EU Funding for ICT Research

ICT Results publishes articles about innovative ICT research funded by the European Union. Most of the projects featured are supported under the EU’s Framework Programmes, long-running funding instruments for research and innovation. Around €9 billion has been set aside for ICT research in the current FP7, running from 2007-2013.

Why EU funding?

To benefit society fully, technological innovation needs the right environment – in research settings, business and industry. This is where the European Union takes its lead, with policies and support to help researchers and budding entrepreneurs convert ideas into new technological innovations, from quieter jet engines to smaller microchips.

Developing and implementing these new technologies, ideas and processes is fundamental to maintaining Europe’s competitive position in the global economy, and enshrined in the EU’s renewed Lisbon strategy for growth, jobs and innovation.

Running in parallel with FP7, the Competitiveness and Innovation Programme (CIP) aims to help businesses, especially SMEs, to apply research findings and improve their competitive advantage. Within CIP, the ICT Policy Support Programme (ICT PSP) has a total budget of €730 million.

Further focus on European innovation can be found in the European Commission's Communication on innovation Putting knowledge into practice: A broad-based innovation strategy for the EU.