Who is Who in FP7
Main actors and where to turn for help
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Updated: 25 Feb 2008 |
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Who is Who in FP7
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1. Introduction The Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) is the major tool aimed at fostering research, development and demonstration activities within the European Union (EU) (note 1) The following is a list of the main institutional actors involved and main services available to facilitate the understanding of FP7 and smooth participation in the activities it promotes. (read more...) Nova Página com a notícia completa ! 2. Main FP7 actors European Commission (EC) This is the institution responsible for the legislation initiative within the EU. It drafted the proposal for the FP7, which has been formally adopted by the Council and the European Parliament. Five EC administrative units, called Directorates General (DGs), are involved in the management of FP7: Research , Information Society and Media , Enterprise and Industry , Fisheries and Maritime Affairs , Energy and Transport . EURATOM This is, together with the European Community, one of the main pillars of the EU. It has competence in R&D activities and management of nuclear resources within the EU and, under FP7, it has been assigned a specific programme for nuclear research and training activities . Joint Research Centre (JRC) This is the organisation of the European Commission that provides scientific and technical support for the implementation of different EU policies. The JRC is constituted by seven scientific institutes , located in five EU countries. Under FP7, JRC has been assigned a specific programme to carry out direct research activities on some definite topics, with the aim of actively contributing to strengthening the European Research Area (ERA). European Research Council (ERC) This is an autonomous funding body within FP7, established by Community legislation, for the implementation of the IDEAS Specific Programme . In particular, it supports and awards scientists from all disciplines by carrying out research activities that go beyond the boundaries of current knowledge (“frontier research”) to promote European R&D excellence. European Investment Bank (EIB) This is the European institution that supports the funding of strategic projects pursuing the objectives of the EU. Together with the Commission, EIB established the so-called “ Risk-Sharing Finance Facility ”, which aims to facilitate access to debt financing for participants in FP7 projects to foster European research and innovation. European Technology Platforms (ETPs) Industry-driven partnerships that bring together all the relevant stakeholders (i.e. private companies, public authorities, research organisations, financial community, civil society) in a specific technology domain to define common medium- and long-term R&D priorities and related joint action plans. They play an important role in setting up Joint Technology Initiatives (JTIs). 3. Specific FP7 Services CORDIS This is the official information service on FP7, which offers access to detailed and updated information and official documents. An e-mail alert service provides updates on the latest FP7 developments. Moreover, the website hosts a search facility to help find international partners and provides access to the electronic proposal submission service (EPSS), which is used to submit FP7 project proposals to the Commission. European Research website Website maintained by the European Commission to provide information on the different aspects of European research policy and activities. Apart from a section devoted to FP7 , it includes a specific webpage and a newsletter addressed to SMEs wishing to participate in European R&D programmes and an Enquiry Service , which is available for questions about any aspect (legal, financial, administrative, etc.) of European research in general and the Framework Programmes (FP) in particular. National Contact Points (NCPs) Network A network of persons officially appointed by the national authorities to provide tailored information, guidance and assistance on all the activity areas of FP7. The NCPs database contains the details of contact points present in the Members States, Associated Countries and third countries. IGLO - Informal Group of RTD Liaison Offices An informal organisation grouping the main European R&D liaison offices with the aim of fostering collaboration between its members, national innovation systems and EU institutions on R&D issues, with a focus on FP. Through the partner search service , IGLO provides support to find European partners and to express interest in being involved in a project proposal. 4. Non-specific FP7 Services IPR Helpdesk It assists current and potential participants in RTD projects funded by the European Community (in particular, via FP7 and Competitiveness and Innovation Programme - CIP) on IP related issues. Among other services, it offers a Helpline , which provides personalised assistance (via email) to end users. The website contains a rich collection of IP-related documents relevant to FP and CIP participants (executive summaries on key topics, international/Community legal and official texts, Consortium Agreement models for FP projects, etc). IPR-Helpdesk is a constituent part of the IP-BASE project, funded under the CIP . Enterprise Europe Network Built on the former Innovation Relay Centres and Euro Info Centers , this new Network provides a range of specialised business support services (mainly to SMEs, but also to research centres, academia and large companies) that aim to foster technological cooperation and support enterprises in their growth and innovation activities. Services include help in finding suitable business and technological partners, support in applying for Commission funding (in particular for FP7 projects), assistance and advice on European legislation and policies. Through approximately 600 partner organisations, the Network covers more than 40 countries. Business Innovation Centres (BICs) BICs are innovation tools established throughout Europe to support local economic development by providing regional-specific services (e.g. evaluation of innovative projects, support in drafting business plans, support in accessing finance, physical incubation, training, technology and management assistance, networking), and favour the creation of new innovative businesses and help existing ones develop and commercialise innovative ideas. Gate2Growth This is a Web site focused on supporting entrepreneurs (as they build up innovation business plans and detect the most suitable sources of funding), innovation professionals (as they improve the quality of the services delivered to entrepreneurs) and technology investors (as they facilitate the cooperation among them at European level). SME portal A Web site promoted by the European Commission that provides the link to sources of information on a wide range of topics (entrepreneurship and innovation promotion, internationalisation, sources of funding, business assistance, EU sectoral policy). 1. For an overview on the EU Research Policy, with a focus on FP7, please consult our document on the matter . |
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