FAQs

European Research Programmes

What are the European Research Programmes?

The European Research Framework Programmes (FPs) have been the main financial tools through which the European Union supports research and development activities covering almost all scientific disciplines.
The upcoming FP7 will be fully operational on 1st January 2007 and will expire in 2013.
FP7 is designed to build on the achievements of its predecessor towards the creation of the European Research Area, and carry it further towards the development of the knowledge economy and society in Europe.

Who and which activities will be funded?

Every legal organisation can apply for funding in the FP7.
Nevertheless, the FP7 does not fund the whole project but fixed percentages of the costs. For SMEs a maximum contribution of up to 75% is planned.
The following activities will be funded in diverse thematic areas:

How can I participate?

Generally, you start participating in FP7 with the submission of a European research project as a response to a call for proposals from the European Commission (EC), The call refers to an annual Work Programme that describes the purposes and requirements of the referring thematic area. 
Therefore, you first need to check whether your area of expertise/interest is included in a Work Programme. The next stage is to identify a consortium of European partners who are preparing a project or to set up your own consortium and act as the coordinator. The project then is evaluated by a panel of independent experts. If selected, the coordinator for that project is then invited to contract negotiations with the Commission after which the project can start.

How much time needs to be invested?

The development process from the idea to the project proposal could take several months depending on the size and complexity of the project and the number of partners.
The type of project and the role in the project affect the amount of effort.

The smE-MPOWER project

How much will smE-MPOWER services cost?

All services offered under the smE-MPOWER two year initiative are free.

Does smE-MPOWER offer also proposal writing?

The project consortium sees its responsibility in enabling SMEs to write the proposal. Therefore, we offer professional assistance and support to ensure that the process of writing the application for funding is as painless as possible. We don’t write the proposal for SMEs. 

What is a TIG?

TIG stands for Topic Interest Group – an open group, where participants can hone their thinking around a particular topic through discussion with experts and amongst themselves. In order to facilitate communication, a TIG uses forums, which are open to all members, registered on the Knowlaboration platform (KLB).

What is a SIG?

SIG stands for Strategic Interest Group – a closed group, in which, with the help of a Co-operation coach, a project idea is clarified and a proposal developed for possible submission for FP7 funding. In order to facilitate communication, a SIG uses a restricted-access forum in the Knowlaboration platform (KLB).

What is the Knowlaboration platform (KLB)?

The Knowlaboration platform (KLB) is a special software for management of on-line forums, used in order to facilitate communication process between companies, RTD institutions, experts etc., willing to take part in the FP7 programs.

Where can I receive more information?

Please contact your nearest smE-MPOWER member. You can find details about the partners under the category “Contact us”.