Integrated Projects are expected to cover holistically several of the above mentioned aims and topics in demonstrating superior cost efficiency, performance and robustness of new concepts of manufacturing systems. Significant cross-sectoral industrial participation and reinforcement of knowledge communities is required which could lead to the development of long-term European visions on the future of manufacturing. Such projects, based on a strong research-industry partnerships, should encompass several activities within the RTD lifecycle: i.e. foresight, basic research, technological development, validation and benchmarking, take-up (in particular by SMEs), training, impact assessment, etc. Furthermore, the new manufacturing concepts should be characterised by modularity and intelligence, thus, enabling flexibility and reconfigurability to be part of the knowledge-based and agile manufacturing enterprise.

Specific Targeted Research Projects shall only be used to stimulate radical technological innovation and to facilitate RTD collaborations on the above mentioned research topics within an international context.

Specific Support Actions shall support the development of better research, innovation and education, integrated activities related to the future of agile manufacturing in Europe, and efficient exchange of information on related fields within an international context.

Co-ordination Actions CAs designed to promote and support the networking and co-ordination of research and innovation activities at national, regional and European level over a fixed period lby establishing in a coherent way coordinated initiatives of a range of research and innovation operators, in order to achieve improved integration of the European research

May combine the following two types of activities:
l- Co-ordination activities
l- Consortium management activities
- l(Coordination actions do not conduct S&T research !)