Whether it has taken steps to promote the European Sixth Framework Research and Technological Development Programme amongst universities.

Practical assistance with proposals for the European Framework Programmes is provided by Innovation Relay Centres (IRC) Scotland. IRCs in Scotland are jointly funded by the European Commission and Scottish Enterprise, and work with Scottish universities and SMEs providing assistance and advice on the preparation of proposals for the programmes. The IRCs also help find suitable collaborative partners for proposals and encourage universities to partner with Scottish companies. A Scottish FP6 Focus Group has been formed by the Scottish Executive with representation from Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Scotland Europa, Scottish Enterprise Cluster Teams and Innovation Relay Centres Scotland. The aim of the focus group is to develop and implement a Scottish framework for FP6 promotion and support in order to maximise Scottish involvement in FP6 projects. Scottish universities are one of a number of organisations who are expected to benefit from this initiative.