Other European Funding

Introduction

The European Commission has a range of funding available to public and private organisations, higher and further educations and voluntary sectors.

Some of the funds are restricted to geographical areas and all of them require that the programme / projects are delivered in partnership.

The main strategic EU funding of interest for London's 2007 to 2013 programme are:

Framework 7 (FP7)

With over £53 billion available for the period of 2007 to 2013, the 7th framework programme (FP7) is the EU's main instrument for funding research. FP7 has 5 'building blocks' or specific programmes:

• Cooperation: To support run by transnational consortia in the ten thematic areas (food agriculture and biotechnology, information and communication technologies, nano-science, nanotechnologies and materials, energy, environment, health, transport, socio-economic and humanities, space and security).
• Ideas: Support for 'frontier research projects implemented by research teams or individual researchers.
• People: Researcher mobility and carer development.
• Capacities: Support for research capacities and infrastructure.
• Nuclear research: Including fusion energy research.

As in the case with all EU grants, FP7 is based in co-financing.

The standard reimbursement rate for research and technological development activities is 50%, though some organisations (e.g. SMEs and non-profit public bodies) may be reimbursed up to 100% of the eligible costs.

The grants are determined on the basis for calls for proposals and peer review process.

For more information on FP7 and call for proposals go to go to the FP7UK website.

Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP)

The Competitiveness and Innovation Framework aims to encourage the competitiveness of European enterprises, mainly small and medium size enterprises. The objective of CIP is to provide better access to finance and deliver business support services in the regions and support innovation.

With a budget of €3.261 million CIP is divided into three programmes:

1. Entrepreneurship and Innovation programme (EIP)

Better access to finance for SMes through venture capital investment and loan guarantee instruments, Business Support Services through a network of regional centres, Promotion of entrepreneurship and Innovation, Support for eco-innovation, support for policy making that encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

2. Information Communication Technologies and Policy Support Programme (ICT PSP)

Development of a Single European Information Space, Strengthening the European internal market for ICT and ICT based products and services, Encouraging innovation through the wider adoption of and investment in ICT, Developing and inclusive information society and more efficient and effective services in areas of public interest, Improving quality of life.

3. Intelligent Energy Europe (IEE)

Fostering energy efficiency and the rational use of energy resources, Promoting new and renewable energy sources and energy diversification, Promoting energy efficiency and new energy sources in transport.

For more information on CIP and call for proposals, visit the European Commision website.

INTERREG

INTERREG funding is available to support the development of joint innovative solutions to transnational common issues by sharing expertise and development costs. There are 3 types of INTERREG cooperation funding:

1. Strand A Cross border Co-operation
   For solving local problems, including strategic projects. Only regions adjacent to national borders are eligible (London is not eligible)
2. Strand B Transnational Co-operation
   Concrete projects important for a specific geographical programme area
3. Strand C Interregional Co-operation
   'Regions for Economic Change'. Exchange of experiences and best practices to improve regional policy design and implementation.

Projects should generally attract partners for at least two member states within the co-operation area.

Projects should involve the appropriate national, regional, and local authorities and other relevant organisations. One partner will be the "Lead Partner" to manage the project partnership and audit trail.

For more information on INTERREG IVB and call for proposals go to: http://www.nweurope.org/

For more information on INTERREG IV C and call for proposals go to: http://www.interreg4c.net/