The Seventh Framework Programme (FP7)

FP7 is the short name for the Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (2007-2013).  This is the EU's main instrument for funding research in Europe, with the budget of €50.5 billion for the next seven years.

The FP7 programme bundles all research-related EU initiatives together under a common roof, along with a new Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP), Education and Training Programmes and Structural and Cohesion Funds for regional convergence and competitiveness.  It is also a key pillar for the European Research Area (ERA).

The broad objectives of FP7 have been grouped into four categories: Cooperation, Ideas, People and Capacities.  For each type of these objectives, there is a specific programme corresponding to the main areas of EU research policy.  All specific programmes work together to promote and encourage the creation of European poles of scientific excellence.

Eligible participants in FP7 are legal entities, e.g. research institutions, universities, SME’s, but also natural persons from any country in the world.  Different rules for participation and funding apply to different groups of countries. 

However, in order to be eligible, prospective participants will have to create a consortium – normally companies or institutions involving different countries.

Also, Scotland-based SME’s operating in life science and healthcare sectors may benefit from the Passport Project, funded by the EU’s Economic and Technological Intelligence Programme (ETI).  This project, managed in Scotland by the Scottish Enterprise, is set up to coach SME’s in the skills and knowledge needed to participate in FP7.  

For further information see www.passporteu.net, www.scottish-enterprise.com and http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/home_en.html

COPYRIGHT | LEGAL | PRIVACY POLICY