A boost for Czech research in communications
Advanced communication systems and technologies are considered by the EU to be one of the pillars of a competitive knowledge-based economy. Helping Member States in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) develop their capabilities and become integrated with the information and communications technology (ICT) within the European Research Area (ERA) is an important way to contribute to competitiveness. The EU-funded 'Advanced communication systems and technologies' (ACOST) project was conceived to increase research capacity of the Department of Radio Electronics (DREL) at the Brno University of Technology in the Czech Republic. This was successfully achieved via investment in both human capital and facilities. ACOST made 40 academic visits that resulted in six new international research projects. Regular seminars by industry experts and project contacts thus produced 37 new research collaborations. ACOST created eight new post-doctoral research positions (two for women) and two positions for senior researchers. Funding enabled the update of scientific instrumentation in three different laboratories (experimental satellites, mobile communications and optical communications), all of which joined international research efforts. In addition, ACOST organised or participated in the organisation of two international conferences and established an industry forum for feedback on research conducted by DREL. The ACOST project has contributed to a significant enhancement in DREL's position in the international research scene by strengthening human resources and technology, research-industry collaboration and industry investment. As a result, participation by the Czech Republic in the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) increased and the university curricula was modified to better meet the needs of industry. Improving the competitive position of the Czech Republic in ICT will no doubt reinforce the standing of the EU in this critically important sector of the economy.
