Simplifying the Implementation of the Research Framework Programmes

created on 29 Apr 2010

Research and innovation are at the core of the Europe 2020 strategy for "smart, sustainable and inclusive growth". In order to deliver on the 2020 strategy objectives, based on a common ownership of the strategy called for by the European Council, regional, national and European public funding initiatives in research and innovation should be as effective as possible, in order to promote the highest quality research. For maximum impact, such initiatives at European level should therefore be highly attractive and accessible to the best researchers worldwide, to Europe's industry and entrepreneurs, to universities and other research and innovation actors.

On the project level, the European Commission has made an effort to simplify procedures in the 7th Framework Programme. However, too much bureaucracy as well as regulations that are partly cumbersome or ambiguous have been criticised. Since this concerns public funds, financial control is an absolute requirement in principle. A lot has been and is being done in terms of simplification following discussions in Council and Parliament, the independent review of the ERC's structures and mechanisms, and the recent public consultation of stakeholders.

This Communication assesses where we stand on this as concerns the Seventh Framework Programme. Further concrete simplification measures for immediate implementation under the current legal framework are presented in this document.

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