The European Commission is currently starting its preparations of the Eighth Framework Programme. FP8 will start in 2014, but the fundamental principles will be agreed on much more in advance. If all principal actors in Flanders agree on a single position on FP8, this gives a strong signal to the relevant policy makers. This single position should lead to a maximal use of the European instruments by the Flemish actors in European projects.
In december 2009, the Flemish universities and strategic research centres published a position paper "Challenges for Europe's 8th Framework Programme in the European Research Area". The private sector too is very interested in FP8. Furthermore, it is the first time that Flemish public and private institutions really want to work on a common position regarding a framework programme. This common Flemish position should, when finished, be taken up by our regional an national policy makers, as well as by the European policy makers (e.g. the Flemish MEPs).
The Flemish Council for Science and Innovation (VRWI) is the perfect forum to bring together these public and private actors in a working group.
During the preparations of FP8, this working group should proactively and at the right times present draft recommentations and draft positions to the plenary VRWI. After discussion in the VRWI, the council will present the recommendations and positions to the Flemish governement. Furthermore the VRWI will contact other relevant policy bodies (regional, national, European and bilateral).