transnew-inteco_wp4_d4 2_transport research capability in romania_final-v2

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TransNEW_InteCo_WP4_D4.2_Transport research capability in Romania _Final-V2

RTD PROJECT

FP7-TPT-2008.8-RTD-1

Support for realising New Member and Associated Statespotentials in transport research

TransNEW: D4.2 Transport researchcapability in Romania

Editor : Isolda Constantin

Revision : Final V2

Dissemination Level1 : PU

Author(s) : Isolda Constantin, Bogdan Cernat

Due date of deliverable : M 10

Actual submission date : 28.10.2010

Start date of project : 01 January 2010

Duration : 24 months

Organisation name of leadcontractor for this deliverable :

InteCo, Integral Consulting R&D

Abstract: This Capability Report will contribute to the results of the compilation of the TransNEWdatabase of research and researchers in Romania currently active in transport research. Theability of the members of the database to fulfil the local, national and European criteria forinclusion in projects will be the aim of this Capability Report.

This report was re-submitted in line with comments from the project officer.

Project funded by the European Community under the FP7

Copyright by the TransNEW Consortium

1Project co-funded by the European Commission within the Seventh Framework Programme (2007-2013): PU

Public; PP - Restricted to other programme participants (including the Commission Services); RE - Restricted to a groupspecified by the consortium (including the Commission Services); CO - Confidential, only for members of the consortium(including the Commission Services).


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TransNEW Consortium Page 2 of 70

The TransNEW Consortium consists of:

Newcastle University (UNEW), Coordinator, United Kingdom

Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VGTU), Lithuania

Riga Technical University (RTU), Latvia

CDV Transport Research Centre (CDV), Czech Republic

Centrum Techniki Okretowej S.A. (Ship Design And Research Centre S.A.) (CTO),Poland

Slovenia Control (Slovenian Aero Navigation Services) Ltd (SLOCON) Slovenia

University of Belgrade Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (UBMaF), Serbia

The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) Turkey

Integral Consulting R&D (INTECO), Romania

Dennis Schut (SCHUT), Czech Republic

Higher School of Transport (HST), BulgariaResearch and Educational Networking Association of Moldova (RENAM), Moldova

Euromobilita s.r.o. (EUMO), Czech Republic

JFI-AUTKUT Engineering Ltd. (AUTOKUT), Hungary

National Institute for Research and Development (ICI), Romania

The University of Maribor (UNI-MB), Slovenia


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History

Version Date Modification reason Modified by

0.1 01.03.2010 First Draft Version Isolda Constantin

0.2 14.04.2010 Using commonly agreed template Isolda Constantin

0.3 02.05.2010 Implemented research statistics Isolda Constantin

Bogdan Cernat-Gruici

0.4 20.06.2010 Modified chapter structure and content Isolda Constantin

0.5 15.09.2010 Conclusions chapter and recommendations Daniel Fistung

0.6 27.09.2010 Executive Summary and Review Bogdan Cernat-Gruici

0.7 11.10.2010 Final revision for internal feedback Isolda Constantin

0.8 19.10.2010 Revision and Feedback Sian Evans

0.9 26.10.2010 Final revision for submission Isolda Constantin


1 28.10.2011 Grammar check and minor adjustments Isolda Constantin


Final 28.10.2010 Proof read and final submission Sian Evans

1.1 13.12.2010 Formatted according to new template Isolda Constantin

1.2 07.03.2011 Document restructuring incorporatingcomments from project officer

Isolda Constantin


1.3 07.03.2011 Quality check of changes Cristian Ulianov1.4 09.03.2011 Final proof read Karen McTigue

Final V2 09.03.2011 Preparation for re-submission Sian Evans


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Table of contents

HISTORY ........................................................................................................................................ 3TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................... 4EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.............................................................................................................. 61. INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................... 82. TRANSPORT RESEARCH POLICY AND INITIATIVES ............................................. 12

2.1. OVERVIEW OF ROMANIAS NATIONAL TRANSPORT PLAN 2000-2010 ................... 122.2. CURRENT STATE-OF-THE-ART IN TRANSPORT RESEARCH.................................. 142.3. NATIONAL TRANSPORT RESEARCH FUNDING IN ROMANIA .................................. 152.4EXAMPLE(S) OF THE MOST RELEVANT TRANSPORT RESEARCH ACTIVE ORGANISATIONS

163. CRITERIA FOR TENDERS FOR RESEARCH PROJECTS ....................................... 18

3.1.

QUALITY CRITERIA FOR INSTITUTIONS AND RESEARCHERS................................. 18

3.2. COST CRITERIA FOR INSTITUTIONS AND RESEARCHERS ..................................... 194. NATIONAL TRANSPORT RESEARCH PROJECTS DATABASE ........................... 22

4.1. PROJECTS FUNDED BY TRANSPORT RESEARCH POLICY MAKERS (E.G.EU,NATIONAL AND LOCAL) ................................................................................................. 224.2. PROJECTS FUNDED BY PRIVATE ORGANISATIONS.............................................. 35

5. NATIONAL TRANSPORT RESEARCHERS ................................................................. 375.1. NATIONAL RESEARCHER LINKS......................................................................... 375.2. INTERNATIONAL RESEARCHER LINKS ................................................................ 38

6. NATIONAL TRANSPORT RESEARCH CENTRES ..................................................... 397. ROMANIAS INVOLVEMENT IN EUROPEAN PROJECTS ....................................... 44

7.1. GENERAL OVERVIEW ON THE ROMANIA PARTICIPATION IN EUPROJECTS ........... 447.2. PROJECT:"ACHIEVING REAL CHANGE WITH INNOVATIVE TRANSPORT MEASURESDEMONSTRATING ENERGY SAVINGS ........................................................................... 44

7.2.1. DESCRIPTION ....................................................................................................... 447.2.2. ROMANIAN PARTNER........................................................................................... 457.2.3. OBJECTIVES ......................................................................................................... 457.2.4. VALUE/BUDGET.................................................................................................... 45

7.3. PROJECT COST-EFFECTIVE SMALL AIRCRAFT................................................. 457.3.1. DESCRIPTION ....................................................................................................... 457.3.2. ROMANIAN PARTNER........................................................................................... 457.3.3. OBJECTIVES ......................................................................................................... 457.3.4. IMPACT ................................................................................................................. 467.3.5. VALUE/BUDGET.................................................................................................... 46

8. SYNTHESIS OF RESULTS .............................................................................................. 47


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8.1. GENERAL ANALYSIS OF ROMANIAS TRANSPORT RESEARCH DATA ..................... 478.2. NATIONAL RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS ................................................................... 49

8.2.1. ROAD HIGHLIGHT................................................................................................. 498.2.2. RAIL HIGHLIGHT ................................................................................................... 508.2.3. AERONAUTIC HIGHLIGHT..................................................................................... 518.2.4. WATERBORNE HIGHLIGHT................................................................................... 52

8.3. SWOT ANALYSIS ............................................................................................. 539. RECOMMENDATIONS...................................................................................................... 57REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................. 60ANNEX 1 - MORE DETAILS ON ROMANIA AN ITS TRANSPORT .................................. 62ANNEX 2 - LIST OF RELEVANT LEGISLATION ................................................................. 69


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Executive Summary

The aim of this deliverable is to comprehensively describe the transport researchcapability in Romania in the timeframe 2000-2010. In order to achieve its goal, thedeliverable was structured in such a way that various defining components of researchcapability were distinctively analysed.

The deliverable focuses on all major transport modes and five major transport researchthemes. In this regard, we have found that transport research in Romania covers alltransport modes and all five major research themes. After only a brief analysis of thedata gathered on national transport research projects, both via desk research andquestionnaires, it was evident that most research projects had road transport as atheme and the most prevalent transport research theme was competitiveness. Adeeper analysis revealed that research projects with greening as a theme havedeveloped a positive trend in the period 2007-2010 as compared to the period 1999-2006. One remarkable feat of Romanias national transport research is the highinvolvement of SMEs. With over 37% of transport research project being coordinatedwithin 1999-2006, SMEs register more coordinated projects than any other organisationtype. The situation changes during 2007-2010, period during which the percentage ofnational transport research project coordinated by SMEs drops to 35%, universitiesclaiming first place in the mentioned period.

One of the prevalent issues regarding the present analysis was that the weaknesses andstrengths of the transport system in Romanian were synergetic with the weaknesses andstrengths found in transport research. This implied that the analysis of the transportresearch capability in Romania had to be made in conjunction with an analysis of thetransport system in Romania.

In this regard, the study begins with the analysis of the transport policies in Romania thatare a defining component of the transport research capability. In principle, transportpolicies define the guidelines for the development of subsequent transport research

policies. We have found that the main transport policies in Romania revolve around thedevelopment of the European transport corridors, mainly corridor IV.

The most important policy document is the National Development Plan 2007-2013(PND), which is the multiannual strategic planning and financial programming documentaimed at the fastest possible bridging of the social and economic development gapsbetween Romania and the other EU member states.

Romanias National Strategy for Sustainable DevelopmentHorizons 2013-2020-2030sets the main action trends with regard to acquiring and applying the sustainabledevelopment principles in the following period. Romania also elaborated an Action Planreferring to the implementation of the Sustainable Transport Strategy during the period2007-2013 and 2020, 2030.

Another important policy document is the Sectoral Operational Programme - Transport(SOP-T) which is based upon the objectives of the National Strategic ReferenceFramework (CSNR), establishing priorities, goals and the allocation of funds for thedevelopment of the transport sector in Romania.

Another relevant base for this deliverable is the description of the research fundingbodies in Romania which shows the funding flow for all research areas includingtransport.

The Romanian Government Decision (HG) no. 223 of 24 March 2005, Art.1 refers to theorganisation and operation of the Ministry of Education, Research, Youth and Sport(MECTS). This is the specialised body of the central public administration in charge ofthe national system of education, instruction and research, exerting its attributions


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through laws and norms. The National Authority for Scientific Research emerged fromthe requirement to promote the development of the knowledge-based society. Given therelative large gap in research and technology development between Romania and theEU average, National Authority for Scientific Research assumed the mission to act asthe executive manager of the Romanian government's decision to rapidly increase thepublic support for RTD towards the Lisbon "Three Percents for RTD" ambitious goal.

Since the research capability of any given country begins to take shape with therequirements defined within research programs by the contracting authoritiesthemselves, it was only natural to dedicate a whole chapter to tender criteria, such asquality criteria for researchers. We have found that cost criteria are very permissive inRomania and as long as the expenses are properly justified. Regarding quality criteria,the most important criteria are:

technical quality of the scientific proposal project management quality working team competence material and financial resources required cost analysis and evaluation

result dissemination national co-operation international co-operation economic and social impact environmental impact

In a direct approach, the analysis of the transport research programs and researchersreveals the extent of researcher links, researcher quality, and the opportunity forresearchers to activate within nationally funded research projects. In conjunction with theanalysis of the national transport research organisations, this section of the deliverableshows the self-sufficiency of the transport research sector in Romania. Overall, thequality of the researchers in the field of transport research is considered to be high, a

fact which is reflected in the outcomes of the research projects. However, the lownumber of joint cooperation programmes and platforms implies that Romanianresearchers have a relative low exposure both at a national and international level.

A reliable measurement of the research capability is the involvement of Romaniancompanies in European research projects. This shows the degree to which Romanianexpertise in the transport field is valued on a European level. Some Romanianorganisations have successfully participated within European transport research projectsbut the numbers indicate that there is potential for more involvement. For example in2007, for FP7 SST Calls, 81 proposals in which Romanian companies participated weresubmitted. Out of the 81 proposals, 19 were selected for funding. In 2008, out of 53proposals, 8 were selected for funding. A truly negative fact is that no Romanianorganisation has managed a European project recently. While the seventh FrameworkProgramme is the most popular European research program in Romania but overallnational research projects outnumber European ones 4 to 1.

A general conclusion can be drawn as a result of the analysis, which is that Romanianresearchers are both willing and capable to participate in EU research projects.However, the lack of international projects managed by Romanian organisations must beremedied in order to truly improve the visibility of Romanias transport research field.


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1. Introduction

General introduction to the country

Romania lies in the South-East of Central Europe, on the lower Danube course, North tothe Balkan Peninsula and on the North-Western shore of the Black Sea. Almost thewhole surface of the Danube Delta, as well as the Southern and Central part of the

Carpathian Mountains is situated on its territory. Romanias natural privilege asadjoining the Black Sea Coast and bordered by the Danube, the most importantwaterway in Europe, along 1075 km conferred it an advantageous strategic position,at the junction of the transit- generating poles in Europe, the Balkans and the MiddleEast. Through Constanta Harbour, the waterways linking the Suez Canal, the Easternpart of the Mediterranean Sea and Central Europe equal approx. 300 km. Moreover, bymeans of the RO-RO and ferryboat systems developed in Constanta Harbour, theEuropean space is linked to the Middle East, the Caucasian region and the Caspian Sea,along routes featuring a high potential of energy resources and freight traffic. [1]

By developing the terrestrial transportation infrastructure, Romania became a bridgebetween the geographical area of Baltic and Nordic countries and the geographic space

of the Black Sea neighbouring countries.Even though it is a known fact that, for objective reasons, the technical condition ofRomanias infrastructure does not correspond entirely to European standards, a reality ofgreat importance has to be mentioned: Romania has an infrastructure network (roads,rail tracks, waterways, sea and river ports, airports, air ways) which assures theconnection of all cities to the national transportation network and to the internationaltransportation systems.

The realisation of a straight connection between the Black Sea through the Constanaharbour - and North Sea, as a consequence of the construction of the Danube-Black Seachannel in 1984 and of the finalization of the Rhine-Main-Danube waterway in 1992, hasmade Romania become the main traffic flow hub from within the Black Sea dock.

During the 90s the national economy faced a transition process towards marketeconomy. This transition was accompanied by a major restructuring of the transportationsector. The modifications in the space of the former Yugoslavia and of the former USSRbrought about a total restructuring of the traditional transport scheme in the area andhelped make the most of Romanias transport infrastructures and favourablegeographical position [2].

Some important statistic data for transportation and research, in Romania2008-2009

[Table 1-1]

YearPopulation1

(people)GDP nominal

Million

Euros3

GDPPPP

Million Euros3

GDPnominal

Per capita

GDPPPP

Per capita2008 21.498.616 139.765 258.982 6.501 12.0462009 21.462.186 115.869 229.289 5.398 10.683

Transport andCommunications share

in GDPPPP 2

(%)

Research share (fromthe budget) in GDP 3

(%)

Transport research share(from the budget) in GDP 3

(%)

9,8 0,4 0,05

... 0,3 0,03

Source: 1) [3]; 2) [6]; 3) [5]


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Considering that Romania has been an EU member since 1 January 2007, itsdevelopment policies and strategy are elaborated according to the main specific politicaldocuments at the Community level.

Romania has an area of 238.391 km, to which further 23.700 km from the Black Seaplatform are added.

The main characteristic of the Romanian relief is its amphitheatre-like display. The

mountains rise in a circular arc in the central part of the country, covering 31% of itssurface, the hills and plateaux rising further, cover 36%, and the plains, lying in the Southand West of the country, approximately 33%.

Romania has a temperate continental climate, with relatively low rainfalls and bigdifferences amongst the seasons.

Transport Maps

The infrastructure public network in Romania includes:

public road network [Fig.1-1] provides motorised access to most of the countryslocalities, the network density being 0,64 km/ sq.km; Romania has 81.713 km ofpublic roads. At the beginning of year 2010, Romania had 321 kilometres ofhighway and 382 km of express roadways, out of a total number of 6.180 kmEuropean highways. Approximately 70% of the road traffic takes place on thenational highways. [1]

public railway network [Fig.1-2] practically covers the whole country territory witha 46,1 km/1000 sq.km density of the operation lines, ensuring the connection withall railway networks of the neighbouring countries; the railway network consists of10.784 km tracks in service.[1]

waterway- and harbour network [Fig.1-3] is entirely situated in the South andSouth-East of Romania, with a 6,5 km/1000 sq.km density; the network is 1.779km out of which 1.075 km are formed by the international navigable section of the

Danube, 524 km the Danubes navigable branches and 91 km artificialwaterways (the Danube-Black Sea and Poarta Alba-Navodari canals). ConstantaHarbour is the main Romanian harbour ranked among the 10 top Europeanharbours. [1]

air network -is made up of Romanias air space in which the air routes are definedaccording to the traffic flows coordinated at the European level byEUROCONTROL. The airport system in Romania [Fig.1-4] includes 17 airports, outof which 4 are open to the domestic and international passenger and freight traffic,and 13 are of a specific character. Bucharest-Otopeni International Airport isRomanias main airport handling 75% of the international passenger and freightflights. [1]

More details are presented in Annex 1


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Fig.1-1. Road network in Romania [8]

Fig.1-2. Railway network in Romania [9]


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Fig.1-3. Networks of waterways and harbours [10]

Fig.1-4 Airports in Romania [8]


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2. Transport Research Policy and Initiatives

2.1. Overview of Romanias National Transport Plan 2000-2010

The field of transport is considered a foremost priority in the context of Romaniasdevelopment plans, considering its interdependent relations with the other national

economic branches, the value of the services provided for the population and theconsiderable environmental impact. Transport, with an approximately 7% share in thegross domestic product, comes in second to trade, as a category of services, in the orderof their importance in the tertiary sector, also providing a contribution to economic growthequivalent to that yielded by agriculture.

Romania is crossedby three of the Pan-European transport corridors [Fig. 2-1].

Corridor IV: Berlin-Nurnberg-Prague-Budapest-Bucharest-Constana-Salonic-Istanbul;

Corridor IX: Helsinki-St. Petersburg-Moscow-Pskov-Kiev-Liubashevska-Chiinu-Bucharest-Dimitrovgrad-Alexandropolis;

Corridor VII: the Danube, inclusively the connection on the Danube-Black Sea

Channel.

Fig. 2-1 Pan-European transport corridors crossing Romania [12]Corridors IV and IX are multimodal, including collecting and distribution hubs and centresamong the road- rail- river and sea transport modes. Consequently, the current priority inRomanian and European transport is the modernisation of the infrastructure of the twoCorridors.

According to the provisions under the Government Decision (GD) 412 /2004 referring tothe operation regulations, the Ministry of Transports and Infrastructure is in charge ofsetting up the transport policy on a national scale, the specific strategy and regulationsfor transport activities development, as well as of performing its functions as a stateauthority in the field of transport.


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The present strategic objective of the transport economic policy is to speed up therestructuring and the development of the component sub-systems by ensuring safedevelopment conditions in the home and international freight traffic and, at the sametime, by creating the necessary conditions for the Romanian transport system integrationinto the future European unique system. The structural and functional linkage of thenational transport systems to the European system is based on dialogue/learningstrategies, on adapting the national systems to the European ones, aggregation at

various levels, harmonisation of infrastructure networks, joint projects, standards andnorms etc.

The National Development Plan 2007-2013 (PND) is the general multiannual strategicplanning and financial programming guiding document aimed at the fastest possiblebridging of the social and economic development gaps between Romania and other EUmember states, as its global objective. This Calls for an extended, modern andsustainable transport infrastructure, as well as for meeting all other conditions referring toeconomy sustainable development and life quality enhancement, so that the transportactivity volume represented in the nominal GDP may rise from 3,6 thousand millionEuros (currently) to at least 7,0 thousand million Euros by 2015. [14]

The Strategic Objective of the Romanian National Strategic Reference Framework(CSNR) for 2007-2013 addresses promotion of competitiveness, development of basicinfrastructure and development and effective use of human resources, with a view toreducing the social and economic development disparity between Romania and EUmember states. The main objective for the transport sector in the CSNR focuses on theprovision of an adequately developed, modern and sustainable infrastructure,appropriately maintained, facilitating the safe and efficient movement of persons andgoods nationally and within Europe and contributing positively and significantly to theeconomic development of Romania.

Romanias National Strategy for Sustainable DevelopmentHorizons 2013-2020-2030 - Romania also elaborated an Action Plan referring to the implementation of theSustainable Transport Strategy during the period 2007-2013 and 2020, 2030.

Expected results following action implementation [16]:- Higher transport capacity (30%-100%), higher traffic and navigation safety and higher

goods- and passenger security (25%-50%);- Better accessibility on routes and destinations (20%-50%), shorter average travel

time (20%-40%);- Increased and more diversified freight transport offer (20%-40%) and higher service

quality (25%-45%);- More diversified and higher quality services in passenger transport (20%-40%),

passengers higher comfort (30%-60%);- Higher operation parameters with the administrator (20%-40%) and the transport

operators (25%-45%): optimisation and reduction in annual operation and

maintenance expenses with the administrator (15%-30%) and the transport operators(20%-40%);- Increase in the annual own revenues with the administrator (20%-40%) and with the

transport services operators (45%-80%);- Gradual reaching of the accessibility level existing in the European metropolitan

areas (80%-100%);- Increased share of the transport sector in the GDP (12%-15%);- Lower specific energy consumption /passenger km, train km, tonne km (10%-20%);- Higher degree of utilisation of the RDI outputs (40%- 60%);- Lower transport global impacts (meeting the objectives set for Romania referring to

the National Emission Platforms) and environmental impacts (5%-20%);- Reducing the limit level for air pollutants in cities (5%-15%);


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- Peoples increased access to public infrastructure services (20%-40%);- Providing better passenger public transport services in the less accessible areas, with

a low population density and dispersible nuclei, as well as for disabled people(25%-45%).

See also Annex 2 - List of relevant legislation for a list with the most important legislationin this field.

2.2. Current State-of-the-Art in Transport Research

The Romanian Research-Development-Innovation (RDI) system went through a verydifficult period after 1989. The underinvestment and delayed restructuring permitted aconnection to the global trends in science and technology in isolated cases, and the stillfragile enterprise sector in Romania could not exert a real innovation demand. Practicallyisolated, the RDI system fragmented, as the various components tried to survive with theminimum available resources, mainly from public funding, within mostly formal systems.

Moreover, the national funding of transport specific projects has been slightly limitedlately, in favour of other fields regarded by the Romanian authorities as more important

for Romanias future evolution.Research and technological transfer are under-financed, demand oriented and deprivedof adequate infrastructures, unable to allow for research results to turn into appliedinnovation. The number of innovative companies is three-to-four times lower as a sharein the total number of companies, as compared to the EU average. The main drawbacksare the low level of implementation of the property rights and the absence of innovativestart-up support structures. Moreover, the older initiatives lacked continuity as a result ofinefficient planning and management. The lack of funds prevented private companies toaccess RDI- and technological transfer actions. [19]

Transport research was best represented by the RDI Programme Urban Planning andTransports Acronym: AMTRANS, a component of the National Research-

Development-Innovation Plan elaborated for the period 2001-2005. The AMTRANSprogramme was prolonged through the Excellence Research programme (CEEX) until2008. It was actually the period in which most of the transport-dedicated projects weredeveloped.

The National Research Development and Innovation Plan II (PN II) is the maininstrument for financing research in Romania for the period 20072013.

Transport is not seen as a priority, being found as a sub-field of the priority: Innovativematerials, processes and products.

Transport research is financed under PN II particularly through Programme 4.Partnerships in the priority domains. Within Objective 7, Innovative materials,processes and products, the following topics are referring to Transport: Products andtechnologies aimed at transports and motor vehicle production;Innovative products and technologies enhancing the energy efficiency of the means oftransport and reduce polluting effects; Products and technologies for buildinginfrastructures: reliable railways, roadways, navigable channels, terminals etc. featuringlow maintenance requirements and low social costs; Higher transport safety andsecurity; Products and technologies intended for motor vehicle production;Intermodal transport systems/technologies for limiting traffic external effects andreducing resource consumption; Integrated supply, technological, distribution logistics,as well as reverse logistics integrating transport handling; storing; conditioning; packing;marketing; fabrication and recycling technologies; Transport quality management andtraffic monitoring and control systems; Solutions to reducing traffic congestion in urban

agglomerations; Products and technologies aimed at air transports.


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Within the Seventh Framework Programme, Romanian organisations had projectsfinanced within the following Calls: FP7 AAT RTD 1; FP7 SSTTREN; FP7 TPT RTD 1; FP7 SST RTD1.

In spite of the general precarious situation in which Romanias research system dwells,there are some research segments which are very visible and well represented on aEuropean level. With regard to transport research, we can mention several participations

in very important European transport research projects. Romanian was always verycompetitive in the field of aeronautics.

2.3. National Transport Research Funding in Romania

According to the Romanian Government Decision (HG) no. 223 of 24 March 2005, Art.1referring to the organisation and operation of the Ministry of Education, Research, Youthand Sport (MECTS), this is the specialised body of the central public administration incharge of the national system of education, instruction and research, exerting itsattributions through laws and norms pertaining to its scope of activity.

[Fig. 2-2] shows the organisation of Romanian research development and innovation

(diagram).

Fig.2-2.Structure of the research, development and innovation financing in Romania

The National Authority for Scientific Research (ANCS) (www.mct.ro) is thegovernmental body authorised to elaborate and implement the national RDI strategiesand programmes, thus ensuring a unitary coordination of the activities in the line carried

out in the universities, national institutes, Romanian Academy institutes and field

RomanianAir SpaceAgency

Ministry of EducationResearch Youth and

Sports (MECTS)

Other

ministries

Romanian

Academy

Public and private organisations carrying on R&D activities

National Authorityfor Scientific

Research (ANCS)

Executive Unit forRDI higher education

financing

(UEFIS-CDI)

RomanianCommittee for

Research

Infrastructures(CRIC)

Advisory Boardfor Research,

Development and

Innovation

(CC-CDI)

RomanianInnovation

Council (CIR)

National Council ofHigher Education

Scientific Research

(CNISIS)

Private Business Sector

Romanian Parliament

Romanian Government

RomanianNuclearAgency


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academies. The authority ensures the communication with the other public authorities inorder to achieve the governmental policies coherence with the civil society structuresand with the citizens. The authority stimulates the international partnership development,regional and local development as well as the private sector.

ANCS has promoted strategic documents defining the prospects of developing the RDIdomain over the period 20072013:

- RDI National Strategy for the period 20072013, approved of by the GovernmentDecision no. 217/ 2007;

- National Research Development and Innovation Plan (PNCDI) over the period20072013, generically named National Plan II (PN II).

The financing sources for the research activity carried on by the units and institutionswithin the national research system include:

a) Funds from the state budget;b) Funds drawn from economic agents;c) Funds derived from international programmes and / or co-operations;d) Other funds constituted according to the legislation.

During the period under analysis, the overwhelming majority of transport researchprojects are financed from the state budget, through MECTS.PN II is financed both formstate budget funds, and from funds drawn from the partners under the consortiumsformed with a view to carrying out the projects. Besides the projects financed underMECTS programmes, there were previously developed transport research projects fromboth national public resources (the Ministry of Transports and its subordinatedinstitutions, the Romanian Academy) and international ones (EU through specificprogrammes), or from private resources (funds provided by private beneficiaries forthemes or programmes required by them and which are not necessarily to be In keepingwith Romanias national research strategy)

2.4 Example(s) of the Most Relevant Transport Research ActiveOrganisations

From an overview of the National RDI programmes following statistics have resulted:- 115 transport projects were financed during the period 2000-2010 and were/are

coordinated by 15 universities;- 98 transport projects were financed during the period 2000-2010 and were/are

coordinated by 19 National Research-Development Institutes- 30 transport projects were financed during the period 2000-2010 and were/are

coordinated by 6 fields or enterprises in the line of research- 29 transport projects were financed during the period 2000-2010 and were/are

coordinated by 23 research companies- 7 transport projects were financed during the period 2000-2010 and were/are

coordinated by 2 research public bodies- 159 transport projects were financed during the period 2000-2010 and were/are

coordinated by 71 SMEs.

The Transport Research Institute - INCERTRANS (http://www.incertrans.ro)is the onlyresearch institute in Romania in the line of transports, with an over 80-year long tradition.INCERTRANS S.A. is organised as a joint stock company under the aegis of the Ministryof Transports and has highly qualified specialists and scientific researchers. Activityfields: Transport infrastructures; Romanias integration into the international transportcorridors; Traffic engineering studies on traffic and circulation; Transport management;Forecasts, strategies of sustainable transport development; Traffic- and circulation


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safety; Traffic monitoring systems; Feasibility studies, environmental impact and balance; Collaborations in European programmes: COST, EUREKA, FP 5, FP 6.

The National Institute of Aerospace Research "Elie Carafoli" INCAS(www.incas.ro) is certainly the most representative national research institute in the fieldof aerospace science in Romania. INCAS is the leader of a cluster within the JTI - CleanSky initiative, set up in partnership with the national industry.

In June 2010, the International Forum for Aviation Research (IFAR) was held in Berlin .Discussions within the working groups ACARE and EREA brought forward a new EUinitiative under FP8 referring to the development of a new aircraft for regional airtransport, with Romania also participating in the project. In July, 2010 the Chamber ofCommerce and Industry of Romania held the conference for the promotion of aninternational partnership in the line of aeronautics in order to develop a new-generationregional air transport space ship. Moreover, INCAS currently develops a prototype forAeroTAXI, an aircraft specially destined for such a transport system.

Out of the most relevant participations under the NP projects and under Europeanresearch programmes, the Politehnica University of Bucharest (www.pub.ro),Faculty of Transports (Road vehicles, Transports, traffic and logistic, Remote control and

electronics in transports, Rolling stock), Faculty of Aerospace Engineering (AeronauticalSystems Engineering "Nicolae Tipei") and Faculty of mechanical Engineering andMechatronics is a noteworthy example, having coordinated over 38 national transportprojects and having participated as a partner in over 83 projects.

Politehnica University of Bucharest takes part under a consortium led by SNPEMATERIAUX ENERGETIQUES SA FRANCE in a research project within FP7 -Research area: SPA-2007-2.2-02 Space transportation, entitled: ,,Innovative propellantsin hybrid propulsion technology and its applications in space transportation (ORPHEE),during the period 20092011. Project FLAVIA - Freight and Logistics Advancement inCentral/South-East Europe: the project general objective is to consolidate a logisticchannel in freight transport from the Central Europe to the Black Sea, with connections

to the TRACECA area, by identifying the barriers in using rail and waterborne transport,as well as the modalities of facilitating the modal transfer for road transport.

At a national level, through the Centre for Research, Design, Service and Consulting inthe field of Remote controls and Electronics in Transports, it coordinates the projectNew information- and management concepts, services and architectures for the shiptraffic and inland water transport, attuned with the European trends RIS-COSAR.


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3. Criteria for Tenders for Research Projects

Research is funded in Romania based on a contractual basis between customers andexecutants. The executants, universities, research institutions, specialised associations,private persons etc., are compelled to adhere to the strict regulations of a contractbetween them and the Contracting Authorities.

The general eligibility criteria of the project proposals are checked at their pre-evaluationstage, while the specific eligibility criteria of the project proposals is checked at theirevaluation stage.

3.1. Quality Criteria for Institutions and Researchers

Scientific proposal/ technical quality. Evaluation is aimed at determining:

- the degree of novelty of the proposed solution

- the originality of the proposal and reference to related national/Europeanprojects (correlation/ exclusion of reiterations or overlapping with similar projects

funded from national/ European public funds)- project contribution to the development of the targeted domain/domains

- the multidisciplinary character of the research activities

- the degree of novelty/originality of the proposed solutions, methods, work tools

- the level of the performance and quality parameters of the proposed solution

- the degree of compliance with the requirements of the appropriate regulationsand standards at the European or international level (quality, environment, risketc.)

- operational plan and/or dissemination of results

The evaluation of the scientific/technical quality of the project proposal also includeschecking the actual performance of the activities foreseen as compulsory under theproject according to the project type.

Project management quality. Evaluation is focused on the degree to which the projectmanager has the required know-how and experience in the respective research domainand the general skills in order to conduct and organise the project. Moreover, projectperformance quality is also evaluated:

- project organisation and planning: structure, stages and necessary resources

- clear-cut responsibilities, coordination and correlation among partners

- methods, indicators and procedures for monitoring result achievement andevaluation

Working team competence. Evaluation is intended at determining whether the researchteam has the required expertise and experience and sufficient contacts at the nationaland international level.

Ensuring the financial resources flow in order to carry out the project. The evaluationis intended to determine whether the project partners have the necessary resources inorder to carry out the project:

- the partners should have the necessary and sufficient materials (material base)

- the partners should also have the possibility of making use of other material

bases at other economic organisations and/or institutions


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- financial credibility of the participating units

Cost analysis and evaluation. Evaluation is aimed at whether cost planning is realisticor not and whether it is within the budget parameters:

- Level of costs: total/per stage/per activities etc.

- Cost efficiency/results

National co-operation. Evaluation is focused on the degree to which the project will behelpful in exploiting and developing the national research-related abilities and expertiseand/or in setting up networks in the field.

International co-operation. Evaluation is aimed at the degree to which the project willcontribute to the internationalisation of Romanias research work and/or of the relevantdomain, as well as at the planes on which this objective is to be reached.

Result dissemination. Evaluation has in view the levels at which the results are to bedisseminated (at the academic and popular level) and the contact with the user,inclusively the target groups and the means intended for information dissemination.

Economic and social impact. Evaluation is aimed at the degree to which the project

contributes to the development of the economic/social milieu and to thesupport/acceleration of the integration process into the EU economic and social area.

Environmental impact. Evaluation is aimed at determining:

- the compliance with conditions referring to the working environment quality

- the compliance with the conditions referring to the environment protection andquality, inclusively with those referring to bioethics and bio security

3.2. Cost Criteria for Institutions and Researchers

For the PNCDI tenders, the following information, criteria or funding conditions are being

specified through the Information Package elaborated for a certain Programme (forexample, Innovation Programme):

The Programmes total budget for a specified period

The projects maximum funding level from the budget

The projects maximum duration (2-3 years)

Definition of the project type eligible for funding from the budget

Definition of eligible type of activities

Within some category of activities, the maximum funding quotas (as percentages)are being defined, that can be granted from the budget, the rest of financing

being assured by the applicant (from own sources, or other sources). The co-financing possibilities have to be explained, sustained and justified.

The percentage quotas ensured from the budget for each activity category aredifferent and dependent of the dimension of the project participating company,the small and medium size entities being supported through these quotas (biggerpercentages).

None of the partnership entities has to provide more than 70% of the eligibleexpenses.

Definition of eligible expenses:


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- Personnel expenses (employed for the project and research activities). Thepersonnel list and the CVs of the key personnel are part of the offer, andrespectively, of the contract.

- The salary ceilings are specified on four activity categories (according to thelevel of complexity, knowledge and expertise) and respectively according tothe personnels functions and qualifications, through Government Decision

no. 475/2007

- Expenses for the acquisition of instruments and equipment necessary for therealisation of the research project. If these instruments and equipment itemshave an operation period longer than the duration of the research project,only the amortisation costs for the project duration are eligible, computed onthe basis of the regulated accounting practices:

- For the acquisition of instruments and equipment, the funding level admittedfor budget financing is of maximum 40% out of the total value granted fromthe budget for the entire project.

-

Expenses for contractual research, for technical know-how and patents orlicences acquired at the market price form external sources, when theoperation was conducted according to the competition principle, and in theabsence of any preferential element, such as the costs for consultancyservices and equivalent services used exclusively for financing researchactivities.

- Overheads involved by the research project.

- Other operation expenses, including costs for materials, consumables andsimilar products necessary for the research activity.

- Expenses for the technical feasibility studies, preceding the industrial

research or experimental development activities.- Expenses for obtaining the industrial property rights for SMEs.

- Expenses for consultancy services for innovation and for support services forinnovation.

The projects expenses structure, differentiated on activities, destinations andcategories, has to be according to the projects operational plan and to respectthe provisions from Government Decision no. 1579/2002. There are consideredas eligible costs only those costs performed after signing the contract.

The contractor can contract a maximum of 5% of the project activities with thirdparties, but only with the preliminary written consent of the Contracting Authority.

The participation of third parties in the contract can be done only throughacquisition contracts obeying to the principles of Government Urgent Order no.34/2006 regarding public acquisitions. These settlements will have to berespected for all product and services acquisition activities unfolded within theproject.

Sub-contracting is forbidden.

The non-eligible expenses, incurred only from own sources, ensure theperformance of the activities necessary for the development of the project.

The required costs have to be substantiated through the tendering documents,

mainly through:


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a) The description of project proposal, which includes pre-establishedchapters, like: the projects relevance, the projects technical potential (themultidisciplinary character, the originality level, the complexity of theproposed product/technology/service), the fulfilment of EU regulations andstandards, the economic justification of the proposal, material and financialresources for the development of the project (existent and necessary),human resources (quality, experience, quantity), project management, etc.

b) (pre)Feasibility study, business plan.

The operation plan presents in a tabular form all the project stages and allthe activities at each stage for each project partner, including thecompletion dates. The same table includes the costs for each activity/stagefor each partner and broken down for each category of eligible expenses,for budget expenses and respectively co-financing expenses, framed withinthe admitted percentages.

c) The costs estimate for each partner and each stage, for eligible expensesfunded from the budget, from other sources, and total.

d) The partners collaboration agreement.

Negotiation and contracting

The final sum granted through the financing contract from the budget under the Plan, aswell as own financing, is negotiated in accordance with the legal provisions and activitiesforeseen in the operation Plan. Once the budget financing is negotiated, it can bemodified only under the conditions foreseen by the law by means of an addendum.

The contract for budget funding will be drawn up in accordance with the frame contractagreed by the Contracting Authority, and will come along with the necessarydocumentation (associated annexes) with the authorised signatures of projectcoordinator and partners, in original.


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4. National Transport Research Projects Database

4.1. Projects Funded by Transport Research Policy Makers(e.g. EU, national and local)

The release of the first National Research-Development-Innovation Plan (PNCDI) in

1999 and funding approach based on the research programmes essentially determinedan increase in performance and a change in mentality referring to access to resources.

PNCDI (I) included 9 programmes and 267 projects which approached the field oftransport. The most numerous and the most representative projects were funded underthe programmes RELANSIN Economic revival through research and innovation (128)and AMTRANS Landscape development and Transport (101).

Table 4-1 shows the distribution of the projects funded in the field of transports under theprogrammes pertaining to PNCDI (I).

Distribution of R&D transport projects * carried out under PNCDI (I) componentprogrammes in the period (1999-2006)

Table 4-1

ProgrammeNo. of

projects

RELANSIN Economic revival through researchand innovation 128INFRAS Consolidation of standardization andquality infrastructures 6AMTRANS Landscape development andTransport 101

INFOSOC Information Society 12MAINANTECH New materials, micro-and

nanotechnologies 1MENER Environment, energy, resources 2AEROSPATIAL Technologies in the field ofaeronautics and space 9

CALIST- Quality and standardization 5

INVENT Invention application stimulation 3

Total 267* [Desk research InteCO]When selecting the transport projects conducted under PNCDI (I) in theperiod 1999-2006, information published in the following web pages was used (see [20]; [21];[22]; [23]; [36]; [37]; [38]; [39] in the References)

Table 4-2 shows the prevailing approach of the road sector-related themes (95 projects)under PNCDI (I), a trend which is continued as it will be further seen in PN II.

As it can be seen in Table 4-2, 31 projects covered several transport modes, namely:rail-road, aeronautic-sea and road-sea. For instance : Project Network of logistic centresin the Romanian transports carried out by the Transport Research Institute inpartnership with the Technical Studies Academy of Romania (ASTR) and S.C. LogisExportrans S.R.L.


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Distribution of R&D programmes which funded transport projects carried outunder PNCDI (I) according to modes *, in the period 1999-2006

Table 4-2

Researchprogramme

Transport mode Projects whosethematic areacovers several

transport

modes

Rail Road Aeronautic Sea

RELANSIN 36 39 24 16 13

INFRAS 0 4 1 1 0

AMTRANS 21 46 9 10 15

INFOSOC 2 4 2 1 3

MAINANTECH 1 0 0 0 0

MENER 1 0 1 0 0

AEROSPATIAL 0 0 9 0 0

CALIST 5 0 0 0 0

INVENT 1 2 0 0 0Total 67 95 46 28 31

*[Desk research InteCO] When selecting the transport projects conducted under PNCDI (I) in theperiod (1999-2006) information published in the following web pages was used (see [20]; [21];[22]; [23]; [36]; [37]; [38]; [39] in the References)

Fig. 4-1 Distribution of the transport research projects carried out under PNCDI (I)according to action types

PNCDI (I) was funded both from state budget funds and from funds from the partnersunder the consortiums set up for projects carrying out.

In the management of the programmes under PNCDI (I) both the programme leadersand all categories of research-development units were involved: national institutes,universities, research-development companies, public institutes, NGOs, and alsoindependent people [Fig. 4-2].


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Fig. 4-2 Classification of the research organisations which conducted transport researchprojects according to the number of projects funded under PNCDI (I); 19992006

Fig. 4-3 Weight of SMEs that coordinated transport research projectsPNCDI (I) - 19992006

PNCDI (I) was finalised in 2006, and the next National Plan started in 2007. In order to

make a connection between PNCDI (I), the National Plan 2007 (PNII) and FP7(European Community), CEEX-Excellence Research programme was released, carriedon starting with year 2005, with a significant share in the ANCS budget (24,98%).

In 2002 Romanias contribution under FP6 was estimated at a value of 77.266.000Euros. The totally non-encouraging results at the 2003 and 2004 Calls determined theEuropean Commission to lend support to Romania, with reductions in contribution downto 50%. Thus the final contribution was of ~ 64.981.560 Euros.

Under EU framework programmes FP5 and FP6, Romania participated in the carryingout of 42 transport projects covering both the surface transport and air space andaeronautics. As a matter of fact, Romanias most participations were registered in theline of air- and spatial transport [18].


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EC contribution to Romania in FP6 Transport: ~ 3 Mil Euros

- Aeronautics:~ 1,3 Mil Euros;

- SST:~ 1,7 Mil Euros

Fig. 4-4 Romanias participation in FP5 and FP6 transport projectsDistribution according to transport modes

Fig.4-5 Romanias participation in transport projects under FP 5Transport project distribution according to types of action


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Fig. 4-6 Classification of the research organisations which conducted transport research

projects according to the number of projects funded under FP5

Fig. 4-7Romanias participation in transport projects under FP6Transport project distribution according to action types

Fig. 4-8 Classification of the research organisations having conducted transport researchprojects according to the number of projects funded under FP6


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PN II (20072013), currently underway, is coordinated by ANCS and includes 6 fundingprogrammes. The most important transport projects were funded under the Innovationand Partnerships programmes.

For each of the priority domains, representative scientific and technical domains havebeen identified. Surface transports in the priority domain include, 009 Innovative

materials, processes and products (having the biggest share - 55,5%), with the followingrepresentative sub-domains: Transport infrastructures; Means of transport; Transporttechnologies; Traffic control systems and equipment; Freight distribution and logistics.

Aeronautics is included into the priority domain Space and security with the followingsub-domains: Aero spatial propulsion systems; Aviation and aero spatial structures; On-board installations and equipment; Aero spatial technologies.

Approximately 171 projects in the line of transport were carried out under PN II(20072013). The most relevant component programmes, under which transportresearch projects were funded, are:INNOVATION and Priority domains PartnershipsProgrammes.

A total number of 48 transport projects are currently underway within the INNOVATIONProgramme. Under Programme 4 Partnerships in priority domains, 49 transportprojects were funded.

Table 4-4 shows the distribution of R&D programmes/projects funded under PN II in thefield of transports according to transport modes, during the period 20072013.

Distribution of R&D programmes / projects funded under PN II (20072013)in the field of transport. Classification according to modes *

Table 4-4

Researchprogramme

Transport mode Projects whosethematic areacovers several

transport modes

Railway Road Aeronautics Naval

CEEX, 2006 0 4 1 1 0

IMPACT 1 2 1 0 0

INNOVATION,2007

2 3 1 1 1

INNOVATION,2008

7 23 3 3 4

Partnerships inpriority domains,2007

1 12 15 0 1

Partnerships inpriority domains,

2008

0 7 11 1 1

IDEAS 1 21 2 1 1CAPACITIES,2007

0 1 1 0 0

NUCLEUS 0 0 1 0 0Structural FundsPriority Axis 2

7 3 0 0 1

Grants, CNCSIS 1 13 0 7 2

Total 20 89 36 14 11* [Desk research InteCo]-The selection of the projects conducted under PNII (2007-2013)information published in the following web pages was used (see [21]; [24];[25];[26]; [27]; [33]; [34];

[35] in the References)


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As it can be seen in Table 4-2, 10 projects covered several transport modes, namely:rail-road, aeronautic-sea and road-sea

Fig. 4-9 Distribution of projects carried out under PN II (20072013)According to action types

Fig, 4-10 Classification of the research organisations which carried out transportresearch projects, according to the number of projects

funded under PN II (20072013)

In 2007, in spite of the transition between the two national research plans, the activitieswere carried out as scheduled.

In the latter half of 2008, management activities were disturbed, mainly because of thefinancial crisis which leads to:

- A further even out/delay of the payments to the contractors;

- Diminishing or complete cancellation of certain payments;

- Adjournment over unlimited time duration of certain contracting activities.


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All of the above led to an uncertain atmosphere with consequences affecting the long-term public RDI systems credibility.

Fig, 4-11 Weight of SMEs that coordinated transport research projectsPN II (20072013)

Statistical analysis of Romanias participation in FP7 TRANSPORT Calls

EC contribution to Romania in FP7 Transport (1st, 2nd, 3rd Calls):~ 10 Million Euros

- Aeronautics:~ 2,8 Million Euros

- SST + TPT+ Galileo:~ 6,9 Million Euros

Fig. 4-12 Romanian participation (share of EC requested contribution) in proposals inFP6 Transport and FP7 Transport Calls retained for funding [31]; [40]


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Fig. 4-13 Romanian participation in SST FP7 Calls. [32]; [40]

Fig. 4-14 Romanian participation in AAT FP7 Calls. [32]; [40]


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Fig. 4-15 Romanian participation (share of EC requested contribution) in proposals by FP7Transport Calls: 2007, 2008 and 2010 retained for funding [31]

Fig. 4-16. EC contribution requested by the Romanian participantsin 2007 and 2008 Calls. [31]; [40]


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Fig. 4-17 Romanian participation (share of EC requested contribution) in evaluated andretained for funding proposals, Transport (2007, 2008, 2010) [31]

Total Romanian participation in FP7 Cooperation-Transport Calls (2007, 2008, 2010):

- Total of Romanian participations in evaluated proposals: 284

- Total of Romanian participation in ranked proposals: 54

- Success rate: 19%

- Total EC requested contribution by Romania in FP7 Transport (1st, 2nd, 3rd Calls):~ 68 Million Euro

- Total EC contribution by RO in FP7 Transport (1st, 2nd, 3rd Calls):~10 Million Euro

- Success rate: 15 %

Fig. 4-18 Romanian participation (share of EC requested contribution) in proposals evaluatedand retained for funding. [31]


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Romanian participation (share of EC requested contribution)in proposals evaluated and retained for funding- 2007, 2008, 2010 CALLS. [31]

Table 4-6

Funding Scheme EC Requestedcontribution toparticipants in

evaluated proposals,Million Euros

EC contributionRequested byparticipants in

retained proposals,Million Euros

Successrate

Small or medium-scalefocused research project(FP)

46 3,8 8,2%

Large-scale integratingproject (IP)

2,2 0,7 31,8%

Collaborative projects(CP)

15,5 4,7 30,3%

Coordination ornetworking actions

(CSA-CA)

2,7 0,3 11,1%

Support actions (CSA-SA) 1,6 0,3 18,7%TOTAL 68 9,8 14,4%

0

1,000,000

2,000,000

3,000,000

4,000,000

5,000,000

6,000,000

7,000,000

FP6 FP7 -1st

calls-

2007

FP7 -2st

calls-

2008Sustainable Surface

Transport1,700,000 5,100,000 513,000

Aeronautics 1,300,000 1,200,000 1,300,000

Euros

SustainableSurfaceTransport

Aeronautics

Fig. 4-19 Romanian requested contribution in ranked proposals

in FP6 Transport and FP7 Transport Calls [31]


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Fig. 4-20 Participants in proposals submitted versus organisation type (%)Surface Transport. [32]

Fig. 4-21 Romanian participants in the proposals submitted,

versus organisation type Air transport (%). [32]

Under the European initiative intended to provide additional support to the research-development activities conducted by the SMEs with innovative specific character, theRomanian researchers participated within prestigious European consortia in researchprojects - Star-Net Transport Project supporting the SMEs in the line of surface transport


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to get EU funds, was run under FP7, with the Romanian participation of the RomanianPublic Transport Operators Professional Association (URTP).

The project involving coordination and support actions is due to be finalised on 30September 2010. Star-Net Transport assists companies with drawing up projectproposals to access EC approval for funding, selects eligible ideas of project proposals,and provides two on line working tools. INNOVCHECK is intended for evaluating the

capacities, the opportunities and the possible threats of a company, while GETIN assistswith actually drawing up the project proposal. The projects which can be proposed by theRomanian companies will pertain to such subject areas as road safety increase,reducing transport vehicle- caused noise, green fuel vehicles, urban vehicle interfaces,integrated combustion systems, lighter vehicles and others.

The Innovation Programme under PN II-Module 5 European Co-operation is addressedto economic agents, Romanian legal persons interested in developing projects under theEUREKA initiative. In the year 2010, the project Dynamic Carpooling Service ForPeople On The Move, acronym E!5093 DYNAMO, with the Romanian participation ofIntegral Consulting R&D Bucharest was approved of within EUROSTARS Programme.

Several support actions in transport development in Romania:

Intermodal transport promotion. The operations are aimed at facilitating freight modaltransfer, mainly from road to rail / road or naval / road. To be also mentioned that theelaboration of a 12,8 million Euros worth project is in progress, aiming at building /upgrading 4 intermodal terminals by 2015; the project is faced with some difficultiescaused by the state aid- related regulations and by certain unclear structural aspects.

Traffic safety enhancement for all transport modes. These operations are intended toensure the implementation of the European safety standards for all the means oftransport. A portfolio of 10 projects was prepared, out of which 2 major projects,amounting to an overall value of 146,9 million Euros.

Minimising transport adverse effects on the environment. The specific operations

include the implementation of initiatives intended to efficient and non-polluting /environmental friendly transport infrastructures in line with the European standards andrequirements for all the transport modes, intermodal activities included, In keeping withthe Kyoto Agreement. A portfolio of 3 projects 11,6 million Euros worth has beenprepared so far.

4.2. Projects Funded by Private Organisations

Most contracts are carried out in partnership. The relationships between the economicagents and the research units are thus consolidated, while creating a normal flow of thescientific know-how transfer to the applied production area. At the same time, theresearch units get familiar with the problems the business milieu is faced with. Project

co-funding also gets the participants under the research projects more interested in theapplicable- and impact results. For instance, under the Innovation Programme,approximately 45% of the project financing funds comes from private organisations.

As it can be seen in [Fig. 4-3], under PNCDI I (1999-2006), a number of 100 SMEs,standing for approx. 37% of the total number of the organisations coordinated surfacetransport- and aeronautics research projects. The weight of the SMEs coordinatingprojects approved of for financing under PN II (2007-2013), [Fig. 4-11] a number of 59SMEs, reaching to approx. 35% of the total number of the organisations coordinatingtransport research projects. The involvement of an ever growing number of SMEs in theresearch activity, as well as the efforts to participate in and co-finance research projectsshow that the SME sector, on the whole, has reached a new development stage.


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An eloquent example of SME having allocated considerable private resources fortransport research projects is MBTelecom Bucharest (www.mbtelecom.ro).

Major projects in transport:

Improving security of the North, East and South Romanian Border designing andinstalling a national system for automatic detection of targeted vehicles using ourown license plate recognition engine and automatic traffic flow management, by

automatic control of intelligent barriers and traffic lights.Design and production in partnership with Rapiscan Systems four units of Mobile

Imaging System for trucks and containers screening: 3 units for RomanianCustoms and 1 unit for Latvian Customs.and 3 D X Ray technology equipment forluggage screening.

National monitoring system for automatic data recording, integrating 65 trafficdata collection sites, provided to National Company Motorways and NationalRoads.

MBTechnology has been awarded The Grand Prix of the 37th International Exhibition ofInventions of Geneva with the congratulations of the jury for its revolutionary automated

gamma ray scanner, ROBOSCAN 1M A truck- and van- scanning system wasawarded the WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organisation) prize [4]

Other example for a research private company is the National Research &Development Institute for Turbo engines COMOTI-INCDT COMOTI (www.comoti.ro)

It is the only specialised unit in Romania integrating the activities of scientific research,design, production, experimenting, technological transfer and innovation in the field ofaviation turbo engines (42 invention patents; 10 patents application registered at OSIM).

The international acknowledgement of INCDT COMOTI professional competitivenesswas materialised through:

- The award of a significant number of medals and diplomas at the international

invention salons from Genve and Brussels as well as at the Inventika Salon 2009.- The institute participation in seven European projects of wide scope under FP5 and

FP6 (SILENCE,CoJeN, METHOD, VITAL, ABRANEW, XNOISE 2)

All these projects were financed by European Commission in partnership with ANCS andINCDT COMOTI. [28] [29] [30]

Some private companies will call upon research centres to modernise existing products,develop new products or expand production capabilities. Examples below show somescientific work made via commercial contracts between the Transport research designand consulting Centre from the Politehnica University Bucharest, Faculty of Transports.

Research projects achieved through direct contracts with private beneficiaries

Table 4-7No Name of the project

1 Overall project for a public transport system adapted to the mobility requirementsof the population in Ilfov District (Beneficiary Ilfov District Council, 2006)

2 The railway data basis (Beneficiary Luis Berger Ltd., 2007)3 The airport data basis (Beneficiary Luis Berger Ltd., 2007)4 Traffic services (Beneficiary SWARCO Romania SRL ,2008)5 Traffic services (Beneficiary SWARCO Romania SRL ,2009)6 Sustainable transport solutions in order to ensure Petrom employees mobility,

contract (Beneficiary PETROM S.A. Company, 2009)7 Traffic study for the passenger district transport (Beneficiary University of

Craiova and Dolj District Council, 2009)


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5. National Transport Researchers

5.1. National Researcher Links

ANCS currently monitors 31 technological platforms at the national level, based onpublic-private partnerships among which are sea transport and aeronautics.

In Romania, several Working Groups are made up and currently operating. They areaimed at taking counsel with the main actors in the line of Transport in a certain thematicarea (Naval transport Integrated Maritime Policy - IMP; urban transport project FP7 -LINK; Intelligent Transport Systems ITS Romania etc)

At the national level, only a technological platform in the Transport field has been createdso far: RO Waterborne Romanian Technological Maritime Platform. Thistechnological platform was set up and financially supported (during the period20062008) from public funds, under a CEEX project, Module III.

At present, the RO Waterborne platform is exclusively funded from private funds, havingthe National Romanian Ship Builders Association - ANCONAV as its main supporter.

SAVAT Advanced systems for road vehicles and transport is an interdisciplinarytraining and research platform organised at the Transilvania University in Braov in theMechanical Engineering Faculty.

The platform is made up based on the strategy elaborated by the European RoadTransport Research Advisory Council (ERTRAC) in December 2004 which defines thestrategic targets to be reached within the European Union, by 2020, in the followingresearch and development trends: mobility, transport and infrastructure; environment,energy and resources; safety and security of the passenger and goods transport; design-production- and quality assurance systems.

Intelligent Transport Systems Romania- ITS Romania (http://its-romania.ro) it is anapolitical, patrimonial, non-governmental and not-profit organization, which aim is to

encourage, promote, support, co-ordinate, implement and integrate Intelligent TransportSystems in Romania.Intelligent Transport Systems is applied to all transportation modes (road, railway, air,maritime and inland waters, public).Intelligent Transport Systems promotion in Romania to: improve the traffic safety;increase the mobility; minimize the impact on the environment; ensure the inter-operability and integration in the European transport networks; efficiently manage theentire transport process.Members: transport network administrators; Vehicle and telematic equipmentconstructors; Research and consulting institutes; Representatives of the Hauliers andCivil Society; Universities and Training Centres; Over 60 individual experts. ITS Romaniahas created the National Network of Research and Development Centres in the field ofITS (RECITS).The Romanian Association for Technological Transfer AroTT (www.ipacv.ro/arott)is the non-governmental and non-profit professional association of units in the field oftechnological transfer and innovation. The association is aimed at promoting andprotecting the innovative business milieu in Romania, fostering its membersprofessional- and commercial interests, as well as at strengthening their professionalauthority and social prestige against the background of sustainable regionaldevelopment.

Romanian Union of Public Transport URTP (www.urtp.ro) is an independent, nongovernmental and apolitical organisation, developing non profit activities in the publictransport area. It also represents the employers' association in this field of activity. The


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project ,,An European Network to Support the Sustainable Surface Transport SMEsStar-net Transport is an innovative action with all the key ingredients to be successful inits goal of promoting larger SMEs participation in SST EC research activities."URTPparticipated in several EC funded European project partnerships concerning thesustainable development.

The Association of Railway Engineers in Romania A.I.F.R. (www.aifr.ro) is a

professional organisation, fully autonomous, non-governmental, apolitical, and with non-profit activity. As members of the association are engineers from the railway societies,companies and undertakings, from the rolling stock and equipments supplying andrepairing companies, from researching and projecting companies, from technicaluniversities.

5.2. International Researcher Links

Romania was one of the first EU member states to have ensured the legal framework forthe implementation of the scientific visa, by transposing into the national legislation themeasures decided on through Directive 2005/71/CE referring to the specific procedurefor the admission of third party countries citizens with a view to developing scientific

research activities over a period of time longer than three months.Romania is a founder member of Clean Sky, where it participates through a consortiummade up of 2 research institutes and 2 airplane works. Also, Romania takes part in theJoint Technology Initiative for Aeronautics.

Romania is represented in 4 of the European technological platforms in the line oftransports:

EIRAC European Intermodal Research Advisory Council

WATERBORNE Technology Platform (supported by ACMARE Advisory Council):

ERTRAC European Road Transport Research Advisory Council:

ACARE: Advisory Council for Aeronautics Research in Europa:

In the ERRAC technological platform (European Rail Research Advisory Council):Romania has no members yet.

It is worth mentioning the National Research Development Institute for Turbo Engines -COMOTI (INCDT COMOTI) Bucharest, which contributes to forming up the Europeanexcellence network X3-Noise, under the leadership of SNECMA Company France

INCAS, too, is a member of EREA European Research Establishments in Aeronautics,an association joining together the most important research strategic infrastructures inaeronautics; ARG Aeronautical Research Group, an organisation joining together themain entities capable of developing and integrating civilian and military aeronautical

products, and aiming at a joint policy regarding the research place and role in the contextof aeronautics development worldwide.

The Calculation Technique Institute (ITC) represents Romania in the ManagementCommittee of the action Real-Time Monitoring, Surveillance and Control of RoadNetworks under Adverse Weather Conditions under the intergovernmental frameworkprogramme for European co-operation in science and technology in the line of transportand urban development, COST TU 0702.

From the overall data available we can deduct that some research organisations mainlyinvolved in transport research were also involved in linkage programs and thus theirtransport researchers benefited from such programs.


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6. National Transport Research Centres

With a view to an efficient concentration and utilisation of the research potential existingin various specialty areas, MECTS acts mainly by:

- stimulating the set-up of research networks at the national level, particularly inrelevant areas for the European research space and their connection with the

networks from the other European countries- supporting the collaboration between universities and research institutions.

The programmes included into the National Research Plan support the forming/development of the research labs networks, finance the purchase of lab equipment andinstruments, support the training of the young researchers willing to get involved in labresearch work.

Funding of the research activity within the research centres is effected based oncontracts from:

the state budget contracts concluded with the Ministry of Education, Research,Youth and Sport, other collaborators, based on the results obtained following thesubmission of projects under the national competitions within the ResearchProgrammes

other sources contracts concluded based on orders received from directbeneficiaries of the result outputs.

The National Technological Transfer and Innovation Network ReNITT a network ofspecialised institutions for technological transfer and innovation currently includes 51specific entities:

- technological transfer centres,

- technological information centres,

- technological and business incubators- 4 scientific and technological parks located in various regions of the country.

The Technological Transfer Centre - MASTER-TT Bucharest operates within SCMASTER SA Bucharest authorisation domain: motor vehicle parts industry;

A Technological- and Business Incubator (CPRUITA) operates within thePolitehnica University of Bucharest authorisation domain: automatics, IT andcommunications, mechanical engineering and transport.

Below is an example of a research centre in the line of surface transport, featuringoutstanding expertise and results.

6.1 TRANSPORT RESEARCH DESIGN AND CONSULTING CENTREOperates in the Transports Faculty within the Politehnica University of Bucharest

Areas of expertise:

Solutions to reliable infrastructures (railways, roads, waterways, terminals etc.),with lowest possible maintenance requirements and low social costs

Higher transport safety and security,

Intermodal transport systems / technologies in order to restrict traffic externaleffects and to reduce resource consumption,


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Integrated logistics (technological, supply, distribution) and reverse logisticscombining technologies referring to transport, handling, warehousing/ storing,conditioning, packing, marketing, manufacture, recycling,

Systems of transport quality management, and of traffic monitoring and control,

Solutions to reducing urban congestions as correlated with space structuring andlife quality enhancement.

Number of research contracts, during the period 20052009: 19, worth approx.

840.000 Euros (18 contracts funded out of national funds and 1 contract out ofinternational funds)

Selective List of the research contracts / grants funded out of the National BudgetTransport research- design- and consulting centre

Table 6-1No Name of the project

1 Research works referring to transport service quality (Grant, 2000)2 Sustainable transport an essential component of the 3rd millennium society

Mathematic models, algorithms and calculation programmes with a view to

Optimising freight distribution networks (Grant, 2001)3 Sustainable transport an essential component of the 3rd millennium society

Congestion limitation on the transport infrastructure elements by Optimising theinvestme

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