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The high quality of European research is recognised but the lower impact of this research and the less effective transfer of this knowledge to industry is noteworthy when compared with the trading competitors in North America and the Pacific Rim.
In order to address this so-called European paradox and strengthen the European-wide innovation process, the European Commission has introduced the concept of European Technology Platforms “to bring together companies, research institutions, the financial world and regulatory authorities, to define a common research agenda (for the next 10–30 years) which should mobilise a critical mass of national and European public and private resources” (June 2004).
Technology Platforms “should be seen as a challenge for industry itself”, and help to develop “a joint vision”, with “long term objectives which can affect the common competitive position [of the European given industry] with respect to other markets”. The relevant stakeholders in key economic sectors should commit themselves to work together to identify the innovation challenge, develop the necessary research programme and implement results.

To define a vision led by industry
A Technology Platform should be a response to a major European Challenge, where a strategic European response is required; it should be politically highly visible, industry led and well planned and executed.
Recommendations from Technology Platforms will be taken into account for the research priorities in Framework Programme 7. Some of their ideas could also be developed through joint European Technology Initiatives (using Article 171), such as Global monitoring for environment and security, or Innovative medicines for the citizens of Europe, initiated in 2005.

Up to now, 29 Technology Platforms have been set up in relation to the Deployment of new technologies (Plant Genomics, Nanomedicine, Hydrogen, etc.), High Technology sectors (Nanoelectronics, etc.), Sustainable platforms (Photovoltaics, Water supply, etc.), New technologies-based public goods and services (Innovative medicines platform, Mobile and wireless communications), Restructuring the traditional industrial sectors (Forest, Construction, Textiles, etc.)
Several Platforms are related to our activities and concerns, for example:
- Plants for the future (coordinated by EPSO and EuropaBio) (draft Strategic Research Agenda at http://www.epsoweb.org/Catalog/TP/index.htm)
- Food for life (hosted by CIAA, Confederation of the food and drink industries) (http://etp.ciaa.be/asp/home.asp)
- Global animal health (related to the need for vaccines, pharmaceuticals and diagnostic tests).
AEP has had interactions with the first two Platforms where grain legumes are among the concerns.

AEP (Anne Schneider) from the following sources:
COM (2004) 333 final 16 June 2004; Spanish Conference on “European Technology Platforms: a road towards the future of European Competitiveness” March 2005; Winning at new products by Robert Cooper; Hyperion Ltd www.hyperion.ie; http://cordis.europa.eu.int/technology-platforms/