7th Framework Programme
Overview
The complete name of FP7 is 7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development . It will last for seven years (2007 – 2013). The programme has a total budget of over € 50 billion.
This money will (for the most part) be spent on grants to research actors all over Europe and beyond, in order to co-finance research, technological development and demonstration projects. Grants are determined on the basis of calls for proposals and a peer review process, which are highly competitive.
Opportunities for machine tool builders
Funding is provided through the following programmes under FP7:
Cooperation
Ideas
People
Capacities
The bulk of research funding is offered under the Cooperation Programme which is divided into ten distinct themes.The most relevant thematic area for machine tool manufacturers is often “Nanosciences, nanotechnologies, materials and new production technologies (FP7-NMP)”. Other relevant areas could be “Information and Communication Technologies (FP7-ICT)” or “Energy (FP7-ENERGY)”.
The cooperation Programme is implemented through:
Collaborative research
Coordination of national research programmes
Joint Technology Initiatives
Technology Platforms
A machine tool builder looking for funding for its research project should primarily look into “collaborative research”. Collaborative projects are focused research projects with clearly defined scientific and technological objectives and specific expected results (such as developing new knowledge or technology).
How to apply for FP7 funding?
Respond to Calls for Proposals
Calls for Proposals are published during the year by the European Commission on the CORDIS website.
http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/dc/index.cfm
Each Call usually covers specific research areas, and you may have to wait until the publication of a Call which covers your exact area of interest.
Proposals should be submitted in accordance with the terms set out in a call for proposals. Work Programmes published by the Commission announce the thematic areas and dates for calls for proposals for the respective year.
Check the 2011 Work Programme here: http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/wp-2011_en.html
Preparing and submiting a proposal
You are recommended to contact the “National Contact Point” (NCP) in your country for more information and assistance in your application process. http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/ncp_en.html
Enterprise Europe Network of the European Commission also provides substantial support in during the application process (eg. Formulating project ideas, finding partners etc.)
http://www.enterprise-europe-network.ec.europa.eu/services/research-funding
Database for partner and project search
Research projects are carried out by consortia made up of participants from different countries, and from industry and academia. Therefore you need to set up a consortium or join an already-existing one to be able to apply for funding.
An online tool for searching projects and partner are available on the CORDIS website:
http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/partners_en.html
By using this online tool, you can also create your profile and advertise your needs and calls for potential partners to join your project.
Funding opportunities for SMEs under the FP7 programme
There many funding opportunities for SMEs under the FP7 programme. The SME-Techweb website of the Commission provides information to SMEs which wish to participate in EU research. http://ec.europa.eu/research/sme-techweb/index_en.cfm
Download the FP7 Hands On Guide for more information about SME-targeted funding.
http://ec.europa.eu/research/sme-techweb/pdf/sme_handson_en.pdf
Factories of the Future
A Public-Private Partnership Initiative
The European Economic Recovery Plan adopted by the European Commission on 26 November 2008 and endorsed by the European Council on 11-12 December 2008 proposes actions to develop technologies for the manufacturing, construction and automotive sectors. These are the sectors which were affected the most by the economic crisis due to plummeting orders. The Commission proposed to launch three Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to increase support to these sectors.
The activities of the PPP FoF will concentrate on increasing the technological base of European manufacturing. The focus will be on the development and integration of enabling technologies, such as engineering technologies, ICT, and advanced materials for adaptable machines and industrial processes.
1.2 billion euro dedicated to support research in the manufacturing sector
The machine tool sector is covered by the “Factories of the Future” PPP, a research programme through which research in the manufacturing industry will receive a total amount of 1.2 billion euro in the 2010-2013 period. The programme will be co-financed by equal contribution of industry and the Commission under 7th Framework Programme.
Second calls launched
Second cross thematic calls (under NMP and ICT themes) were launched in July 2010 and closed for applications in December 2010.
http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/dc/index.cfm?fuseaction=UserSite.FP7CallSearchResultsPage
The upcoming calls are planned to be published in July 2011.
