Brussels, 30 May 2002

The Spanish Presidency of the EU brought together more than 300 experts from within and outside the EU at a conference in Seville on 13 and 14 May, to examine policy decisions in the area of science and technology.

'Forward planning in the selection of priorities for research policy' was organised in collaboration with the European Commission via the Instituto de Estudios de Prospectiva Tecnol¨®gica (IPTS) of the Centro Com¨²n de Investigaci¨®n, Seville, and the Unidad de Ciencia y Prospectiva Tecnol¨®gica de la Direcci¨®n General de Investigaci¨®n.

The conference was opened by Spain's Secretary of State for science and technology, Ramon Marimon, who praised the work being carried out in by Spain and the international community to 'use the results of forward planning for the benefit of society.' He also highlighted 'the need to orientate forward planning towards new challenges, particularly towards the expansion of the EU and the formation of the European area of research and innovation.'

The event aimed to encourage dialogue between researchers, experts in forward planning and policy-makers to look at ways of putting the results of forward planning work at the disposition of political actors at local, national and international level.

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Forward planning aims to analyse the direction of scientific and technological developments and the opportunities it offers for society and business. This knowledge, brought about by a process of interaction between experts, entrepreneurs and social and political actors, can help policymakers to anticipate future problems and put preventative measures in place.

In 1998, the Spanish government set up the Fundaci¨®n Observatorio de Prospectiva Tecnol¨®gica Industrial (OPTI) overseen by the Ministry of science and technology to help businesses and the government to design future technology strategies.

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For further information on the Spanish Presidency, please consult the following web address: