EU-FP7
The complete name of the FP7 is "7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development.'
‘Framework programmes' (FPs) are the main financial tools through which the European Union supports research and development activities across different scientific disciplines. FPs are proposed by the European Commission and adopted by Council and the European Parliament. FPs have been implemented since 1984 and they usually cover a period of five years with the last year of one FP and the first year of the following FP overlapping.
However, the current framework – FP7 – will run for seven years with a total budget of 50 billion Euros. The research element of this has experienced an increase in funding from previous years, and is a reflection of the high priority of research in Europe. Grants are determined on the basis of calls for proposals, and a peer-review process, which are highly competitive.
FP7 is seen as a key tool to respond to Europe’s needs, in terms of economic competitiveness. It became fully operational as of 1 January 2007 – and will expire in 2013. It is designed to build on the achievements of FP6 – towards the creation of a “European Research Area” – and work towards further development and leadership in the global knowledge economy.
The POINT project is exemplary of the transnationality of the EU framework packages such as FP7. This research project is being conducted by a consortium that includes participants from various European countries, and has encouraged research mobility across national borders and between institutions.
The Framework Programmes for Research have two main strategic objectives:
- to strengthen the scientific and technological base of European industry.
- to encourage its international competitiveness, while promoting research that supports EU policies.
You can read more about FP7 on the European Commission website here:
Or, download the EU document below which is a simple guide to how FP7 works