Research & Technology in the EU

Conducting European research policies and implementing European research programmes is in the first instance a legal and political obligation resulting from the Amsterdam Treaty. The Treaty does in fact include a whole chapter on research and technological development (RTD), so as to underline that RTD is an essential element in the functioning of industrialised countries, such as EU Member States: the competitiveness of companies and the employment they can provide depend to a great extent on RTD; and RTD is also essential for the support of other policies such as consumer protection or the protection of the environment. In short: the individual and collective wellbeing of citizens depends on the quality and relevance of RTD.

FACT SHEETS

Seventh Framework Programme (FP7)

• The main objectives of FP7
• FP7: How to participate
• Research for the benefit of SMEs

Research-performing SMEs

• SME participation in FP7 research projects
• Cooperation for research-performing SMEs

Research-acquiring SMEs

• EraSME research programmes network
• The CORNET Programme for research-acquiring SMEs

EU Research Contacts