W hen you read this newsletter, this year's IWT Chairmanship of TAFTIE will almost have come to an end.

This year, the main focus, besides the continuing work in task forces and networks, was on outlining the TAFTIE strategy for the coming three-to-five years. Two Board meetings were dedicated to this important item, while the Board meeting in December aims to finalise the discussion. So far, the TAFTIE strategy comprises four activities.

IWT has been able to contribute substantially to formulating the TAFTIE strategy. However, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. I therefore want to wish incoming Chair ENEA all the best in implementing the strategic activities. It goes without saying that ENEA can only be successful when all TAFTIE members are really committed.

A questionnaire among Members on the human resources available for TAFTIE activities in the period 2000-2002 indicated steady participation in "basic" activities (Board, Working Group, task forces, and so on) and promises for participation in strategic activities.

It has become a tradition that the TAFTIE Chair organises an end-of-year seminar. This year's seminar, taking place on 29 and 30 November in Bruges, Belgium, will deal with the increasing internationalisation of research and technology and the important policy implications for all parties involved- the industrialists, the scientists and the governmental bodies supporting technological innovation. The seminar aims to contribute to communication and debate on the development and implementation of national and European science and technology policies adapted to take into account internationalisation.

The seminar is open to the employees of all TAFTIE member organisations (see page 3 for details).

Christine Claus, Chairman of TAFTIE