Fp7 hand-on guide

8/14/2019 Fp7 hand-on guide

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FP7HANDS-ONGUIDE

GENERALINFORMATION


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Interested in European research?

Research*eu is our monthly magazine keeping you in touch with main developments (results, programmes, events, etc.). It is available inEnglish, French, German and Spanish. A free sample copy or free subscription can be obtained from:

European CommissionDirectorate-General for ResearchCommunication UnitB-1049 BrusselsFax (32-2) 29-58220E-mail: [email protected]: http://ec.europa.eu/research/research-eu

Fax (32-2) 29-58220E-mail: [email protected]: http://ec.europa.eu/research/rtdinfo/index_en.html

EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Directorate-General for Research

SME Unit

E-mail: [email protected]

Contact: Martina Daly

European CommissionB-1049 Brussels

Tel. (32-2) 29-90645

Fax (32-2) 29-63261

E-mail: [email protected]


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WHAT IS FP7? ......................................... ........................................... ............................................ ................................... p 6

RESEARCH PERFORMING SMEs ...................................... ........................................... ............................................ .............p 12

Cooperation ......................................................................................................................................................p 12

People ............................................................................................................................................................ p 20

What is EUROSTARS? .........................................................................................................................................p 21

RESEARCH ACQUIRING SMEs ........................................ ........................................... ............................................ ............ p 22

Capacities ...................................................................................................................................................... p 22


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wHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN FP7?Participation in the Framework Programmemay include any company, research centre,organisation or individual legally establishedin any country. This includes SMEs and SMEassociations and groupings, provided thatthe minimum conditions as laid down in theRules for Participation in FP7 (RFP) have been

met. It should be remembered that differentparticipation rules apply according to theresearch initiatives in question.

Countries fall into different categorieswith varying eligibility for different workprogrammes. These include the 27 MemberStates (EU-27), associated countries,candidate countries and third countries.

For further information, contact the ResearchEnquiries service, which acts as the rstpoint of contact for potential participants inFP7. This single helpdesk can answer yourquestions regarding all aspects of EU-fundedresearch and help those new to participatingin framework research programmes.

Visit:http://ec.europa.eu/research/enquiries

DOES My ORGANISATION qUALIFy AS AN SME?If you can answer yes to all four of the following questions then your organisation quali es asan SME as de ned by the EU.

Y

O UR

OR

GANI S AT I ONI S N

OT

AN S ME .

Y O U R

O R G A N I S A T I O N I S A N S M E .

NO Is the organisation an enterprise, i.e.engaged in economic activity?

YES

NO Does it have fewer than 250 employees? YES

NO

Does it have an annual turnover notexceeding EUR 50 million?* Or Does it have

a balance sheet total not exceeding EUR43 million?* To answer Yes, at least one of

these conditions must be met.*according to its most recent audited account

YES

NO Is it autonomous? YES

For a de nition of autonomy, and to learn how your organisation may qualifyas an SME even if it is not autonomous, see the detailed de nition on the SMETechWeb or take the test on-line.Visit:http://ec.europa.eu/research/sme-techweb

INTRODUCTION / 7


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EU FUNDING

FOR SMES

OUTSOURCINGRESEARCH

CAPACITIES

RESEARCH

PERFORMINGSME S

RESEARCHFOR SMES

EraSME CORNET

COOPER ATION PEOPLE EUROSTARS

10 THEMES MARIE CURIEINDUSTRY

ACADEMIA PATHWAYS

JTI S

RESEARCH FOR SME

ASSOCIATIONS

wHICH SORT OF SME ARE yOU?For the purpose of FP7, small and medium-sized enterprises may be divided into two broadcategories i.e. Research Performing SMEs who have the ability to conduct research in-houseand Research Acquiring SMEs who need to outsource to a university or research centre. Whichof these two groups does your organisation fall into?

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wHAT ARE THE MAIN INITIATIvES FOR SMES IN FP7?

The three complementary pillars supporting SMEs in FP7 include:

Cooperation People Capacities

RESEARCHPERFORMING SMEs

RESEARCHPERFORMING SMEs

RESEARCH ACQUIRINGSMEs

THEMATIC AREASAPPROACH

INDUSTRY-ACADEMIAPATHWAYS BOTTOM-UP

HOw CAN SMESPARTICIPATE IN FP7?The European Commission will fund projectsunder FP7 after selecting project proposalswhich are submitted following the publicationof a Call for Proposals. The calls areannounced on the FP7 Calls Page on CORDIS.The Community Research and DevelopmentInformation Service - CORDIS - (http://cordis.europa.eu) is a huge internet informationsystem comprising information on past andon-going projects, current Calls for Proposals,partner search facilities, an electronic proposal

submission system (EPSS) and many morefeatures. The proposal process is triggered bythe Call. The legal text of the Call containsthe necessary information specifying how toprepare and submit a proposal. Proposalsfailing to meet the speci cations of the Callwill be disquali ed.

SMEs are actively encouraged to take partin all research actions, especially thoseappearing under the research themes of theCooperation programme. The programmeis intended to optimise the participationof research performing SMEs as a resultof simpli ed funding and administrativeprocedures and greater exibility in choosingfunding schemes. Individual work programmeswill develop dedicated strategies to increaseSME participation and will identify areas ofparticular interest to SMEs.

The Joint Technology Initiatives (JTIs) establishedunder the Cooperation programme arepublic-private partnerships that will promoteparticipation by industry. SMEs may

contribute to the development of a JTI and tothe implementation of its activities.

wHERE CAN SMES FINDSUPPORT?SME Techwe

SME TechWeb offers information for SMEswishing to take part in EU research. It hasbeen set up for technology orientatedcompanies that would like to innovate andinternationalise. Using plain language andoffering numerous examples of projects, theinformation available is especially useful forany SME applying for research funding. Visit:http://ec.europa.eu/research/sme-techweb

SME National Contact Points (NCPs) arevaluable providers of information and

guidance to SMEs wishing to participatein EU-research and can offer personalisedsupport in the proposers own language. TheNCPs are usually national structures set upand nanced by the governments of the 27EU Member States and the states associatedto the framework programme. In addition toSME NCPs there are also thematic NCPsfor each of the themes in the Cooperationprogramme. Their role is to be strengthenedthroughout the lifetime of FP7 (2007-2013). Acomplete list of NCPs for FP7 can be found

at:http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/ncp_en.html

General FP7 information

For information regarding related researchactivities, Calls for Proposals, workprogrammes, and schemes in FP7, visit thefollowing websites:

CORDIS:http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/home.htmlEuropa:http://ec.europa.eu/research/fp7/Information requests:http://ec.europa.eu/research/enquiries/EU research:http://ec.europa.eu/research

The People programme will encourage greaterparticipation by SMEs through the IndustryAcademia partnerships and pathways Marie-Curie action.

The Capacities programme Research forthe bene t of SMEs aims to strengthen thecapacity of mainly low-tech research-acquiringSMEs that nd it necessary to outsource theirresearch needs. These schemes cover bothSMEs and their Associations.

The coordination activities of two ERA-NETinitiatives speci cally for SMEs are also fundedunder the Capacities programme. These areEraSME and CORNET.

EraSME networks are national and regionalprogrammes to promote cooperation betweenindividual SMEs and research organisations.

CORNET seeks to improve the ef ciency ofcollective research programmes and activitiesin Europe and is aimed at SME associations.

In addition, the EUROSTARS programmeco-funded by EUREKA countries and theCommunity offers research-performing SMEsthe opportunity to partake in internationalcollaborative research projects. This is a six-

year programme and is expected to start in2008.

INTRODUCTION / 9


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GETTING INvOLvED IN FP7Step 1: Identify relevant Calls for Proposals.The rst task is to identify on CORDIS a Call that is relevant to your SME or to an idea you mayhave for a research project. Find out when a Call for Proposals will be published and when itwill close.http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/dc/index.cfm

Step 2: Obtain call-speci c documentation and forms.The Commission publishes a separate information package which includes a comprehensiveGuide for Proposers that offers practical advice for preparing and submitting proposals undereach Call.

Step 3: Establish a consortium of researchers, developers and end-users.The proposer must recruit partners to form a consortium capable of undertaking all aspects ofthe intended project. Partners may be identi ed through established scienti c and commercialnetworks or the Partner Search service on CORDIS. This is a free on-line service, tailor-made tohelp your organisation nd the most suitable research partners for your projects. This may be

in the context of EU-funded Research and Development projects or within a wider search fortechnology-focused partnerships. The Partners Service provides details on thousands of activepartnership requests from companies, research institutions and universities from across Europeand around the globe. The CORDIS Partners search, tailored to the FP7 is found athttp://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/partners_en.html

Step 4: Prepare a research proposal.Proposers should use the Commissions Electronic Proposal Submission System (EPSS). This webased application provides a secure on - line workspace for consortium members to prepareand submit their joint proposal. This application will be available under each Call.

Step 5: Submit the proposal to the Commission by Call deadline.

Calls have strict deadlines which are clearly stated on the rst page of the Guide for Proposers.Submissions received by the Commission after the deadline are ineligible. Assistance withcompleting the proposal is available from the relevant National Contact Points. A complete listof NCPs for FP7 can be found at:http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/ncp_en.html

Step 6: Evaluation and ethical review.All EU-funded research projects are evaluated by a board of experts. They must also complywith a strict ethical code in order to ensure that the Commission is not supporting researchwhich might violate fundamental ethical principles.

Step 7: Contract negotiations and Contract Agreement.The terms and conditions regulating European projects are contained in two documents, theGrant Agreement between the consortium and the European Commission and the ConsortiumAgreement signed only by the partners. Both contain the arrangements made for intellectualproperty rights, valorisation and the dissemination of results.

Step 8: Contract Signature

Step 9: Launch project, begin work!

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RESEARCH PERFORMINGSMES

Research Performing SMEs enjoy support in three major ways: Cooperation Programme Marie Curie (People Programme)

EUROSTARS

COOPERATION

The Cooperation Programme is the heart of FP7 and represents two thirds of the overall budget.It is intended to facilitate collaborative research across Europe through transnational consortiumsof industry. Research is carried out under 10 themes, each of which has its own dedicatedSME strategy. It is foreseen that at least 15% of the funding available under the CooperationProgramme goes to SMEs. The major initiatives that favour the involvement of SMEs include

selection of SME-relevant topics, SME dedicated Calls, a budget earmarked for SMEs withinspeci c Calls, and coordination and support actions. It should be noted that SME participationis not uniform across the themes. Particular attention has been paid to ensure enhanced SMEparticipation within the various Calls for Proposals, particularly with regard to knowledge-intensive SMEs. Research in the interest of SMEs is promoted with an explicit reference to theexpected impact upon SMEs. The expected results of these projects must be of interest andpotential bene t to SMEs, and the consortia should have a signi cant share of the requestedEC funding going to SMEs.

Areas of particular interest to SMEs have been identi ed in individual work programmes.Financial and administrative procedures have been simpli ed and funding rates for the R&Dactivities of SMEs have been increased to 75%. There is also greater exibility in choosing theappropriate type of project. The 10 research themes include:

HealthFood, agriculture and sheries, and biotechnologyInformation and Communication Technologies (ICTs)Nanosciences, nanotechnologies, materials and new production technologies (NMP)EnergyEnvironment (including climate change)Transport (including aeronautics)Socio-economic sciences and the humanitiesSpaceSecurity

what are joint Technolog Initiati es(jTIs)?The JTIs will build on European TechnologyPlatforms (ETPs) by bringing together differentpartners to undertake projects that cannot be

reached via the Calls for Proposals, whereenhanced collaboration and considerableinvestment are essential to long-term success.The JTIs aim to establish long-term public-privatepartnerships in research at the European level.They are large-scale multi- nanced actionsintended to coordinate research efforts andrespond to the needs of industry, leadingto agship projects for increasing Europeancompetitiveness. Under the CooperationProgramme, six elds are currently envisaged,including:

Innovative Medicines (IMI)Nanoelectronics Technology 2020(ENIAC)Embedded Computing Systems(ARTEMIS)Fuel Cells and Hydrogen (FCH)Aeronautics and Air Transport (CleanSky)Global Monitoring for Environment andSecurity (GMES)

Other possible themes are to be identi ed at

a later date.



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HEALTHResearch SMEs are the main economic driversof healthcare, biotechnology and medicaltechnologies. Their innovative potential hasbeen recognised and their participationin EU-supported research is being activelysought. The involvement of high-tech SMEs inthe health and biotechnology sectors gainedmomentum during FP6 and they are now setto play an even more prominent role in FP7.SMEs that provide a service, for examplemanagement or intellectual property expertise,are also able to participate.

EUR 6 billion are dedicated to the Healththeme in the Seventh Framework Programme,of which at least 15% (EUR 900 million) isexpected to go to SMEs.

A priority of the Health theme is the inclusionof high-tech SMEs in most projects throughoutthe work programme.

SME input in research and innovation isparticularly encouraged in certain speci ctopics for Collaborative Projects (small ormedium-scale focused research projects)targeted to SMEs. The expected results ofthese projects should clearly be of interestand potential bene t to SMEs. The relevant

consortia should have at least 40% of therequested EC contribution going to SMEs(those projects should not necessarily becoordinated by the participating SMEs).

O ecti es

The objective of this theme is to improvethe health of Europes citizens and increasethe competitiveness of companies activein the European health sector. At the sametime, it seeks to address major health issues,such as emerging epidemics. The emphasiswill be on translational research (translatingresearch results into clinical applications), thedevelopment and validation of new therapies,methods of health promotion and diseaseprevention, diagnostic tools and technologies,as well as sustainable and ef cient healthcaresystems.A special focus will be put on child health,the ageing population, gender issues,international cooperation, patient groups andSME participation.

Areas of Health Research co ered in FP7

The three pillars of activities that European-funded health research will focus on include:

biotechnology, generic tools and medicaltechnologies for human health;translating research for human health;optimising the delivery of healthcare toEuropean citizens.

This ambitious programme of research willhelp the EU understand how to:

promote good health, to prevent and treatmajor diseases and to deliver health care;integrate the vast amount of genomics data

to generate knowledge and applications;foster translational health research;allow Europe to contribute more effectivelyto international efforts combating diseasesof global importance;reinforce policy-driven health researchat the European level and especially thecomparisons of the models, systems anddata of national databases;support a European Technology Platformon innovative medicine;contribute to the development of norms

and standards for new advanced therapies(e.g. regenerative medicine) neededto help EU industry face worldwidecompetition;consider and integrate gender aspects inresearch;address the two strategic issues of childhealth and the health of the ageingpopulation.

Scope of Health research andopportunities in other thematic areas

The scope for health research is extremelybroad with opportunities for health researchfunding arising under other themes. Theseinclude Food, Agriculture, Fisheries andBiotechnology; Information and CommunicationTechnologies; Nanosciences.

Opportunities for SMEs

Detection, diagnosis and monitoring researchsuch as imaging and analytical toolsshould involve SMEs and the participationof SMEs in immunotherapy is also stronglyencouraged. SMEs should play a signi cantrole in regenerative medicine. Research intoanti-microbial drug resistance will involveSMEs signi cantly. The involvement of SMEsin ghting emerging epidemics is paramountfor a number of topics in this eld, as well aswith neglected infectious diseases.

Collaborative projects: Joint TechnologyInitiatives

Innovative medicines for the citizens ofEurope

For more information on the Health theme seehttp://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/cooperation/health_en.html

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FOOD, AGRICULTUREAND FISHERIES, ANDbIOTECHNOLOGybuilding a European kno ledge-basedbio-Econom

The primary aim in funding food, agriculture,sheries and biotechnology research underFP7 is to build a European Knowledge BasedBio-Economy (KBBE) by bringing togetherresources from all industries and economicsectors that produce, manage and exploitbiological and related services, supply orconsumer industries, such as food, sheries,forestry, agriculture, etc.

The work programme of Theme 2 has beendesigned to attract industrial participants, inparticular SMEs. These may be: end-usersof new technologies (such as breeding

companies, SMEs or agricultural cooperativesinvolved in the production, packaging orcontrol of foods or feeds, etc), technologyproviders (mainly engineering companies) ortechnology-based biotechnology companies(agricultural or industrial biotechnology).

The advancement of knowledge in thesustainable management, production anduse of biological resources (microbial, plantand animal) will provide the basis for saferand competitive products and services for

agriculture, sheries, feed, food, health,forest-based and related industries. Majorcontributions to the implementation of existingand prospective policies and regulations in theeld of public, animal and plant health andconsumer protection are anticipated. Newrenewable energy sources will be supportedunder the concept of a European knowledge-based bio-economy.

An overall budget of EUR 1.9 billion hasbeen set aside for the Food, Agriculture andFisheries, and Biotechnology theme in theSeventh Framework Programme.

O ecti es

The objective of the Theme 2 work programmeis to fund Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, andBiotechnology Research under FP7 throughthe establishment of KBBE in order to increaseproductivity and competitiveness.

Areas of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries,and biotechnolog research co ered inFP7

Theme 2 is built around three pillars ofactivities and includes:

sustainable production and managementof biological resources from land, forest

and aquatic environments;Fork to Farm: food, including seafood,health and wellbeing;life sciences, biotechnology andbiochemistry for sustainable non-foodproducts and processes.

This ambitious programme will allow the EU tobetter address issues such as:

growing demand for safer, healthier,higher quality food;

sustainable use and production of renewable bio-resources;increasing risk of epizootic and zoonoticdiseases and food related disorders;threats to the sustainability and security ofagriculture, aquaculture and sheries;increasing demand for high quality food,taking into account animal welfare andrural and coastal contexts and response tospeci c dietary needs of consumers.

Scope of food research and opportunitiesin other thematic areas

The scope for food research is extremely broadwith opportunities for food research fundingarising under other themes. These includeHealth; Information and CommunicationTechnologies; Nanosciences; Energy;Environment; Transport; and Space.


This theme has been designed to attract theparticipation of SMEs. These might be end-usersof the technology or technology providers. Forexample, the active participation of agro-foodSMEs will help those organisations concernedwith issues such as food-labeling andpackaging. It should be remembered that theparticipation of high-tech SMEs is compulsoryfor research calls that target human nutrition.

The strategic research agendas of theEuropean Technology platforms relevant toTheme 2 have also been taken into account.See Plants for the future, Farm AnimalBreeding Global animal health, Food

for life, Sustainable Chemistry, and ForestBased Sector Other key stakeholders includethe European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)and the Standing Committee on AgriculturalResearch (SCAR).

For more information on the theme Food,agriculture and sheries, and biotechnologyseehttp://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/cooperation/food_en.html



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INFORMATION ANDCOMMUNICATIONTECHNOLOGIES (ICTS)The EU has set aside EUR 9.1 billionfor funding ICT in FP7. This makes it thelargest research theme in the Cooperationprogramme, which itself is the largest of thespeci c programmes.

O ecti es

Information and communication technologieswill promote innovation, creativity andcompetitiveness in industry and the servicesector. They will also create jobs and improvequality of life throughout Europe by facilitatingthe modernisation of public services. Researchand innovation are needed for the nextgeneration of technologies if Europe is toensure its global leadership in ICT. Progress

in this eld will also reduce the digital divideand social exclusion as highlighted in i2010,the ECs policy framework for an informationsociety.

Areas of ICT research co ered in FP7

In order to ensure that Europe becomes aworld leader in ICTs, the funding is focussedon seven key Challenges, plus supportfor horizontal actions like internationalcooperation.

The ICT theme also looks to the future in theform of long-term, high-risk, purpose drivenresearch known as Future and EmergingTechnologies (FET). This blue-sky research ishoped to develop innovative technologiesthat will create completely new markets.

Three of the seven Challenges will promoteindustrial leadership in key ICT sectors, whilethe remaining four are led by socio-economictargets. SMEs are actively encouraged withineach challenge because of their crucial role ininnovation and economic growth. The sevenChallenges include:

Challenge 1 - Pervasive and trusted networkand service infrastructures;Challenge 2 - Cognitive systems, interactionand robotics;Challenge 3 - Components, systems andengineering;Challenge 4 - Digital libraries and content;Challenge 5 - Sustainable and personalisedhealthcare;

Challenge 6 - Mobility, environmentalsustainability and energy ef ciency;

Challenge 7 - Independent living andinclusion.Future and emerging technologies (FET)

Scope of ICT research and opportunitiesin other thematic areas

The scope for ICT also includes opportunitiesfor funding research under the other ninethemes of the Cooperation programme.


The ICT theme provides major opportunitiesfor SMEs to:

nance high-risk, early stage research and

development;build strategic partnerships;operate outside their local markets withmore innovative products and/or services.

Support actions will give SMEs greateraccess to micro/nano-systems manufacturingtechnology in FP7. New opportunitiesare provided for identifying training andeducational needs and dissemination of smartsystems at European level.For more information on the ICT theme see

http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/coop eration/ict_en.html

NANOSCIENCES, NANOTECHNOLOGIES, MATERIALS ANDNEw PRODUCTIONTECHNOLOGIES (NMP)NMP has been allocated EUR 3.5 billion bythe EU with EUR 530 million being earmarkedfor Call 1. Funding the NMP Theme helpsboth new high-tech as well as traditionalknowledge-based industries producing higher-value products and services. Particular attentionwill be paid to the effective dissemination ofresearch results to SMEs.

O ecti es

The objective behind Theme 4 is to fundresearch, development, demonstrationand coordination projects, which will helpfacilitate the generation of knowledge andthe competitiveness of European industry. This,in turn, will help transform it from a resource-

intensive to a knowledge-intensive industry.

Areas of NMP research co ered in FP7

Emphasis is being placed on the followingareas:

Nanoscience and nanotechnologiesMaterialsNew productionIntegration of technologies and industrialapplications

Scope of NMP research and opportunit iesin other thematic areas

The scope for NMP also includes opportunitiesunder the other themes of the Cooperationprogramme.


Nanosciences, nanotechnologies, materialsand new production technologies (NMP)is especially relevant to SMEs that areencouraged to participate in each Call.Dedicated SME-focussed Calls will beimplemented in speci c areas with the aimof reinforcing the scienti c and technologicalSME base and in producing innovativesolutions. The SME-targeted Calls should beled by SMEs with research capacity, withat least 50 % of the EU contribution beingallocated to the participating SMEs.

For more information on the Nanothechnologytheme see http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/

cooperation/nanotechnology_en.html



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ENERGyWithin FP7, the Energy theme has a budgetof EUR 2.3 billion. This theme is of majorimportance due to the fact that global energydemand is expected to increase by 60 %over the next 30 years, and because over90 % of the EUs CO2 emissions are a resultof energy usage. Therefore, it is necessaryto develop cost - effective technologies for amore sustainable energy economy for Europeand indeed, the rest of the world, allowing theregion to compete globally.

O ecti es

Energy research under FP7 is intended to helpadapt the present system into one that is morecompetitive, secure and sustainable. There

should be less dependence on imported fuelsand a more diverse mix of energy sources,especially renewable energy sources, energycarriers and non-polluting sources.

Areas of Energ research co ered in FP7

The following is a summary of research areasproposed under FP7:

1) Hydrogen and fuel2) Renewable electricity generation

3) Renewable fuel production4) Renewables for heating and cooling5) CO2 capture and storage technologies forzero emission power generation6) Clean Coal Technologies

Scope of Energ research andopportunities in other thematic areas

The scope for energy research also includesopportunities for funding under the themes ofFood (biotechnology), Nanotechnology andTransport. These include Food, Agriculture,Fisheries and Biotechnology; Informationand Communication Technologies;Nanosciences.


SMEs are crucial to the energy chain, andactive SME participation in research anddissemination activities has been instrumentalin the creation of new industrial sectors likerenewable energy. The participation of SMEsin FP7 is actively encouraged with two actionsaimed at bringing together SMEs in the energysector and follows on from FP6 ETI (Economicand Technological Intelligence) projects.These actions are: SME energy innovation,and the role and impact of SMEs in energyresearch in the manufacturing industry.

For more information on the Energy theme seehttp://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/cooperation/

energy_en.html

ENvIRONMENT (INCLUDINGCLIMATE CHANGE)An overall budget of EUR 1.8 billion has beenearmarked for the Environment theme in theSeventh Framework Programme.

O ecti es

The objective of the Theme 6 work programmeis to fund research that will advanceknowledge of the relationship betweenclimate, biosphere, ecosystems and humanactivities and to produce new technologiesand tools and services to ensure sustainabledevelopment.

Areas of En ironment research co eredin FP7

Theme 6 is built around four main activitiesthat include:

climate change and pollution risks;sustainable management of resources;environmental technologies;earth observation and assessment tools.

Scope of En ironment research andopportunities in other thematic areas

The scope for environment research is extremelybroad with opportunities for environment

research funding arising under other themes.These include Health, Food, Information andCommunication Technologies, Nanosciences,Energy, Transport and Space.


The research calls under the Environmenttheme are designed to attract industrialparticipants but with a speci c focus on SME-relevant research topics including: sustainablewater, soil mapping, sustainable remediation,waste management technologies, control ofhazardous chemicals and environmental riskassessment.

For more information on the Environmenttheme seehttp://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/cooperation/environment_en.html



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Scope of Securit research andopportunities in other thematic areas

Further opportunities for funding appearunder the themes of Health, ICT, Environment(including Climate Change), Transport andthe cross-cutting theme of Science in Society.Cross-cutting open themes include the Marie-Curie Fellowships; Research for SMEs and thefunding of research infrastructures.


Security research strengthens thecompetitiveness of the European securityindustry by encouraging the cooperation ofproviders and users for civil security solutions

and through the active involvement of SMEs.

For more information on the Security theme seehttp://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/cooperation/security_en.html



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Ho does it or ?

Proposals are submitted, evaluated against aseries of predetermined criteria by internationalpeer review and selected for funding, typicallyfor four years.

what does the funding co er?

Support will be provided for:exchange of know-how and experiencethrough inter-sector two-way secondmentsof research staff of the participants;research and networking activities.

Optionally:recruitment of experienced researchersfrom outside the partnership, for

involvement in transfer of knowledgeand/or training of researchers;organisation of workshops andconferences, involving the participantsown research staff and externalresearchers;

for SMEs: research equipment (up to10% of the EC contribution for each SMEparticipant) on a duly justi ed basis.

Ho to appl ?

Speci c information:http://ec.europa.eu./research/fp6/mariecurie-actions

Opportunities within Marie Curie Actions:http://mc-opportunities.cordis.lu/home_vac.cfm

wHAT IS EUROSTARS?

The EUROSTARS programme is offered by EUREKA, an intergovernmental initiative establishin 1985, aimed at enhancing European competitiveness through support to businesses, researchcentres and universities who carry out pan-European projects for developing innovative,products, processes and services. EUROSTARS focuses on funding for R&D-performing SMEsThe programme offers combined national funding to support R&D performing SMEs leading

international collaborative research projects. Twenty-seven countries are involved so far with anestimated total budget of EUR 400 million.

who can appl ?

SMEs from participating countries will be able to apply for funding following the launch of the rstCall expected in the second half of 2007. The target is for 600 projects over the next six years. Thecountries taking part include Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, FinlandFrance, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Lithuania, the Netherlands,Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey.

what acti ities are supported?

EUROSTARS supports research executed by SMEs by offering funding for their activities, allowinthem to compete internationally and become leaders in their particular area of business.

Ho does it or ?

EUROSTARS is aimed at R&D performing SMEs that wish to collaborate internationally. Thprojects should be initiated and led by one of these SMEs. The projects should involve at leastone other partner from another EUROSTARS member country and last no longer than three

years. Within two years of completion the product of the research should be ready for marketintroduction.

Ho to appl ?

Speci c information:http://www.eurostars-eureka.eu

*The Decision to allocate Community funding to the Eurostars Programme is not expected before 2008.



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CAPACITIES

The Capacities programme is divided into six broad areas. One of these Research for thebene t of SMEs is aimed speci cally at small- to medium-sized enterprises and their associationswho wish to outsource their research. It is intended to strengthen the innovation capacities ofSMEs and help develop new products and markets. Outsourcing will allow SMEs to increasetheir research efforts, acquire technological know-how, extend business networks and improve

the exploitation of research results.Research-acquiring SMEs can receive support as individual SMEs through the Research forSMEs scheme or as SME associations through the Research for SME Associations scheme.In addition, individual SMEs can also receive support through national funding programmes viathe EraSME project and SME associations via the CORNET project; both projects are underthe ERA-NET scheme.

Individual SMEs SME Associations

Research forSMEs EraSME

Researchfor SME

AssociationsCORNET

(Capacities) (ERA-NET) (Capacities) (ERA-NET)

RESEARCH ACqUIRINGSMES



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overall budget of the project should typicallybe between EUR 0.5 million to EUR 1.5million and the duration of the project shouldnormally be between one and two years. If aproject deviates from these recommendations,a justi cation is required.

Decision-ma ing, coordination of thepro ect and consortium agreement

The management and decision-makingapproach of the project should be tailored tothe real needs in terms of scale and complexity.The consortium has to ensure that no decisioncan be taken against the collective interest ofthe SME participants.

The coordination of the project is a demandingand complex management task which requires awell quali ed and experienced coordinator. TheSME participants may entrust the coordination toa RTD performer or a partner in the consortiumspecialised in professional project management.The coordinator carries out the following tasks:

monitors the compliance by the partnerswith their obligations;veri es that all partners have access tothe grant agreement;receives the Community nancial

contribution and distributes it inaccordance with the consortium andgrant agreement;keeps the records and nancial accountsand informs the Commission of itsdistribution;acts as an intermediary for ef cient andcorrect communication between theparticipants and reports regularly to theparticipants and to the Commission onthe progress of the project.

Once a project has been selected andnegotiations are nalised the participants haveto submit a signed consortium agreement tofurther detail information already re ected inthe Technical Annex to the contract. It addressesissues such as the internal organisation ofthe consortium, the management of theCommunity nancial contribution, rules ondissemination and use, including IntellectualProperty Rights management or the settlementof internal disputes.

Intellectual Propert Rights (IPR)

Already at the proposal stage, the consortiumhas to provide a clear and adequatedescription of how the participants will organiseIPR ownership and user rights (e.g. licences,royalties) among themselves. The consortiummay decide to follow the default regime,which gives full ownership of all project results(foreground) and IPR to the SMEs.

The consortium may, however, reach adifferent agreement in its own best interest,as long as the SMEs are provided with allthe Rights that are required for their intendeduse and exploitation of the project results. Inpractice, this can, for example, mean that the

RTD performers keep ownership of the entireforeground (or parts of it) and that the SMEsacquire licences only.

Ho to participate in Research for SMEs

Calls are published onhttp://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/dc/index.cfm under the CAPACITIESProgramme / Research for the bene t of SMEssection.

For further information on how to submit a

proposal and related detail, please visit DGResearchs SME TechWeb athttp://ec.europa.eu/research/sme-techweb

Helpdesk:http://ec.europa.eu/research/enquiries

wHAT IS RESEARCH FORSME ASSOCIATIONS(SME-AGS)?Research for SME Associations aims atdeveloping technical solutions to problemscommon to a large number of SMEs inspeci c industrial sectors or segments of thevalue chain through research that could notbe addressed under Research for SMEs.Projects can, for example, aim to develop orconform to European norms and standards,and to meet regulatory requirements in areassuch as health, safety and environmentalprotection. Projects must be driven by the SMEassociations, which are given the opportunityto subcontract research to RTD performers inorder to acquire the necessary technologicalknowledge for their members.

Projects must render clear exploitation potential

and economic bene ts for the SME membersof the associations involved.

who can appl ?

SME associations that are normally bestplaced to appreciate or identify the commontechnical problems of their members.

which acti ities are supported?

The focus should be on strengthening the

competitiveness of SMEs and improvingindustrial competitiveness across the EuropeanUnion. Therefore, particular emphasis will begiven to the economic impact of the resultsfor participating SMEs. A consortiums planfor disseminating the projects results will becentral to the evaluation process.

It takes a multifaceted approach to enhanceparticipants competitiveness. Within theframework of each project, this scheme willsupport SME-AGs in the following ways:

Research and technical developmentactivities form the core of the projectwith a major contribution from the RTDperformers. SME associations, theirmembers and the SMEs directly involvedin the project focus on speci cations,testing and validation of project resultsand the preparatory stages for furtheruse.

Demonstration activities are designed toprove the viability of new technologies

that offer a potential economicadvantage but which cannot be



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commercialised directly (e.g. testing ofproduct-like prototypes). This is the lastdevelopment stage before products orprocesses enter production.

Other activities, in particular training anddissemination activities, facilitate the take-up of results by the SME associationsand their members. RTD performerswill train technical and managerialstaff from participating SMEs, focusingon best-practice utilisation of resultsand technologies generated byproject research. Dissemination to thirdparties will be accomplished throughconferences, publications, workshops,web-based initiatives, etc.

Projects include activities to effectivelydisseminate the results of researchto members of the SME-AGs, and ifappropriate, more widely. Furthermore,dissemination to policy makers, includingstandardisation bodies, is encouragedto facilitate the use of policy-relevantresults by the appropriate bodies atinternational, European, national orregional level.

Ho does it or ?

Under FP7, the funding scheme Researchfor SME Associations maintains its guidingprinciples to strengthen the innovationcapacities of SMEs to develop new productsand markets through the acquisition of newknowledge from those institutions best suitedto carry out research.

The SME associations and their members arethe direct bene ciaries of the project: theyinvest in the RTD project and outsource mostof the research and demonstration activitiesto RTD performers and receive in return thetechnological know-how they need.

The relationship between the SME associations,who act on behalf of their members and theRTD-performers under this programme, istherefore a customer-provider relationship.The intention is to allow SME associationsto assist their members in further developingtheir activities by purchasing knowledgefrom RTD performers, who sell their expertiseand work. Research and developmentactivities undertaken by the SME associationsthemselves (and their members) with their ownresources are essentially focussed on initial

speci cations and, later, on validation andtesting of the acquired knowledge. Therefore,the real investment or cost incurred by the SMEassociations includes the price they pay for theknow-how they wish to acquire on behalf or fortheir members: the Intellectual Property Rightsand knowledge developed during the project.

From the perspective of the associationsand their members, but also for a positiveevaluation of the proposal, it is important that itis well veri ed and justi ed how the proposedresearch investment addresses the needs oflarge communities of SMEs. Furthermore, itis crucial to demonstrate how the activitiesfor dissemination and use will ensure thatindeed large communities of SMEs will bene teconomically from the project results. Theassociations and their members have to keepin mind that, even if the level of public fundingprovided is substantial, it will never cover allthe costs. Shortfalls will have to be covered bythe participating associations themselves.It is important to note that Research for SMEAssociations is a bottom-up scheme: the

projects may address any research topic acrossthe entire eld of science and technology.


The European Community will provide nancialsupport to the project which covers only partof the total costs. The SME associations willtherefore have to contribute with their ownor nancial resources to the project. The ECcontribution is based on upper funding limitsfor individual activities:

Research and technological developmentactivities: maximum of 50 % of theeligible costs.However, SMEs, non-pro t publicbodies, secondary and highereducation establishments, and researchorganisations may receive up to 75 %.

SME associations, which ful l any of theabove mentioned conditions, qualify forthe higher funding rate.Demonstration activities: maximum of50%Management and other activities:maximum of 100%

One important rule for the calculation of theEC contribution applies:In accordance with the rules for participationand in order to achieve the aim of promoting

the outsourcing of research and demonstrationactivities, the nancial support to the projectwill be limited to 110% of the total amountof the subcontracting to the RTD performers(price to be invoiced by RTD performers toSMEs).

Ho do ou form a Research for SMEAssociations consortium?

Projects under Research for SME Associationsrequire participants from the followingcategories:

At least three independent SMEassociation/groupings (SME-AGs),established in three different MemberStates or associated countries, or oneEuropean SME association/grouping.SME associations/groupings arelegal persons, composed mostly ofand representing the interests of SMEs(e.g. industrial associations, nationalor regional industrial associations andchambers of industry and commerce).

RTD performers: At least two RTD performers which must be independent

RESEARCH ACqUIRING SMES / 25


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from any other participant and whichcan come from any country. Examples ofRTD performers are universities, researchorganisations and industrial companies,including research performing SMEs.In addition, other enterprises and end-users (including SMEs) may participateby making a particular contribution to theproject. They must also be independentfrom any other participant.A limited number of individual SMEs (2-5)must participate to ensure that the results ofthe project address SME needs and canbe used by a large number of SMEs.

Recommendations for resources andduration

The size of the consortium should typically bebetween 10 and 15 participants. In addition,the SME end users group should be limited totwo to ve members. The overall budget ofthe project should typically be between EUR1.5 million to EUR 4.0 million and the durationof the project should normally be betweentwo and three years. If a project deviatesfrom these recommendations, a justi cation isrequired.

Decision-ma ing, coordination of thepro ect and consortium agreement

The management and decision-makingapproach of the project should be tailored toreal needs in terms of scale and complexity.The consortium has to ensure that no decisioncan be taken against the collective interest ofthe SME associations.

The coordination of the project is a demandingand complex management task which requiresa well quali ed and experienced coordinator.The SME associations may entrust thecoordination to a RTD performer or a partnerin the consortium specialised in professionalproject management. The coordinator carriesout the following tasks:

monitors the compliance of the partnerswith their obligations;veri es that all partners have access tothe grant agreement;receives the Community nancialcontribution and distributes it in

accordance with the consortium andgrant agreement;

keeps the records and nancial accountsand informs the Commission of itsdistribution;acts as an intermediary for ef cient andcorrect communication between theparticipants and reports regularly to theparticipants and to the Commission onthe progress of the project.

Once a project has been selected andnegotiations are nalised, the participantshave to submit a signed consortium agreementto further detail information already re ected inthe Technical Annex to the contract. It addressesissues such as the internal organisation ofthe consortium, the management of theCommunitys nancial contribution, rules on

dissemination and use, including IntellectualProperty Rights management or the settlementof internal disputes.

Intellectual Propert Rights

Already at the proposal stage the consortiummust provide a clear and adequatedescription of how the participants willorganise IPR ownership and user rights (e.g.licences, royalties) among themselves. Theconsortium may choose to follow the default

regime, giving full ownership of all projectresults (foreground) and IPR to the SMEassociations.

SME associations have the opportunity to ndtailor-made solutions to organise the ownershipof project results and its dissemination and usethem in a way that takes into account the needs,interests and capabilities of the SME-AGs andtheir members, of the other enterprises andend-users involved in the project as well asthe RTD performers. The arrangement shouldaddress transfer of ownership, licences or anyother form of rights for the dissemination anduse of results generated by the project. It mustensure that SME associations are providedwith all the Rights that are required for theintended use and exploitation of the projectresults by their members. In reality, this can, forexample, mean that the RTD performers keepownership of the entire foreground (or partsof it) and that the SME associations and theirmembers acquire licences only.

In exchange, the RTD performers co-invest

employing their own resources in the project.Therefore the price and payment modalities

agreed between RTD performers and SMEassociations should re ect the value of theIntellectual Property Rights and knowledgeacquired, meaning, for example, that theprice of licences should be lower than theprice for ownership of all results.

Ho to participate in Research for SMEAssociations:

Calls:

Calls are published onhttp://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/dc/index.cfm under the CAPACITIESProgramme / Research for the bene t ofSMEs section.

For further information on how to submit aproposal and related detail, please visit DGResearchs SME TechWeb at:http://ec.europa.eu/research/sme-techweb

Helpdesk:http://ec.europa.eu/research/enquiries



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SUPPORT FOR INDIvIDUALSMES - wHAT IS EraSME?EraSME is a network of 19 national andregional research programmes supportingSMEs, currently supported under the SixthFramework Programme*. Although mostnational governments have set up national andregional schemes to encourage cooperationbetween SMEs and research organisations,the EraSME project was the rst to take anintegrated transnational approach and makecross-border SME-research cooperationpossible. Even innovative SMEs with winningconcepts frequently lack the equipment andability to perform the necessary researchin order to develop and test their ideas. Incontrast, universities and other researchbodies often have excellent resources andskills but lack the entrepreneurial expertise

and business experience that resides withinSMEs. EraSME offers an operational platformfor programme owners and managers toexchange best practice, execute joint activitiesand launch joint Calls for Proposals. EraSMEwill therefore:

facilitate transnational partnershipsbetween SMEs and researchorganisations;

reduce programme administration costs

by joint actions and shared expenses;enhance complementarity betweenprogrammes at regional, national andEuropean level by creating a commonframework for actions;

create the conditions for sustained, long-term cooperation between programmes.

who can appl ?

SMEs established in one of the participatingcounties/regions, who wish to engage ina transnational R&D project with researchorganisations (universities, research centers).Speci c conditions should be checked in theCalls for Proposals.

which acti ities are supported?

EraSME is organising joint Calls for Proposalsin which project consortia may apply. Unlessspeci ed in the Call for Proposals, there isno thematic focus, meaning that projects can

come out of any S&T eld.As EraSME is an ERA-NET, its scope of

activities is much broader than the funding ofR&D in itself. The R&D programmes work inthe following key areas:

facilitation of transnational partnershipsbetween national research programmesto support innovative ideas, giving SMEsthe research competence needed fortheir initial ideas to lead to practical andcommercially exploitable innovations;

promotion of joint actions to enablepartnerships that will bene t Europesnational and regional programmes in thiseld;

creation of a common transnational

framework for action that will enhancecomplementarities between programmesat regional, national and European level;

creation of the conditions for sustained,long-term cooperation between nationaland regional programmes.

Ho does it or ?

EraSME is based on the national and

regional participating programmes andregularly proposes joint Calls for Proposals.Projects must be transnational, close-to-marketand innovative. They must aim to developnew products, processes or services. Fundedprojects must be driven by SMEs, who mustbe able to demonstrate that they will be themain recipients or bene ciaries of the resultsfrom the project.


Funding is available for the activities executedin the frame of the transnational R&D projectsby the SMEs and their partners. However,as it is based on the national/regionalprogrammes, national funding rules apply.The coordinating activities of EraSME aresupported by the EU funding. This includesthe exchange of best practice betweenparticipating programmes and organisationsin key aspects of programme design andmanagement, in order to raise programmeef ciency and effectiveness.

Ho to appl ?

For further information visit:http://www.era-sme.net/public

*The possibility to continue the activities of EraSME in FP7 are currently under discussion with the Commission.



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SUPPORT FOR SMEASSOCIATIONS - wHAT ISCORNET?CORNET - COllective Research NETworkingis an ERA-NET in the eld of CollectiveResearch. Collective Research programmesbene t all or most of the SMEs working inthe same sector or branch of industry. AnyIntellectual Property Rights generated throughthe project are typically distributed throughoutthe rms in the target sector.

The CORNET Consortium consists of 23partners managing 18 research programmesinvolving 17 countries and regions. Originallyappearing in the Sixth Framework Programme(FP6)*, CORNET seeks to improve theef ciency of collective research policy andactivities in Europe. It is aimed at reinforcingthe European Research Area (ERA) by

improving cooperation between national/regional ministries and government agenciesand creating opportunities for establishingcollective research sourcing national/regionalfunding that crosses national borders. Theprogrammes involved in CORNET plan andexecute joint Calls for Proposals and otherjoint activities.

who can appl ?

Eligible partners in the Calls for Proposals

launched by CORNET are associations,federations, trade associations or othergroups of enterprises with common objectives,typically subcontracting research work torelevant (collective) research centres anduniversities.

which research topics are supported?

Calls have no thematic focus, and associations,federations and trade associations in allindustrial sectors who are interested inestablishing trans-national consortia andsubmitting collective research proposals canapply.

Ho does it or ?

The project consortium must be composedof eligible partners from countries or regionsparticipating in CORNET. The disseminationactivities are essential within the projectand should be Europe wide and includeinformation activities in English.


Funding supports research and developmentcarried out by specialised centers for SMEassociations on behalf of their members, toaddress their pre-competitive needs within aspeci c business sector. The results are thendisseminated for effective exploitation. Anexample of collective research could be usedto improve health and safety standards oroptimise the industrial process. As it is basedon national/regional programmes, nationalfunding rules apply. The coordinating activitiesof CORNET are supported by EU funding.

Ho to appl ?

Please consult the CORNET website:www.cornet-era.net

*The possibility to continue the activities of CORNET in FP7 are currently under discussion withthe Commission.

ADDITIONAL EUROPEANACTIvITIESCIP Competiti eness and Inno ationProgramme, 2007-2013 (Nb: CIP is not aResearch Frame or programme)

FP7 will be complemented by theCompetitiveness and Innovation Programme(CIP) 2007-2013, which is aimed atencouraging the competitiveness of Europeanenterprises by improving SME access toalternative sources of nance. This is a coherentand integrated response to the objectives ofthe reinvigorated Lisbon growth and jobsstrategy. CIP will help enterprises grow andinnovate by:

supporting private equity and loanguarantee schemes;providing SMEs with clear and ef cient

information and advice via the businesssupport networks building on todaysEICs (Euro Info Centers) and IRCs(Innovation Relay Centers);improving the conditions for innovationby supporting exchanges of bestpractices, networking and analysis, withparticular emphasis on eco-innovation;stimulating the new converging marketsfor electronic networks, media contentand digital technologies;encouraging the wider uptake of new

and renewable energies and promotingenergy ef ciency.

CIP will therefore support actions to reduceobstacles to innovation and growth, and toboost entrepreneurship and productivity. It isspeci cally targeted to SMEs. CIP comprisesthree speci c programmes:

Entrepreneurship and InnovationProgramme (EIP)ICT Policy Support Programme (ICTP)Intelligent Energy Europe Programme (IEEP)

These three programmes receive respectivelya 60/20/20 share of the total CIP budgetof EUR 3.6 billion. This budget is signi cantlysmaller than that of FP7 and cohesionfunding, but by acting closer to the market,CIP will have a signi cant leverage effect.Community Financial Instruments under CIP willbe coordinated by the European InvestmentFund (http://eif.eu.int/) and delivered throughexisting banks, nancial institutions andequity funds in the participating countries.Therefore, individual enterprises should not

address requests for support to the EuropeanCommission or EIF directly.



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CIP will provide SMEs with a local accesspoint for information and advice on Europeanprogrammes (especially FP7), single marketissues, European regulations and innovationactions. It brings together the servicespreviously provided by the Euro Info Centre(EIC) network and the Innovation Relay Centre(IRC) network into a single network for servicesin support of business and innovation. Thesewill be hosted by organisations that arealready providing similar services for SMEs intheir regions.

EICs:http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/networks/eic/eic.html

IRCs:http://www.innovationrelay.net/

The CIP and FP7 complement one anotherwith mutually reinforcing actions and aredesigned to run side by side in support of theLisbon objectives. CIP is open to the MemberStates of the European Union. Subject tobilateral agreements it is likely to be openedto the members of the European EconomicArea, and candidate countries. Participationof other third countries, especially WesternBalkan, European Neighbourhood or MEDPartner countries may also be negotiated.

More informationhttp://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/enterprise_policy/cip/index_en.htm



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European Commission

FP7 HANDS-ON GUIDE

Luxembourg: Of ce for Of cial Publications of the European Communities

2007 32 pp. format 21.0 x 29.7 cm

ISBN 978-92-79-04792-3


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SALES AND SUBSCRIPTIONS

Publications for sale produced by the Of ce for Of cial Publications of the European Communities are available from our sales agentsthroughout the world.

How do I set about obtaining a publication?

Once you have obtained the list of sales agents, contact the sales agent of your choice and place your order.

How do I obtain the list of sales agents?

Go to the Publications Of ce website http://publications.europa.eu/ Or apply for a paper copy by fax (352) 2929 42758


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Documents

Fp7 hand-on guide