Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7)

With its specific programmes in the categories “Cooperation”, “Capacities”, “People” and “Ideas”, the EU’s 7th Research Framework Programme (FP7) was the most important instrument of European research funding from 2007 to 2013. In 2014, the new framework programme “Horizon 2020” enters into force, which in turn promises exciting calls for the Fraunhofer IGB. At the end of the 7th Framework Programme the Fraunhofer IGB posted yet a number of major successes.

The “Cooperation” programme is the most important measure in the 7th Framework Programme having a budget of 32,413 million euros. It supports European collaboration projects with partners from science and industry working together in specific research and development projects. The programme is based on ten distinct themes that reflect the most important fields of knowledge and technology development for excellent research. For the Fraunhofer IGB the following themes are of special interest: “Health”, “Environment”, “Energy”, “Nanosciences, Nanotechnologies, Materials & New Production Technologies” and “Knowledge-based Bio-economy”.

“Research for the benefit of SMEs”

The “Capacities” programme, with a budget of 4097 million euros, consists of different funding areas to strengthen the European research and innovation capacities. The area “Research for the benefit of SMEs” addresses especially European small and medium sized enterprises with the aim to boost their innovation capacities. The bottom-up programme funds European SME consortia in contracting out R&D services to European research and development organisations. Thereby the Fraunhofer IGB appears as experienced research partner for SMEs. Due to long lasting experience the Fraunhofer IGB can also offer support in the project management.

The "People" programme with a significant overall budget of more than € 4,7 billion acknowledges that one of the main competitive edges in science and technology is the quantity and quality of its human resources. To support the further development and consolidation of the European Research Area, this Specific Programme's overall strategic objective is to make Europe more attractive for the best researchers.