Research & Innovation :: Public R&D Funding
Pooling Europe's Resources to Master ICTs
The EU has been funding research into ICTs since 1986, with the Seventh Research Framework Programme (2007-2013) the largest yet.
Overview ¦ Example Projects
"focusing maximum effort into the most critical areas where 'EU added value' can have the greatest effect."
The EU’s Framework Research Programmes complement national and regional research programmes, helping Europe pool its resources and build a critical mass of technological leadership. Jump straight to the programmes:
- ICT research activities under the 7th Framework Programme (FP7, 2007-2013);
- many IST research projects launched under the preceding Sixth Framework Programme (FP6, 2002-2006) are still underway.
Why These Programmes?
EU support focuses on the essential work that has to be done at European level, funding research projects that bring together universities, research institutes, small and large companies and governmental organisations across Europe.
The aim is to focus maximum effort into the most critical areas where 'European added value' can have the greatest effect and to create a European Research Area (ERA).
This is not just about technology – experiences like the globally successful GSM standard (see the Mobile Communications theme) show that Europe can lead the world if it can develop a common vision embracing researchers, industrialists, governments and societies across Europe. Research and policy must therefore progress hand-in-hand, as embodied in the Commission’s i2010 Initiative.
See also:
- the IST Advisory Group (ISTAG) reflects and advises on the definition and implementation of a coherent policy for research in ICT in Europe ... more
- browse some examples of Commission-funded research, or visit the ICT Results site
- keep up to date with the National ICT Research Directors Forum, which is aligning European, national, regional and private research.