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\begin{center}
{\Large  IST-6th Framework Programme}\\\vspace{3mm}

{\Large (EOI.FP6.2002)}\\\vspace{3mm}

{\Large Expression of Interest}\\\vspace{6mm}

{\large (Priority 1.1.2 - Information Society Technology)}\\\vspace{6mm}

{\LARGE\bf FOCAL - FOcussing Competence for Advantages of Liberty}\\\vspace{3mm}

{\LARGE\bf (Network of Excellence)}\\\vspace{6mm}

{\em Draft 
$Date: 2002/05/21 10:30:07 $
}\\\vspace{6mm}
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%{{{ Description

% EC Indication:

% The purpose of networks of excellence is to strengthen and develop
% Community scientific and technological excellence by means of the
% integration, at European level, of research capacities currently
% existing or emerging at both national and regional level.

% Each network will also aim at advancing knowledge in a particular area
% by assembling a critical mass of expertise.

% They will foster cooperation between capacities of excellence in
% universities, research centres, enterprises, including SMEs, and
% science and technology organisations.

% The activities concerned will be generally targeted towards long-term,
% multidisciplinary objectives, rather than predefined results in terms
% of products, processes or services.

\section{Description}\label{description}

Free Software -- sometimes also referred to as ``Libre software'' or
``Open Source Software''~\footnote{For reasons that can be found online
  at {\em http://fsfeurope.org/documents/whyfs.en.html}, this document
  will use Free Software as the preferred term.}  -- is best defined
by the following four freedoms:
\begin{enumerate}
\item freedom: The freedom to run the program, for any purpose.
\item freedom: The freedom to study how the program works, and adapt it
    to your needs. Access to the source code is a precondition for this.
\item freedom: The freedom to redistribute copies.
\item freedom: The freedom to improve the program, and release your
    improvements to the public, so that the whole community
    benefits. Access to the source code is a precondition for this.
\end{enumerate}

Free Software provides a new concept, a new discipline as a stable
basis for the information age and the knowledge economy. Its working
principles are changing the IT sector towards a more stable, lasting
and sustainable approach with higher dynamics and increased
efficiency.\\

Any region adopting Free Software on a larger basis can benefit in
terms of
\begin{itemize}
\item Greater independence from foreign interests
\item Increased sustainability
\item Freedom from foreign mono- and oligopolies
\item Alternative hard- and software possibilities
\item Strengthened domestic market and local industries
\item Better cooperation between research and economy
\item Encouraged transdisciplinary research
\item Better protection of civil rights
\end{itemize}

For a more detailed explanation, please see the {\em ``Recommendation
  of the Free Software Foundation Europe (FSF Europe) and supporting
  parties for the Proposal for a Decision of the European Parliament
  and of the Council concerning the rules for the participation of
  undertakings, research centres and universities and for the
  dissemination of research results for the implementation of the
  European Community framework programme 2002--2006''} of April 30th,
2002,~\footnote{Online at {\em http://fsfeurope.org/documents/fp6/}.}\label{recommendation}
in which the FSF Europe with support of about 50 European companies,
research institutes and associations explains in more detail why and
how Free Software offers these advantages.

\subsection{Rationale}

It is obvious that the first region to adopt and support this
principle on a larger scale can profit enormously and get a head-start
in the information age.\\

Other regions are beginning to get ready to capitalize on these
advantages, as -- for instance -- the recent activities in Peru have
shown.~\footnote{For reference, please see the letter by the Peruvian
  Congressman Villanueva. Mirrored in several places
  like {\em http://pimientolinux.com/peru2ms/} .}\\

Europe, however, is given a uniquely favorable position to become the
global leader in the Information Economy due to its vibrant Free
Software community. It has already begun taking small steps in this
direction within the 5th Framework Programme that should be built upon
{\bf now}.\\

Understanding a new discipline, a new market has always been a
necessity for stable, lasting and wide success -- economic or
otherwise. Those who understand it best have the best chances to be
most successful. Free Software is no exception to this rule. \\

With Free Software providing a new paradigm and new rules for the IT
sector, it is important to create consciousness, understanding and
awareness for this discipline upon which the future will be built,
creating a solid basis for digital Europe.\\

This will be the main objective of FOCAL: Bring together the best
expertise in and around Free Software and use it to further the
understanding, adoption, use and coordination of Free Software in
Europe. 

\subsubsection{Issues with integration of Free Software into FP6}

Although the 6th Framework Programme and Europe in general would
profit immensely from the mass-adoption of Free Software, the current
structure of the FP6 makes it difficult to provide adequate support
for Free Software. There are several reasons for this that we would
like to bring into the FP6 thought process.\\

First of all, Free Software is not limited to a single domain or
thematic area, its positive effects transcend research disciplines,
markets, society.\\ The Free Software paradigm changes the workings
and rules of software towards a climate that rewards cooperative
efforts and stronger integration. This sort of climate change,
although very obvious, is hard to quantify.\\

The paradigms are shifted away from a supply-driven IT industry
towards a demand-driven model. In other words: The user truly becomes
a determining factor. Therefore the direction of important Free
Software projects is often hard to predict. Demand may overrule the
ideas of supply and give the project a new direction. This very
positive effect -- some people go as far as calling it ``collateral
use'' -- makes Free Software harder to predict.\\

Another difficulty poses the definition of a ``researcher.'' The
classical ``researcher'' in IT would probably be a developer, but
every other participant (interface designers, usability testers and so
on) in a software project could likewise and reasonably argue to be
seen as a ``researcher.''\\ Free Software follows an enabling
paradigm. It empowers people, companies, organizations,
governments. This means that the quantification of a ``researcher'' is
even less solid. The best way might be to differentiate by dedication
and amount of contribution.\\

And last but not least: Players in the Free Software field can
currently not be judged by their finances. Competence, not money is
the most important capital of Free Software players today. Although
this is likely to change with a greater adoption of Free Software, it
is a problem we face in relation with the FP6. \\ The ``Funding by
size'' paradigm is one that is likely to fail for Free Software,
because in the current situation it would usually further the least
competent parties.\\

These problems should be addressed and discussed to find a solution
that will allow Europe to capitalize on the advantages of Free
Software in the best and most efficient way.

\subsection{Objectives}\label{objectives}

FOCALs main objectives in creating a visible European Free Software
Network of Excellence will be:
\begin{enumerate}
\item Constituting a reference network for interested developers,
  contributors, end-users, companies, regional and national
  governments, etc.
\item Advancing the research agenda in IT hrough extensive use of the
  Free Software paradigms.
\item Promoting Free Software through all appropriate channels.
\item Coordinating Free Software development efforts.
\item Give impulses for Free Software development in thematic/key
  areas.
\item Providing assistance to regional, national and European
  legislation to help creating the best environment for the
  information economy.
\item Creating a sub-network of legal support to promote legislative
  changes that support Free Software in European countries.
\item Generate awareness for a new hardware mentality.
\item Study the extensibility of the Free Software paradigm to other
  domains.
\item {\bf Comment: Anything else that you feel should be in here?}
\end{enumerate}

\subsection{General approach to achieve the objectives}

The objectives stated in section~\ref{objectives} can be reached
through the following actions:
\begin{itemize}  
\item Creating a yearly international conference in Europe devoted to
  Free Software; while encompassing all problems related to Free
  Software development and use, the conference can be dedicated each
  year to a specific theme stressing its urgency.
\item Creating a network of yearly meetings of Free Software
  specialists devoted to specific thematic issues.
\item Creating developer exchange and travel programs.
\item Organizing meetings of developers for important projects.
\item Creating offices for legal support to promote legislation
  changes to promote Free Software and related issues in European
  countries.
\item Setting up ``road shows'' with expert speakers on Free Software;
  these can be dedicated to special areas. Organizing speeches with
  Free Software experts at public events and in companies.
\item Creating, printing and distributing information material like
  flyers, brochures and other forms of disseminating information.
\item Creating a distributed press agency network to promote public
  meetings through all available media dedicated to Free Software
  issues.
\item {\bf Comment: Anything else that you feel should be in here?}
\end{itemize}

%}}}

%{{{ Need and Relevance

% EC Indication:

% How the proposed research activities contribute to realising the
% objectives of a priority thematic area and why it requires a European
% mobilisation of activities and resources through the means of a
% Network of Excellence

\section{Need and Relevance}

Software has not only become a seminal economic and cultural property,
it also provides the grounds upon which the information society and
economy will be built.\\

Those who depend on foreign interests to uphold their own economy,
communication, education and research will most likely not become key
players in the information age. Becoming and remaining independent
From foreign hardware and software oligopolies is a crucial step
towards a sustainable and lasting approach.\\

Free Software offers these liberties and it is seminal for Europe as a
whole, but also for each of its ``components'' -- governments,
companies, organizations, institutes and the people constituting
Europe -- to become aware of the advantages and importance of Free
Software.\\ 

As laid out in the recommendation referenced on
page~\pageref{recommendation} in section~\ref{description}, Free
Software offers protection from foreign and internal hardware and
software monopolies, encourages freedom of markets, protects privacy
and therefore trust in information technologies, furthers research and
education and empowers all Europeans to become active participants in
the information society.\\

Constituting a Network of Excellence for Free Software with the
objectives stated in section~\ref{objectives} is not only advisable to
allow Europe gaining an unprecedented role in information
technologies, it may well be necessary.

%}}}

%{{{ Excellence

% EC Indication:

% The feasibility of putting together the critical mass of resources and
% expertise needed to achieve the network's objectives and to be a world
% force on the research activities proposed.

% Information required: readiness and availability of the scientific and
% technological excellence, multidisciplinary skills and critical mass
% in Europe needed to achieve the network's objectives; a list of the
% leading academic and industrial European research centres, and other
% major envisaged participants, together with a very short description
% of their competencies and potential role in any Network of Excellence.

\section{Excellence}

A Network of Excellence for Free Software requires the participation
of knowledgeable organizations, companies and research centers with a
solid track-record in Free Software. FOCAL consists of the European
and often global leaders in Free Software and thematic areas.

\begin{itemize}
\item {\bf Free Software Foundation Europe (FSF Europe)}\\ Founded in
  2001, the FSF Europe makes up the global Free Software Foundation
  network together with its sister organizations, the Free Software
  Foundation North America and the Free Software Foundation India.\\
  The FSF was originally founded in 1985, which makes it the most
  experienced organization in the field. It maintains the most widely
  accepted definition of Free Software and is responsible for the GNU
  General Public License (GPL), the license under which more than 50\%
  of all Free Software is being released.\\ Examples for recent
  activities of the FSF Europe are participation in the expert
  workshop of the UK ``Commission on Intellectual Propery Rights'' and
  partnership in the EU project ``AGNULA'' (IST-2001-34879). More
  information available at {\em http://fsfeurope.org}.

\item {\bf Alcove}, Paris, France\\ Premier European company providing
  professional Free Software services since 1996. More information
  available at {\em http://www.alcove.com}

\item {\bf Alcove Germany}, Bonn, Germany\\ {\bf NEED DESCRIPTION
    HERE.} More information available at {\em
    http://www.alcove.com/de/}

\item {\bf Associação Nacional para o Software Livre (ANSOL)},
  Portugal\\ Free Software association furthering Free Software in
  Portugal.  More information available at {\em http://www.ansol.org}

\item {\bf Centro Tempo Reale}, Firenze Italy\\ A center devoted to
  music research, production and education. Coordinator of the AGNULA
  project IST-2001-34879 {\em http://www.agnula.org}. More information
  available at {\em http://www.centrotemporeale.it}

\item {\bf LinuxTag e.V.}, Germany\\
  Free Software association furthering Free Software through
  conferences and exhibitions like LinuxTag, the largest and
  most important exhibition and conference in Europe, which covers
  Free Software and GNU/Linux.  More
  information available at {\em http://www.linuxtag.org/}
  
\item {\bf Prosa Progettazione Sviluppo Aperto S.r.l.}, Padova, Italy\\
  A totally Free Software based company whose mission is to realize
  products and services to promote GNU/Linux an other Free Software
  usage in professional and enterprise environment. More information
  available at {\em http://www.prosa.it}
  
\item {\bf Verein zur Förderung Freier Software (FFS)}, Austria\\
  Free Software association furthering Free Software in Austria. More
  information available at {\em http://www.ffs.or.at}

\item {\bf Verein zur Förderung Informationen und Software e.V. (\emph{ffis})}, Germany\\
  Free Software association furthering Free Software and information
  in Germany.  Founded in 1999 \emph{ffis} supports developer
  meetings, exhibition and conferences, tutorials, workshops and
  software development. More information available at {\em
    http://www.ffis.de/}
  
\item {\bf VIPS Lab}, Verona, Italy\\The VIPS Lab. is devoted to
  research in computer vision, pattern recognition, image and sound
  processing, and it fosters free software use and development in
  these fields. It coordinates the SOb project IST-2000-25287
  (http://www.soundobject.org), and it is involved in the ARROV
  project (http://arrov.disi.unige.it/) as well as in other national
  research and industrial projects. The VIPS Lab. organized the
  COST-G6 Conference on Digital Audio Effects in 2000.  More
  information available at http://vips.sci.univr.it

\item {\bf Comment: Who else?}

\end{itemize}

{\bf Comment: These are some partners I would like to see (could
  imagine seeing) in the project with some sample descriptions of the
  partners. Neither is the complete/final, nor is there ``official''
  confirmation for the participation of this partner. People from
  these companies/organizations/institutes: Please rewrite your
  description appropriately, these are just ideas. Also please let me
  know whether you want to participate. :) }

\begin{itemize}
  
\item {\bf Association Pour la Promotion et la Recherche en
    Informatique Libre (APRIL)}, Paris, France\\ Free Software
  association furthering Free Software in France.  More information
  available at {\em http://www.april.org}
 
\item {\bf Associazione Software Libero (AsSoLi)}\\ Free Software
    association furthering Free Software in Italy.  More information
    available at {\em http://www.softwarelibero.it}

\item {\bf Association Electronique Libre (AEL)}, Brussels, Belgium\\
  Free Software association furthering Free Software in Beligum.  More
  information available at {\em http://www.ael.be}
  
\item {\bf Association For Free Software (AFFS)}, UK\\ Free Software
  association furthering Free Software in the UK.  More information
  available at {\em http://www.affs.org.uk}
  
\item {\bf Comment: Should Alcove Germany also be on the list as a
    separate entity?}
  
\item {\bf Easter-Eggs}, Paris, France\\ Company based entirely on
  Free Software. Focused on GNU/Linux support and solutions. More
  information available at {\em http://www.easter-eggs.com}
  
\item {\bf Förderverein für eine Freie Informationelle
    Infrastruktur~e.V. (FFII)}, Munich, Germany\\ Association
  furthering Free Software infrastructure in Germany.  More
  information available at {\em http://www.ffii.org}

\item {\bf g10 Code GmbH}, Düsseldorf, Germany\\ A company based
  entirely on Free Software. Focused on cryptography, privacy and
  security. Home of the ``GNU Privacy Guard'' (GnuPG), the only
  supported implementation of the OpenPGP standard. Has experience
  working for the German government. More information available at
  {\em http://www.g10code.de}
  
\item {\bf Intevation GmbH}, Osnabrück, Germany\\ A company based
  entirely on Free Software. Focused on strategic Free Software
  consultation, project coordination and Geographical Information
  Systems (GIS). Publisher of the ``FreeGIS'' CD and a global leader
  in the field of Free Software GIS systems. Has experience working
  for the German government. More information available at {\em
    http://www.intevation.de}
  
\item {\bf Lolix SA}, Paris, France\\ A company based entirely on Free
  Software. Running the Free Software developer job-market ``Lolix.''
  More information available at {\em http://www.lolix.com}
  
\item {\bf Luminas Internet Applications Ltd}, UK\\ A company based
  entirely (?) on Free Software. Focused on providing internet
  solutions. More information available at {\em
    http://www.luminas.co.uk}
  
\item {\bf Nevrax SA}, Paris, France\\ A company based entirely on
  Free Software. Focused on creating the next generation of massively
  multi-user persistent worlds. Aiming to build the finest platform
  for digital environments. More information available at {\em
  http://www.nevrax.com} 
  
\item {\bf Organization for Free Software in Education and Teaching
    (Ofset)}, France \\ Globally active Free Software organization
  promoting the use of Free Software in the educational area. More
  information available at {\em http://www.ofset.org}
  
\item {\bf Prosa, Srl}, Padova, Italy\\ A company based entirely on
  Free Software. Focused on GNU/Linux other Free Software solutions.
  More information available at {\em http://www.prosa.it}
  
\item {\bf [wearlab]@TZi}, Bremen, Germany\\ Part of the TZi
  (Technologie-Zentrum Informatik / Center for Computing Technologies)
  of the University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany. One of the global
  leaders in Free Software mobile computing solutions. More
  information available at {\em http://www.wearlab.de}

\item {\bf Comment: I will have forgotten more than one, but WHO?}
   
\item {\bf Comment: There are a few more I can think of that are run
    by people that understand Free Software and would clearly listen
    to us, but their business models sometimes are not as clean as we
    would like them to be. The question is: Do we want them in or not?
    There are arguments for both...}

\end{itemize}

%}}}

%{{{ Integration and Structuring Effect

% EC Indication:

% The means by which the Network of Excellence will have a structuring
% and integrating effect on European research and assist in spreading
% European scientific excellence.
 
% Description of the pan-European co-operation in the field and the
% benefits to be gained by increasing that co-operation through the use
% of a Network of Excellence; description of the level of contribution
% to the creation of the European Research Area by showing how
% scientific and technological excellence can be strengthened and
% developed by the integration of research capacities currently existing
% or emerging at national or regional level.

\section{Integration and Structuring Effect}

Integration and structuring will clearly be a FOCAL result.\\

Free Software already compasses a virtual network of very heterogenous
nature. It is an inherent property of Free Software to further
integration and self-organizing structures. \linebreak FOCAL offers
the chance to
supplement this ``virtual'' network with a real one, based in Europe.\\
In order to reflect this goal, the list of partners contains a solid
community base, the most experienced companies on this field and
research institutes.\\

Through these, multiple effects will be achieved:
\begin{itemize}
\item {\bf Better Integration of European Research and Industry}: the
  integration and cooperation between commercial and non-commercial
  partners made possible by Free Software is rather unique and
  partially responsible for the economic value of Free Software.
  
\item {\bf Strengthening transdisciplinary approaches}: the same
  mechanisms that allow integration and cooperation between the
  commercial and non-commercial fields will simplify transdisciplinary
  cooperatio n, making Free Software an excellent choice to encourage
  such activities.
  
\item {\bf Increasing the impact of scientific software}: with
  increasing reliance of science on software, software becomes an
  integral part of the scientific process.  The scientific method
  relies on the ability to verify results, however, and only if this
  is possible will a scientific result hold any significance.  If such
  a result is somehow dependent on or published as proprietary
  software, verification becomes impossible, greatly reducing the
  impact of the research effort.  Free Software does not have these
  drawbacks, making it the best choice for all kinds of science.
  
\item {\bf Protection of personal data and privacy}: Since
  communication through software is always opaque, it is seminal that
  the software itself is entirely transparent so people retain the
  possibility to know what the software does when they transmit
  personal or private data.  Currently, only Free Software is truly
  transparent and guaranteed to remain such in time.
  
\item {\bf Information society technologies}: Europe already has a
  leading role in Free Software development and the European Free
  Software community is the most active worldwide.  In this context,
  Europe is well positioned to lead and shape the future development
  not only of technologies but also of their impact on our life and
  work.

\end{itemize}

More details can be found in the recommendation referenced on
page~\pageref{recommendation} in section~\ref{description}.

%}}}

\end{document}