Business Review 1996/1997

Research and Development

External Research

The Agency spent some £2.6M on external research during 1996/97. This spend fell into three broad categories, as follows:

	Core propagation studies at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL).
	Propagation research at other locations eg Universities.
	Extramural research and development, mostly in support of international activities.

A great deal of RAL's work was concerned with the long-term measurement of propagation paths. It is necessary to measure over extended periods of time in order to adequately capture seasonal and year-to-year changes, and to provide statistically significant measurement databases.

The project management at RAL was on the basis of a considerable number of individual projects, each with its own deliverable targets and milestones. Many of the projects are related and are gathered under the banner of a Theme. Current Themes include prediction methods, millimetre waves and precipitation effects.

During 1997 the Agency will be conducting an internal fundamental review of its research programme. The future research spend will be assessed against the objectives of:

	Extending the boundaries of the usable spectrum.
	Enhancing the degree of frequency sharing.
	Securing a broader understanding and application of technical efficiency and quality criteria.
	Providing data to help encourage industry to develop new services.

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