural heritage is understoodas being comprised of tangible assets(buildings, artistic furnishings, archaeologicalsites to name but a few) and otherscontaining our society’s cultural history(bibliographical and documentary collectionsfound in archives), even though they maynot be physically present in a database as isthe case with linguistic, literary andphilosophical heritage.

Cultural identities,multiculturalism and the effectsof globalisation on cultureThe construction of a European identity isbased on contributions from a countlessnumber of cultures. The dynamics oftoday’s society gives rise to an exchange ofinformation in space and timeunimaginable just a few short years ago.Research should be mindful ofmulticultural and multilingual contexts thatfocus on fostering coexistence amongcultures and languages as well as criticalthinking when it comes to religious, ethicaland aesthetic values operating as obstaclesor bridges to this coexistence.

The European and internationaldimension of the cultures andpeoples of SpainThe European integration process call for anawareness of the role that our country hasplayed in the international arena downthrough the centuries. Spain has participatedin Europe playing a role during each periodin accordance with its economic andpolitical development. Its geographicallocation has facilitated its role as a culturalintermediary between America and Europeand Africa as well. A priority shall thereforebe put on studying the traditions andhistorical and cultural realities of territoriesinfluenced by Spain such as Latin America,the Philippines and the WesternMediterranean.

National Programmefor the Humanities

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Área de humanidades, ciencias

sociales y económicas

Ethics and scientific researchScientific discoveries have forced society toface situations not envisioned by the moraland religious codes of the past and thusconstitute a main theme for analysis byphilosophers and social critics. Ethicalreflections have limited their focus to lifescience studies and have always beenpresent in the legal area. One of the areasleast explored is research in the humanitiesand social sciences, even though these fieldshave given rise to the justifications used inthe life sciences.

Language, thought and societyThis includes research in classic linguistics(historical linguistics, social linguistics,theoretical linguistics) and on thephilosophy of language, in addition tomuch more recent disciplines such aspragmatics, discourse analysis, certainapplications of formal logic, journalism oraudiovisual communication. The study ofthe relationship between language andthought has opened up a field from whichnew linguistic theories and theories ofphilosophical logic have emergedincorporating and integrating research thatfocuses on the relationship betweenlanguages and the context in which theyare used, and thought as aconceptualisation of reality and a way ofsetting cultural values and social norms.

Interpersonal, mass andinstitutional communication Communication is the means by whichknowledge is passed on and the vehicle forrelations between individuals, groups andinstitutions. An examination ofcommunication requires a study of the roleplayed by discourse, i.e. the way it is used

in different environments ranging frominterpersonal to mass discourse and thefunctional fabric underpinning thatcommunication, i.e. texts and their variedtypology. Within this realm, special mentionshould be made of communication viacomputers as a medium redefining therelationships between text and context,between oral and written, betweeninterpersonal and social.

Applications of linguistics andlanguage-based industriesThis includes linguistics applied to socialdemands: specialty languages andterminology, linguistic planning, languageteaching, automatic and computer assistedtranslation, correction and translation oftexts, editing of texts and even specifictechniques for professionals such aslibrarians, entertainers, organisers of culturalevents. Within this field one speaks today oflanguage-based industries as the transfer ofknowledge and technology to the businessworld and to the society at large.

Development and application ofnew technologies in thehumanitiesThe development and application of newtechnologies in the humanities entails effortin the creation of working instruments anddissemination through computer networks.The development of advanced analyticalsystems via computers and related tools willbe useful for areas such as archaeology,decoding ancient languages or theelectronic dissemination of the results ofresearch.

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This programme has a wide-ranging andheterogeneous scope that includes thefollowing disciplines: economic science,juridical science, political science, sociology,geography, social anthropology, educationalscience, psychology, library science andcommunication science.

The social sciences pave the way towards adeeper understanding of issues affecting allmankind and provide analysis and tools thatsupport decision-making processes.

The programme is broken down into thefollowing thematic areas:

Institutions, development andsustainabilityEconomic development is one of the mostimportant driving forces of societiesthroughout the world. The study of itscomponents and sustainability and of thecontribution made by the differentinstitutional structures to such developmentare some of the principal fields of interest inthe social sciences. Also of particular interestis an understanding of the social andinstitutional mechanisms and relations thatenhance the compatibility of economicdevelopment with the conservation of naturalresources. A comparison of differentinternational experiences based on rigorousanalysis will help to bolster the internationalties of Spanish research. The design ofeconomic policies and institutions on theEuropean Union level as part of theintegration process are also priority areas ofresearch.

Economic, social, and territorialcohesion; personal andcollective identity

Economic, social and territorial cohesion isone of the principal challenges emergingfrom the growing complexity of oursocieties. It is up to the social sciences todescribe, analyse and foresee the nexusbetween social, economic and territorialaspects and their future evolution. Theseapproaches apply particularly well to thedevelopment of social capital theories, thestudy of the distribution of developmentbenefits and the evolution of the welfarestate. Models and guidelines should also bedevised for the development of the conceptof citizenship, multiple identities and asense of belonging. In this sensecommunication, crossing over differentlanguages and cultures, is particularlyrelevant in our country’s social and politicallife, with clear implications for Europeanconstruction, the mobility of Europe’scitizens and the peaceful coexistence of allpersons living within its territory.

Public and private decisions,contracts and organisations andgovernance

A study of the conditions that legitimisepublic and private decision-making is apriority field of interest as is analysis ofcontracts and the diversity of organisationalstructures, the design of optimum policiesand collective decision-making. It is alsonecessary to provide theoretical and

National Programme on SocialEconomic and Juridical

Sciences

121



empirical analysis of new horizontal andmulti-level governance: at the local,regional, national and European levels.

The internationalisation ofsocieties, economies andpolitical and legal systemsThe complex nature of globalisation andinternationalisation processes points to theneed for the social sciences to tackle theirdifferent facets, paces and specific problemsin our country and its political and culturalmilieu and to carry out a comparativeanalysis. There is also a need to identify theglobal and international challenges to whichenterprises, institutions and social andpolitical agents are increasingly subject.

Cognition, cerebral functions,behaviour and education The relationship between cognition, cerebralfunctions, behaviour and education calls foran interdisciplinary approach involvingpsychology, linguistics, philosophy,pedagogy, neuroscience and computerscience, among other areas. Research intocomplex cognitive processes and theirrelationship to the brain is of extraordinaryimportance, as is research using advancedneuro imaging techniques focusing on braindamage, dementia, mental disorders anddevelopmental and learning problems.

Together with the above, educationalresearch should focus on the study, analysisand assessment of diversity in all areas ofeducation; on the organisational, functional,structural, methodological and advisoryresponses contributing to the effectivenessof the educational process; and on thecreation and reinforcement of positiveattitudes and nurturing of the associatedmoral values.

Business competitiveness andsustainability and efficiency inservices of public interest

Support must be provided for themethodology and analysis of thesocioeconomic sciences if one expects togain a deeper understanding of thephenomenon of the so-called “Europeanparadox”; i.e. the failure to sufficientlyimplement know-how developed throughR&D processes that are not put into practiceby the productive and service sectors ofpublic interest. Moreover, thesocioeconomic sciences should contributenot only to the competitive and sustainabledevelopment of the productive sector, afundamental source of employment andGDP, but also to the supply of advanced,high-quality, low-cost public-interest services.

TransversalStrategic

Actions

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STRATEGIC ACTION ONTECHNOLOGIES FOR THETOURIST INDUSTRY

Improving the competitiveness of Spain’stourism sector and excellence in tourismshould be at the top of the Spanish society’slist of objectives. In order to achieve thesegoals it is important that, within theframework of the national R&D&I plan,scientific and technological lines of researchare favoured and support is provided forinnovation focusing on competitivenessanalysis and economic growth in the tourismsector, on development and implementationof business management systems andmethodologies mindful of quality and theenvironment, on development of informationand communication technologies (ICT), ondevelopment of technologies for sustainablemanagement of the tourist trade and theinnovation of tourist products to achievesectorial diversification and contribute toseasonal and geographical diversification oftourism supply and demand.

The strategic action will be coordinated withthe national programmes for the sciencesand environmental technologies, with theservice technologies associated with theinformation society and with the social,economic and legal sciences.

STRATEGIC ACTION ONNANOSCIENCE ANDNANOTECHNOLOGY

Nanoscience can be defined as the body ofknowledge and procedures aimed at themanufacture, study and characterisation offunctional structures whose dimensions are inthe under 50 nanometer range. Study of thesestructures includes analysis of their chemical,structural, mechanical, electrical, optic or

magnetic properties, study of their interactionwith other nanostructures, their interaction withelectromagnetic waves, their interaction withbiological environments, etc.

Strategic action will be coordinated inconjunction with national programmes onphysics, materials, electronic design andindustrial and technological production andcommunications.

STRATEGIC ACTION ON E-SCIENCE

Collaboration that is flexible and not sitedependent—i.e. does not depend on anyspecific geographical location—will be one ofthe future keys to scientific, technological,economic and cultural innovation anddevelopment, given that it answers thechallenge of shared use of all types ofcomputer resources and integration ofheterogeneous data so as to maximisecreativity and productivity. This is the origin ofwhat is known as e-science and its associatedtechnologies (mainly GRID technology) thatseek to fulfil the promise of globalcollaboration in the form of concreteapplications.

The initiative is conceived as a transitionalprogramme to lend support to thedevelopment of “e-science” while it is in thestage of becoming incorporated into thedifferent scientific and technological areas.Strategic action will be coordinated withnational programmes on physics,biotechnology, space, biomedicine, electronicand communication technologies andcomputer technologies.

NationalProgramme for

InternationalCooperation in

Science andTechnology

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Scientific and technological activity areundergoing an enormous change broughtabout by globalisation and the challengesposed by a new knowledge-based society.These changes have a specific effect onproduction processes and the disseminationand use of scientific and technical know-how. All these are key aspects in thetechnological innovation process and hencein long-term economic growth.

Progress in scientific research andtechnological innovation in a globalisedworld cannot be envisioned in the absenceof international cooperation. The LisbonEuropean Council gave its unconditionalsupport to a European Research Area themain objective of which is to combat the

fragmentation of Europe’s R&D&I systemand intensify the impact of Europeanresearch by boosting the coherence ofresearch activities and policies applied onthe European level.

Spain ought to consider collaboration withneighbouring countries with a similar levelof development in order to make headwayin obtaining know-how faster and moreefficiently, as well as with countries forwhich cooperation could set the stage forgreater levels of development, and also withcountries that are of special strategic interestto our country in helping to stabilise long-term relations (Russia, China and othernations). While cooperation with the firstgroup of countries is based on scientific andtechnological excellence to improve theliving standards of citizens, cooperation withdeveloping countries or those undergoingtransitional processes should be based onsolidarity encouraging the construction of ascientific and technological communitycontributing to their own sustainabledevelopment. Efforts made in developmentcooperation in the area of R&D&I should bedirected at integrating the threecomponents of sustainable development:economic development, social developmentand environmental protection.

Scientific and technological policy willtherefore be closely coordinated withdevelopment cooperation policy seekingconcrete synergies between the NationalR&D&I Plan and the Master Plan forDevelopment Cooperation thus helping to

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increase the impact of both policies. In thissense, special mention should be made ofcooperation with Latin America and theMediterranean.

The overall aim of the programme is toestablish a solid base and provide themechanisms by which to facilitate R&D&Icooperation with countries with which Spainshares common interests. In this way theprogramme promotes cooperation tostrengthen the international dimension ofSpanish science and technology with specialemphasis on the European Research Area.

The programme’s specific objectives are asfollows:

■ To foster Spanish participation ininternational projects, programmes andorganisations.

■ To promote the mobility of R&D&Ipersonnel within the framework ofbilateral or multilateral initiatives withother countries.

■ To facilitate R&D&I training of youngresearchers and technicians in developingcountries.

■ To promote the formation of multilateralnetworks of experts for R&D&Icoordination in areas of strategic interest.

■ To promote international networks oftechnological centres and scientific-technological parks supportinginnovation in companies working in thetraditional sectors of emerging countriesand the establishment of newcompanies focusing on advancedtechnology.

■ To favour the participation of companiesin international R&D&I programmes,consortiums and projects.

■ To encourage technological cooperationwith countries of special strategic interest.

■ To broaden communication channels andincrease dissemination of advances madeby Spanish scientific and technologicalresearch throughout the rest of the worldso as to enhance visibility.

■ To reinforce coordination betweenscience and technology policy andGovernment foreign policy.

■ To enhance the synergy and contributionsof the National Plan with developmentcooperation policy.

■ To foster research in the areas ofcooperation and development.

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Human resource initiatives in R&D&I areimplemented on three levels. The firstrelates to the production and supply ofR&D&I professionals, which, in turn,depends on the operation of the universityeducational system and the relative appealof doctorate programmes. The content of adegree in science and the promotion ofexcellence that forms part of a universitydoctorate programme should make R&D&Iactivities more attractive to universitygraduates, even considering theextraordinary growth in the number ofdoctorate degrees conferred over the lastseveral years.

The second level involves research trainingitself which comprises research activitiescarried out by university graduates andengineers. In this aspect of training, a vitalrole is played by institutions and researchgroups.

The third level has to do with the demandfor researchers in both the public andprivate sectors. Researchers encounterserious labour market problems with respectto academic studies and opportunities forstable employment even in the case ofdoctorate degree holders of proven worth.The reasons for this are complex and arecompounded by weak demand in thebusiness sector and sluggish growth inpublic sector employment.

The programme sets the stage andestablishes procedures for a public

assistance system fostering an increase inthe pool of researchers and doctoratedegree holders in Spain, supporting theireducation and encouraging growth in thedemand for researchers in both the publicand private sectors, with a view to properlydeveloping R&D&I activities in coordinationwith the public and private implementationcentres and in collaboration with theAutonomous Communities.

Specific programme objectives envisionedare:

■ To guarantee research training of youngpeople allowing them to work full-timeon their research training via universitydoctorate programmes.

■ To lend support to geographical andinter-institutional mobility andmovement between the public andprivate sectors for researchers andyoung people in training.

■ To spark growth in the demand fordoctorate degree holders andtechnologists by the Spanish Science-Technology-Enterprise systemin both the public and businesssectors.

The programme envisions actions in thefollowing areas:

• Training of researchers through grantsfor scientific and technicalspecialisation and through theeffective full-time inclusion of young

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Resources

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Áreas horizontales

y programas nacionales

people in research processes in theinstitutional context of group research.

• Mobility initiatives for researchersincluding the diverse sabbaticalarrangements, as well as extendedvisits to Spain by foreign researchersand mobility schemes for researchersat entities and large-scale facilities incoordination with the EuropeanResearch Area.

• Support for the hiring of doctoratedegree holders and technologists by

companies, especially SMEs, fosteringtheir stable employment.

• Support for the hiring of doctoratedegree holders and technicalsupport personnel by the publicsector in order to provide stabilityand professional opportunities foryoung researchers and create clearexpectations regarding careers inresearch.

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The aim of this programme is to strengthenthe innovation system by funding initiativesthat motivate the business sector to embarkupon new R&D&I activities. This requiresdirect action by public officials if the rightconditions are to be established to bringabout a change in the private sector’s attitudeto take full stock of the importance andimpact of innovation for progress andcompetitiveness.

Over the last several years, the pace oftechnological innovation has picked upsignificantly on a world scale with an increasein the demand by consumers and marketsfor new products and processes. There are,however, wide gaps among countries andeconomic regions when it comes to applyingR&D&I results.

As with the rest of the European countries,the Spanish Science-Technology-EnterpriseSystem is characterised by low-level practicalapplication of research results. This points tothe need to make a concerted effort toinvolve all of the agents of this system in theculture of technological innovation and thustake advantage of the results of basic andapplied research.

Globalisation, the development of theInternet and knowledge management makeit essential for today’s companies to knowhow to respond to transformations takingplace in a changing environment by updatingtheir innovation management systems.

The programme should address the followinglevels of action:

■ The tax framework for R&D&I: Spain’stax framework as concerns R&D&I can bedescribed as one of the world’s mostdeveloped. The business community,however, has not been able to takeadvantage of it to the degree initiallyexpected. A system of certificationsshould be set up whereby tax authoritiesassess the business activities undertakenand confirm, on a binding basis, whetherthey qualify for the tax incentivesenvisioned for these initiatives.

■ Public procurement: The aim is toencourage public procurement oftechnology so that Spanish enterprises,and specifically those sectors identified asbeing the driving force behind theeconomy, are given the chance to makegreater efforts in the area of R&D&I whilerespecting the distribution of powers forthese matters within the European Union.

■ Industrial property scheme and thegeneration of Spanish patents: Thisinvolves engaging in a debate withthe public research centres withrespect to the industrial andintellectual ownership of the results ofjoint collaboration with companiesand the ensuing commercial use ofsuch results. The objective is also tofoster mechanisms promoting Spanishresearch that generates patents.

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■ Foster participation in Europeanassistance programmes by providingincentive for and promoting theparticipation of Spanish firms in Europeanprogrammes; especially in the Sixth R&DFramework Programme.

■ Attracting R&D investment fromlarge-scale international companiesin light of the high added value attachedto these activities for the country’seconomic development.

The following initiatives are envisioned:

■ The creation and fostering of newtechnology-based companies that couldemerge from the initiative ofentrepreneurs and other companies,researchers from the public R&D systemand technological centres or through theinterface units themselves or venturecapital initiatives.

■ Support for the creation and operation ofinterface units that should provide

assistance for recruitment of skilledprofessionals, standardisation andcertification of companies and themanagement and development ofpatents both in companies as well as intechnological centres and public researchfacilities.

■ Support for the industrial production ofprototypes after the related R&Dprocesses.

■ Support for the creation of R&D&I unitswithin the private sector by promotingR&D&I in companies and support for thecreation of joint centres involvingcompanies and scientific-technologicalagents.

■ Support for the creation of a culture ofinnovation via studies, analysis andworking groups that speed up thedissemination of the culture of innovationin Spain.

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The programme seeks to implement asystem by which aid is provided to fosterthe creation of new scientific andtechnological centres and facilities, to helpin the maintenance and assessment ofalready existing ones and to facilitate theavailability and refurbishment of scientific-technological equipment for the properpursuit of R&D&I activities in coordinationwith executing public and private R&D&Icentres and with the cooperation of theAutonomous Communities.

Sophisticated scientific or technologicalequipment and proper researchinfrastructure are required for R&D&Iactivities. Moreover, the growing complexityof research activities not only makes theavailability of certain equipment a necessitybut also means that this equipment mustbe incorporated into support structurescomprised of different types ofcomplementary equipment providing for thesharing of pooled resources. Systems mustalso be set up allowing this equipment tobe utilized by outside users.

One of the objectives envisioned in thisprogramme is to increase public and privatecooperation allowing for use of scientificknowledge by the business community,especially in strategic sectors withpossibilities for rapid growth through theshared use of sophisticated equipmentdifficult for businesses to acquire. This will

stimulate the commencement of high-riskR&D&I activities in the business sector.

Programme objectives are:

■ To guarantee the availability of scientificand technological equipment so that thepriorities of the National R&D&I Plan maybe carried out.

■ To assure proper replacement andrevamping of available equipment.

■ To support the maintenance andoperation of available equipment with aview to optimising its use by differentusers.

■ To promote the use of equipment bydifferent types of users while alsofacilitating the use of public sectorequipment by private entities.

■ To provide the large Spanish scientificfacilities with the necessary resources tooperate on an international scale.

■ To support the creation of a researchinfrastructure that fosters cooperationbetween public and private entities in thedevelopment of R&D&I activities thatrequire the use of specialised laboratoriesor facilities.

■ To foster the design of advanced scientificinstrumentation by public research teams,technological centres or high-techcompanies.

National Programme forScientific and Technological

Research Equipment andInfrastructure





Áreas horizontales


Programme initiatives will be implementedin the following fields:

■ Acquisition of departmental scientific-technical equipment linked to aparticular line of research whosedevelopment requires that equipment.

■ Creation or revamping of centres ofcompetence (technological centreswhose fundamental mission it is tosupport technological innovation in SMEs,public university-based centres and PRCsand R&D centres receiving public supportbut under private management).

■ Support for the creation and assessmentof science and technology parks linked tocompliance with objectives and designedto serve as catalyst for greatercooperation between the world ofscience and the business community.

■ Construction and operation of large-scalescientific facilities as well as medium-sized facilities and technological platformsproviding support for the qualitative andquantitative enhancement of scientificand technical research, especially inpriority or strategic areas and alsocontributing, either directly or indirectly, toindustrial and business development.

■ Design and construction of advancedscientific instrumentation (instrumentdesign for large-scale scientific facilities,space platforms and large or medium-sized international facilities and increasingcapacity for participation in internationaltenders through the funding ofprototypes).

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Spanish society has been taking ever greaterinterest in science and technology issues inrecent years and is demanding greateraccess to information on these issues. Itshould also be borne in mind that futureprogress in science and technologydepends, to a large degree, on the socialdemand for such development. Moreover, ithas been observed that citizens want to bebetter informed with regard to thechallenges that the future brings and thereasons underlying the decisions taken byspecialists and public officials. The best wayof impressing upon society the importanceof science and technology is by makingsufficient amounts of quality informationavailable to allow people to form a wellrounded opinion.

The programme seeks to develop themeans, mechanisms and structures togenerate quality information on science andtechnology, present this information in away that is useful and understandable, helpin its wide-ranging dissemination throughoutsociety and monitor the effects it has insociety. To this end it will promote initiativesfocusing on the three priority targetsidentified: the society at large, youth and theeconomic-business community.

In order to reach these targets, theprogramme will develop actions through theagents identified as generators of content(R&D centres, innovation and technologycentres, innovative companies), through theagents identified as promoters of content(public and private institutions and

organisations, educators and scientificjournalists) and through appropriatecommunication channels and the media(mass media, print press, television, radioand the Internet; scientific educationcentres; formal education system;audiovisual and multimedia productions;publications; initiatives involving citizenparticipation).

The programme includes the followingthematic priorities:

Creation and consolidation ofstructures designed for scientificand technological disseminationand educationEfforts will be made to highlight theimportance of science, technology andinnovation in the mass media, R&D centresand innovation and technology centres andenterprises with a view to fostering thecreation of new structures supporting theeducational process. Steps will also be takento encourage the consolidation of alreadyexisting structures, such as scientific trainingcentres, through initiatives boosting theirdevelopment.

Furthermore, the study and development ofinnovative experiences leading to theopening of new plans of action,experimentation and evaluation in the areaof scientific and technological training will bepromoted.

Permanent support will also be provided forthe portal Tecnociencia; a platform serving

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Culture

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Áreas horizontales


the Spanish Science-Technology-EnterpriseSystem and a forum for information andcontact among its agents.

Scientific and technologicaltrainingPlan of action:

■ Support for the training of journalists andspecialists in scientific and technologicaleducational programmes.

■ Promotion of training activities in scientificand technological culture focusing onteachers and the student population.

■ Activities aimed at general instruction ofthe adult population in scientific andtechnological culture.

Cooperation among the differentagents involved in thedissemination and teaching ofscientific and technologicalmattersThe programme seeks to promotecooperation and collaboration as concernsthe dissemination of knowledge betweenthe public and private R&D&I system andsociety as a whole. In doing so, specialattention will be paid to the relationshipsbetween enterprises and rest of thesystem’s agents and to the link between theagents generating content and the media.

Social awareness of science andtechnologyKnowledge of the way Spanish societyviews science and technology is vital to thedesign of priority action plans fosteringscientific-technological culture. Based onexisting studies and research, theprogramme will provide an analysis of futuretrends and will encourage the developmentof detailed studies on specific segments ofthe population.

Science and technology weekThe week focusing on science andtechnology held annually and receivingstrong backing from governmentadministrations, bodies and organisations isthe most important effort made to putscientific and technological knowledge atthe disposal of the citizens. The programmeshall therefore include actions designed topromote this event.

ANNEX. Acronyms

andAbbreviations


138

� ACs. AutonomousCommunities

� ANEP. National Evaluationand Prospecting Agency(Agencia Nacional deEvaluación y Prospectiva)

� CAGIC. AdvisoryCommittee on Large ScientificFacilities (Comité Asesor deGrandes InstalacionesCientíficas)

� CDTI. Centre for theDevelopment of IndustrialTechnology

� CERN. EuropeanOrganisation for NuclearResearch (Conseil Européenpour la Recherche Nucléaire)

� CICYT. InterministerialScience and TechnologyCommission (ComisiónInterministerial de Ciencia yTecnología)

� COST. EuropeanCooperation in the field ofScientific and TechnologicalResearch

� CYTED. Ibero-AmericanProgram on Science andTechnology for Development

� EMBL. EuropeanMolecular Biology Laboratory

� EMBO. EuropeanMolecular Biology Organisation

� ERA. European ResearchArea

� ERDF. European RegionalDevelopment Fund

� ESA. European SpaceAgency

� ESF. European ScienceFoundation

� ESFRI. European StrategicForum on ResearchInfrastructures

� ESRF. EuropeanSynchrotron Radiation Facility

� EU. European Union

� F54. Function 54 of theGeneral State Budgets

� FP. EU FrameworkProgramme for Research andTechnological Development

� GBIF. Global BiodiversityInformation Facility

� GDP. Gross DomesticProduct

� GSA. General StateAdministration

� GSB. General StateBudgets

� HR. Human Resources

� IGBP. InternationalGeosphere-BiosphereProgramme

� ILL. Institut Laue-Langevin

� INE. Spanish Institute ofStatistics (Instituto Nacional deEstadística)

� IRIS. Spanish AcademicR&D Network forInterconnection of ComputerResources (Red AcadémicaEspañola de I+D deInterconexión de RecursosInformáticos)

� LSF. Large-scale ScientificFacilities

� MCYT. Spanish Ministry ofScience and Technology(Ministerio de Ciencia yTecnología)

� Md. Millions of euros

� NP. National Plan forScientific Research andTechnological Developmentand Innovation

� PGC. General KnowledgeProgramme (Programa dePromoción General delConocimiento)

� PRB. Public Research Body

� R&D. Research andDevelopment

� R&D&I. Scientific Researchand TechnologicalDevelopment and Innovation

� SISE. Integrated Monitoringand Evaluation System(Sistema Integral deSeguimiento y Evaluación)

� SME. Small and MediumEnterprises

� SOST. Spanish Office forScience and Technology

� STE. Science-Technology-Enterprise

� STF. Science andTechnology Facilities

ANNEXO.

Acronyms and Abbreviations

The Spanish National Plan for Scientific Research ... Spanish National Plan for Scientific Research,...

Documents

Transcript of The Spanish National Plan for Scientific Research ... Spanish National Plan for Scientific Research,...