[Visions and strategies in the European research area. "Technology for the Information Society"].

A new generation of EU research is expected to take life at the end of 2002. One of the new elements of the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6), which is essential for the realisation of the European Research Area (ERA), will be the use of new instruments for funding research, such as Integrated Projects (IP) and Networks of Excellence (NoE). Integrated Projects will contribute to strengthening European competitiveness and solve major societal problems, by mobilising a critical mass of research and development resources and skills existing in Europe. Networks of Excellence will contribute to strengthening European scientific and technological excellence though a better integration of research capacities across Europe.