Framework Programmes

Starting with the First Framework Programme in 1984, the EU´s Framework Programmes became a success story that resulted in the current FP7, the biggest translational Research Programme worldwide. Compared to its predecessors, FP7 is characterised by its longer duration (seven years instead of four), and its budget is about 60% higher than the budget for FP6.

The Seventh Framework Programme for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration Activities” (FP7) puts the main research-related EU initiatives together under a common roof. It is therefore the EU's main instrument for funding research in Europe. It runs from 2007 to 2013.

The 7th Framework Programme has two main strategic objectives:

• strengthening the scientific and technological base of European industry; 
• encouraging its international competitiveness, while promoting research that supports EU policies.

In a broader context, FP7 aims at contributing to the implementation of the concept of the European Research Area (ERA), as well as at achieving the Lisbon target of making the EU "the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-driven economy by 2010".

Structure and Budget

FP7 consists of four main blocks of activities, forming four specific programmes, plus a fifth specific programme on nuclear research (within the framework of Euratom). The budget for FP7 is € 50.5 billion (for its duration of seven years), and the budget in the Euratom pillar is € 2.7 billion (for the initial five-year period; it may be extended to the full seven years from 2007 to 2013).

Figure 1 – Structure of FP7

Source: European Commission (2009), First FP7 Monitoring Report

Under the specific programme "Cooperation", research support is to be provided to international cooperation projects across the European Union and beyond in 10 thematic areas.

The specific programme "Ideas" hosts all those activities that are implemented by the European Research Council (ERC). The aim of the ERC is to fund excellent frontier research in Europe on a bottom-up basis.

The specific programme "People" aims at funding human resources and the mobility of researchers.

The specific programme "Capacities" aims at optimising the use and development of research infrastructures, while enhancing the innovative capacities of SMEs to benefit from research. Support is to be provided for horizontal actions and measures enhancing international cooperation.

Figure 2 – FP7 budget breakdown in € million (EURATOM FP budget of €2.7 billion over 5 years not included).

Source: European Commission (2009), First FP7 Monitoring Report

FP7 Contacts in Austria:

Programme Delegates

National Contact Points

More Information on FP7:

FP7 on CORDIS          

Information on calls is also available on the website of the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG).

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