The problem

The solutions to many environmental problems will lie in new and clean technologies, such as fuel-efficient transport systems, water and air purification processes and new environmental clean-up technologies. Unfortunately, developers of such technologies often complain of difficulties in accessing suitable funding. Although the potential gains are high, the financial risks are also considerable when the technologies are at the earliest stages of development. There is an urgent need to look for ways to improve the funding flow in this area, especially from commercial sources.

Overview:

FUNDETEC will examine the funding available for the development and commercialisation of environmental technologies, identifying ways to improve the flow of funds to the best new ideas.

The project will:

• Identify and analyse existing funding systems, prioritising the commercial sector
• Examine the distinctive funding requirements for environmental innovation and technology development
• Measure the successes and limitations of existing methods
• Suggest improvements for existing funding systems and make proposals for new initiatives

Contribution to policy development:

• FUNDETEC will review existing funding options in the EU to assist the development of financial support policies.
• It will carry out comparative research on success of funding policies in the EU, the USA and Japan.
• The project will make specific recommendations for improving funding flow, including the role of EU and national policies.
• Promoting improved contact and better understanding between policy-makers, funding sources, and technological innovators.

Project deliverables

• Database of funding systems – April 2007
• Reports on individual issues, including funding opportunities, performance and barriers – June 2007 – August 2007
• Comparative report on funding systems in the EU, the USA and Japan – November 2007
• Final report with all research results and recommendations – December 2007

Dissemination

• Project website – from January 2007
• Series of focus groups, four workshops and three major international conferences – May 2007-December 2007
• Dissemination of final report – December 2007
• Contacts between project partners and the relevant European Technology Platforms – ongoing

Technical information

Project acronym: FUNDETEC
Project’s official full title: Comparison and Assessment of Funding Schemes for the Development of New Activities and Investments in Environmental Technologies
Research priority:Environmental assessment (soil, water, air, noise, including the effects of chemical substances)
Specific webpage: http://www.fundetec.eu
Proposal/contract no: 044370
Start date: January 2007
Kick off meeting: January 2007
Completion date: December 2007
European Commission scientific officer: Michele Galatola, Michele.Galatola@ec.europa.eu

Coordinator:
Name: European Partners for the Environment
Abbreviated name: EPE
Address: Avenue de la Toison d'Or 67, B-1060 Brussels
Country: Belgium
Tel: +32 2 771 15 34
Fax: +32 2 539 48 15
Website: http://www.epe.be

Partners

Name: Brooklyn Bridge
Abbreviated name: TBLI
Country: Netherlands

Name: Institute for Futures Study and Technology Assessment
Abbreviated name: IZT
Country: Germany         

Name: Banque Fédérale des Banques Populaires
Abbreviated name: BFBP
Country: France 

Name: Sustainable Development Research Centre, UHI Millennium Institute
Abbreviated name: SDRC
Country: UK  

Name: Forseo GmbH
Abbreviated name: FORSEO
Country: Germany