European Framework programme
The European Union’s Fifth Framework programme, covering the period 1999-2002 has a budget of £10 billion for research projects over this period. Research priorities for the EU fall into four broad thematic programmes together with three supporting horizontal programmes. Projects must involve trans-national partnerships of companies and research organisations and there are special measures to assist smaller companies to become involved.
Thematic programmes
The four thematic programmes are:
- Quality of life and the management of living resources
covering health, medical, environmental, food, nutrition and sustainable agriculture, fisheries and forestry.
- Information society technologies (IST)
covering multi-media, electronic commerce, information technology and infrastructure.
- Competitive and sustainable growth
covering innovative products, processes and organisations; land, marine and air transport; sustainable mobility.
- Energy, environmental and sustainable development
covering global change, climate, biodiversity; the city of tomorrow; sustainable marine Eco systems; water supply; and cleaner, efficient and reusable energy.
Funding will be allocated on a year by year basis against clearly identified research priorities within each of the programmes.
Apart from proposals submitted under special SME measures, there are fixed date calls for proposals issued by the Commission within each of the strands which make up these four programmes. The London and South East England IRC Website will keep you abreast of these calls as they are announced.
There are three horizontal programmes which underpin the thematic programmes and seek to enhance and further develop the science and technology infrastructure within the European Community. They are:
- Confirming the international role of Community research
Mainly dealing with co-operation with third countries, i.e. certain groups of countries outside of the EU, states in the process of joining the EU, and the New Independent States (part of the former Soviet Union)
- Promotion of innovation and encouragement of participation of SMEs
Essentially measures to stimulate innovation and participation by SMEs in Community research projects. The Commission provides database services such as CORDIS, an IPR Helpdesk, schemes to promote joint ventures between European SMEs and technology exploitation initiatives.
- Improving human research potential and the socio-economic knowledge base
In large part supporting the training and mobility of researchers, but with key actions in improving the socio-economic knowledge base and in the development of science and technology policies in Europe.
Of the three supporting horizontal programmes, the Promotion of innovation and encouragement of participation of SMEs is specifically targeted at smaller companies (independent, <250 employee enterprises). It provides a wide range of support services such as the CORDIS(Community Research and Development Information Service) database, the IPR Helpdesk, advice and guidance with proposals, and innovation finance initiatives such as LIFT(Links to Innovation Financing for Technology) .
One of the most important special measures for SMEs provides EC funding for research and technology development to meet new market opportunities. The funding comes from the main Thematic Programmes. Co-operative Research Action For Technology (CRAFT) projects involve a consortium of trans-national SMEs and research providers. The Commission will fund 50 percent of the total project costs up to a maximum contribution of 1 million Euro. This money goes to the research providers, with the other 50 percent contribution coming from the SMEs "in kind". There is no requirement for the SMEs to make cash contributions to the project. The SMEs own the IPR arising from the research and are expected to exploit the outcomes in European markets.
For SMEs that do not already have trans-national partners there is the possibility of an Exploratory Award which can give up to 22,500 Euro for finding and meeting partners, identifying research providers and for writing the full proposal. Proposals for Exploratory Awards and full CRAFT projects may be submitted at any time but are evaluated three times per year in January, April and September.
Trans-national requirements
Funding under the Fifth Framework programme is made available through the European Commission. The EC only support projects which involve trans-national partners. Projects must have a true European dimension, and must address needs and problems which have been identified within the Fifth Framework Programme. However, involvement with companies and research organisations in other Member States can bring substantial new market opportunities and introductions to wider business networks.
How may we help?
If you have a project that you would like to pursue, with existing or as yet unknown partners, TVT will advise you on its suitability for European funding and guide you with your plans. In particular TVT can provide assistance to:
- Assess your R&D needs and finding the appropriate route to access funds
- Prepare EC funding proposals, and liaise with the relevant National Contact Points for each Thematic Programme and with experts in the European Commission
- Identify European partners and support the process of establishing trans-national consortia
- Identify suitable research and technology developers in the UK and throughout Europe
- Administer and manage your research project.
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Contact TVT to find out more about how the IRC can help you exploit European R&D and technology transfer opportunities. And check out TVT’s consultancy services on this site - they can provide additional support for technology companies, universities and research & technology organisations. |
