Activity_Report/Centre CABA/05-97/R06 1 The role of the National Host platforms in the European scenario. Case study: the Spanish National Host at the UPC Xavier Martinez-Alvarez Jordi Domingo-Pascual Josep Solé-Pareta Advanced Broadband Communications Centre (C.CABA), Polytechnic University of Catalunya C/ Jordi Girona 1-3, Campus Nord UPC, Mòdul D6, 08034 Barcelona, Catalonia (Spain) Phone: + 34 3 401 6981. Fax: + 34 3 401 70 55. E-mail: {xavierm, jordid, pareta}@ac.upc.es Abstract As the National Host Forum estates in a press release the NH initiative provides a unique opportunity to link together advanced communications research organisations on a pan European basis. However, the success of this initiative depends on its level of utilisation. If the facilities are developed and nurtured, they could live on beyond the fourth framework programme, thus providing a ongoing asset to Europe's research community. This unique opportunity exists to be exploited. Technically, the NHs provide facilities only for support of ACTS projects, but in practice the facilities are open for almost any organisation which plans to develop or enhance broadband oriented applications, providing such usage is not for short-term commercial gain. The NH services will particularly facilitate the involvement in research programmes by Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Such participation is consistent with the stated aims of the European Commission, as it is felt that maximum creativity will be achieved by having research consortia composed of a mix of small and large organisations.