Q: What is the Capacities specific programme

A: Capacities aims to optimise the use and development of research infrastructures, while enhancing the innovative capacities of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). The programme is designed to support regional research-driven clusters and unlock the research potential in the EU's convergence and outermost regions. Support is to be provided for horizontal actions and measures underlining international cooperation. Finally, European society and science should be brought closer under the initiatives of the Capacities programme.
Capacities programme (global budget: €4.1 billion) operates in 6 areas: >

• Research infrastructures: €1 715 million
• Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): €1 336 million
• Regions of Knowledge: €126 million
• Research potential: €340 million
• Science in Society: €330 million
• International cooperation: €180 million