Background

EUROMAP was the first large scale survey for the language technology sector in Europe. Work focused on policy, research and development activities, suppliers and potential users for information and communication systems. All 15 European Union Countries participated in the survey, including Norway and Iceland.

Using the analytical results from various research fields, EUROMAP, as indicated by its name, designed a map of the realistic potential for language engineering applications in the following years. Such information has assisted the design of the thematic curriculum of European Research on language technology and more specifically of the Fifth Framework Programme, which is responsible for joint R&D projects in Europe. It also offers the national authorities a picture of potentials and abilities in this sector. 

EUROMAP began in 1996, primarily funded by DGXIII of the European Commission. Research was conducted by a network of organisations, known as National Focal Points, which function in every country (ILSP / R.C. "Athena" plays this role in Greece). Their main aim was to evaluate the capabilities in the language technology local market and to make recommendations based on their findings on a national level. 

The main target of the continuation of the project was the wider and more systematic dissemination of EUROMAP findings, greater awareness for the capabilities of language technology and the related Action lines of the Fifth Framework Programme. 

During the second phase of the project (EUROMAP II, 1998-99), a number of activities related to information dissemination were completed (information days, informative leaflets, information desk, press releases, participation in exhibitions etc.), aiming at a creative dialogue and cooperation among the research community, the suppliers and the users in every country and among countries.

EUROMAP makes its findings available to those interested in new opportunities. The following reports were: The "National Policy Review" and "National Profile" reports which were published for Greece by ILSP / R.C. "Athena" within the EUROMAP framework, contribute towards a better understanding of market expansion in the language engineering market. 

Through the organisation of awareness activities EUROMAP has promoted the participation of national organisations in European projects and it has supported cross-border activities aiming to improve the collaboration between researchers, development companies and potential users in the field of language engineering.