This work group will engage in the organisation of pre-competitive common research. Naturally the topics of research will be centred more on fundamental research. The intention is for research institutes, manufacturers and users to collaborate, making use of national and international promotion programs.

The chairpersons of the work groups will be informed informally about ideas for projects, and then, in agreement with the other members of the work group, they will initiate formal project proposals. The work group will then elect a member to be responsible for each project. The EFRC members will be invited to participate in the proposed projects and activity and cost plans will be established. It is generally agreed that common projects will be financed in equal shares by the EFRC members taking part. The projects will be carried out by research centres in close cooperation with the participating project partners.

Knowledge gained in such common projects can be made use of for the time being by the project partners but can also be used by other EFRC members on payment of an appropriate sum to EFRC.