Amended proposed Decision concerning the production and development of Community statistics on science and technology

Brussels, 08 Oct 2002

Amended proposal for a
DECISION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL concerning the production and development of Community statistics on science and technology Full Text

1. BACKGROUND

Reliable and relevant statistical indicators are needed for formulating and evaluating S&T policies in increasingly knowledge-based economies. The existing indicators are useful, but limited when it comes to measuring the production of S&T activities, the dissemination of knowledge and, more generally, the results of innovation systems. It is therefore necessary to devise a new generation of variables that will make it possible to keep track of these aspects.

On August 2001, therefore, the Commission submitted a "proposal for a Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the production and development of Community statistics on science and technology" - COM(2001)490 final, 2001/0197 (COD).

The European Parliament issued its opinion on 2 July 2002 (Doc. P5-TAPROV (2002)0338)) and proposed four amendments. The Commission accepts three of these.

2. AMENDMENTS

2.1.

The Commission accepts the first amendment, which stresses the importance of taking account of the regional dimension, in accordance with the NUTS classification, if possible.

2.2.

The Commission accepts the second amendment, which underlines the importance of cooperation with the OCDE and other international organisations.

2.3.

The Commission accepts the fourth amendment, which calls for more frequent reports.

2.4.

The Commission cannot, however, accept the third amendment as it stands. This calls for closer cooperation and increased consultation with the Helsinki group, for legal reasons. The Commission nevertheless acknowledges and stresses the importance of the statistical work of that group and undertakes to continue its fruitful cooperation with it. The Commission will also reaffirm this commitment by having a Commission declaration included in the Council minutes when the Decision is adopted.

3. CONCLUSION

Under Article 250(2) of the EC Treaty, the Commission amends its proposal as described.

Brussels, 7.10.2002 COM(2002) 554 final 2001/0197 (COD)