As part of the Community's strategy to promote alternative test methods, the development of methods covering computer supported, in vitro and other methodologies, including refinement of current methods, has been a priority for decades.

Moreover, the expression computer implemented invention is not in use among specialists, unlike the expression ‘computer-assisted’, as in software for ‘computer-assisted design/ computer-assisted manufacturing’.

The main point is the draft amendments whereby the phrase computer-implemented invention is to be substituted by the phrase computer controlled invention or computer assisted invention, and which define the concept of technical contribution and, more precisely, which also define the terms that are important for judging the technical nature of the invention, and clearly establish that the rights to pure ...[+++] software, or even to media, are not inadmissible.

The main point is the draft amendments whereby the phrase computer-implemented invention is to be substituted by the phrase computer controlled invention or computer assisted invention , and which define the concept of technical contribution and, more precisely, which also define the terms that are important for judging the technical nature of the invention, and clearly establish that the rights to pure ...[+++] software, or even to media, are not inadmissible.

43. Calls on Member States to develop innovative and comprehensive actions in the field of education for the new economy in pre-school, school, tertiary and higher education, and asks on the Commission to encourage complementarity in programmes - ensuring for instance that new educational programmes have an e Europe element - , to give special consideration to concepts of computer supported cooperative learning, the creation of educational information networks and databases, using information networks for intercultural learning and high quality standards ...[+++]for multimedia applications in education and training in its initiative on “Europe's youth into the digital age”;

Eligible measures The measures eligible under Retex could involve the following: a) Improving know-how by providing businesses with aid to pay for advisory services and the equipment (excluding machinery for production) to put the advice into practice, in the fields of design, quality control, computer-assisted manufacturing and planning, marketing, etc. b) Aid for the formation of local associations of businesses and other cooperation schemes for the purpose of: - improving know-how in the areas described under (a) above, - research and the development of new methods of production; - marketing and diversification of products; - improving information on market trends; - creating networks of contacts. c) Setting up teams to provide ideas ...[+++]and advice to assist small and medium-sized businesses. d) Temporary contributions towards paying engineers, technical staff and managers who are recruited to help in implementing modernization plans for businesses drawn up with the assistance of outside experts. e) Vocational training schemes for staff in textile and clothing firms and retraining for staff faced with reduncancy or already unemployed. f) The rehabilitation of industrial wasteland, including restoring redundant industrial buildings, aid to reduce pollution caused by industry (the treatment and recycling of liquid effluent and industrial waste). g) Improving access to venture capital and loans.