Innovation, research and technology

EU funding for research, development and innovation

This practical guide helps potential beneficiaries find a suitable source of funding for every stage of their project, and to learn how different sources can be combined.

Eurostars - funding and support specifically designed for small businesses

The Eurostars programme provides finance tailored to the needs of small firms, supporting their participation in international projects in the fields of research and innovation.

Seventh Research Framework Programme (FP7)

FP7 is the EU's main instrument for funding research - the programme will fund research worth over €53bn by 2013, a large part of this being made available to SMEs.

Research Enquiry Service

Any questions about European research? Struggling to find your way around the Research Framework Programme? Get in touch with experts and ask your questions directly via the online mail form.

SMEs in research - national contact points

Guidance and support for small firms interested in the opportunities offered by EU funding for research - a list of national contacts in the EU and elsewhere.

Research and SMEs - a guide to EU research funding for SMEs

This page helps small firms find out if they are an SME, and what opportunities are on offer depending on their possibilities to conduct research in-house. It also includes a newsletter, guide and an on-line forum relating to SMEs in FP7.

Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP)

The programme supports entrepreneurship and innovation in SMEs, their uptake of ICT and the sustainable use of energy.

Information and Communication Technologies Policy Support Programme (ICT PSP)

The ICT policy support programme helps small firms make more and better use of ICT and encourages innovation in products, services and processes.

Eco-innovation initiative

The Eco-innovation funding initiative helps European entrepreneurs to develop and bring to market innovative products, services and processes which have a strong environmental value and can be replicated and multiplied across the EU.

European regional development fund (ERDF)

The ERDF – the largest EU financial instrument for SMEs – supports small firms through co-financing activities in a wide range of areas. The programmes are managed and implemented by the Member States.

EUREKA - a network for market-oriented R&D

This network supports R&D and innovation in all sectors, giving companies easier access to national public and private funding, as well as to skills and expertise across Europe.

Knowledge and Innovation Communities

As drivers of innovation, small businesses can join a Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC) to form partnerships with other key actors including research organisations, research funders and governments. KICs are part of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT).