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Home > What is new in FP7

What is new in FP7

FP7 has some key differences to earlier EU research programmes, including:

Increased budget

the FP7 budget represents a 63% increase from FP6 at current
prices, which means additional resources for European research. It is also a strong
political message to the EU Member States, which have committed themselves to
increase research spending from 2% of GDP currently to 3% in 2010.

Focus on themes – a strong focus on major research themes (e.g. health, ICTs,
space, etc.) within the largest component of FP7 – Cooperation – makes the
programme more responsive to the needs of industry.

European Research Council (ERC) – the first pan-European agency for funding
research, the newly created European Research Council, aims to fund more high-risk
yet potentially high-gain European research at the scientific frontiers.

Regions of Knowledge – FP7 is establishing new Regions of Knowledge that bring
together the various research partners within a region. Universities, research centres,
multinational firms, regional authorities and SMEs can all link up and strengthen their
research abilities and potential.

Risk-sharing finance – a new Risk-sharing finance facility is to enhance backing for
private investors in research projects, improving access to loans from the European
Investment Bank (EIB) for large European research actions.

Joint Technology Initiatives (JTIs) – a user-driven follow-up to the European
Technology Platforms (ETPs), the JTIs are a new concept that brings together different
partners to take on objectives that cannot be reached via the ‘Calls for Proposals’
approach. JTIs specifically address those areas of research activity where enhanced
collaboration and considerable investment are essential to long-term success.