Structuring the European Research Area is about creating a world-class research capability combined with a receptive commercial environment for the application of new technology, and improving the process of moving technology from laboratory to application. It includes:
- Stimulating technological innovation, utilisation of research results, transfer of knowledge
- Mobility and training of researchers
- Research infrastructures
- Science and society
Research and innovation
The Research and Innovation activity relates the research effort to its subsequent exploitation and the growth of innovation. Much of the activitys budget is set aside for specific Commission services and actions such as CORDIS, IRCs, IREs IPR Helpdesk, Gate-2-Growth and the like.
There is also provision for experimental projects trying out new ways of transferring technology into applications. Some of the programme will deal with establishing and supporting technology-based businesses. This heading may be used to fund projects in the area of:
- Foresight and policy input exercises
- Co-operation with the European Investment Bank and Structural Funds
- Examining and assessing the Innovation Directorate activities
Human resources and mobility - Marie Curie Actions
The objective of these actions is the development and transfer of research competencies, the consolidation and widening of researchers career prospects and the promotion of excellence in European research. Marie Curie actions are open to researchers of all levels of experience regardless of nationality. All fields of scientific and technological research are covered and, as such, the actions are driven entirely by the research proposals submitted by the applicants.
Marie Curie consists of:
- Fellowships which sponsor individuals to undertake placements and the host organisations they are employed within
- Research Training Networks that link host organisations
- High-level scientific conferences
- Excellence awards, chairs and prizes.
Research Infrastructures
This action is aimed at encouraging maximum European-wide use of big science facilities and other substantial infrastructures that may currently be restricted by national boundaries. It will include projects concerning high-speed broadband communication infrastructure such as GRID/Géant projects.
The action proposes:
- Transnational access
- Integrating activities
- Preparatory work for the creation of new European scale infrastructures
- Optimising existing infrastructures
Science and Society
This action is aimed at developing structural links between institutions and activities concerned with the dialogue between the scientific community and society at large. The priority is divided in the following areas:
As well as being a separate activity in its own right, Science and Society impacts all projects in that you should always consider the societal issues as an integral part of research. Integrated Projects and Networks of Excellence have a specific requirement to produce a gender action plan.
 Reference documents and sites:
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The 'FP6 step by step' section is a structured walk- through of what FP6 participation entails.
