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With a foundation in previous programmes in support of industrial competitiveness, the Fifth Framework Programme now encompasses wider socio-economic criteria in its rationale. The European Research Area initiative extends further the reach of European co-operation and in so doing brings new challenges for the process of socioeconomic assessment. Despite the considerable achievements of the European Commission in developing a system for the evaluation of its RTD programmes, assessment of their socio-economic impact remains an area of difficulty. A succession of studies have emphasised the need for methodological development and support.