Through participation in the European Union 6th Framework for Research and Technological Development (EU FP6), the Communications Research Centre Canada (CRC) had a unique opportunity to expand its knowledge of European communications priorities while gaining international visibility.

The FP6 is the European community’s framework program for research, technological development and demonstration. It is a collection of the actions at the European Union level to fund and promote research. Through a science and technology (S&T) agreement with Europe, Canada is allowed to actively participate in the framework program and has been involved since the fourth framework.

Working with EU FP6 has given CRC the opportunity to obtain the latest results in international R&D on communications issues such as wireless security and 4G, which would define the future standards for wireless devices. Researchers participated in two projects: Dependable Security by Enhanced Reconfigurability (DESEREC) and Wireless World Initiative New Radio (WINNER).

The DESEREC project aims to increase the dependability and resilience of information systems used in critical infrastructure such as traffic management, energy distribution, transport and defense. DESEREC proposes to dramatically improve the information and communication systems supporting critical services to European citizens.

European Union 6th Framework for Research and Technological Development (EU FP6).

The key objective of WINNER is to develop a ubiquitous radio system concept, or single adaptive system concept, providing wireless access for a wide range of services, applications and environments. The WINNER system will address the strategic objectives of 4G communication systems. Such a radio system would improve on performance and quality of service, to meet future market demands and provide an optimum user experience.

The EU FP6 had its last call for proposals in April 2006, and selection and negotiation meetings will be taking place over the coming months. The highly-anticipated launch of FP7 is scheduled for later this year.

*CRC is the national contact point for the Information Society Technologies Programme (IST). For more information, please contact Debbie Kemp at debbie.kemp@crc.gc.ca or visit www.crc.gc.ca/ncp.