The Seventh Framework Programme (FP7)

The seventh framework programme (FP7) is one of the pillars of the European Research Area (ERA). It comprises all research-related EU initiatives and programmes. It is divided into four categories, each with its own aims:
1. Cooperation: This programme supports all research activities geared towards achieving or consolidating leadership in key research areas through transnational cooperation.
2. People: This programme aims at human resource management and career development in research, with a budget of more than 4.7 billion euros until 2013.
3. Capacities: The capacities program is directed at increasing Europe's research and innovation capacities.
4. Ideas: This programme supporting "frontier research" aims at excellent researchers conducting pioneering research.
With a total budget of more than 50 billion euros (2007-13), FP7 constitutes an important source of funding for researchers.

The Dutch research universities have been performing well in the competition for framework programme funding. In total, the Netherlands contributes about 5% to the budget for the framework programmes. However, more money flows from the EU to the Netherlands than vice versa. In FP6 (2002-2006), a total amount of 1.1 billion euros was allocated to Dutch institutions and enterprises, about 6.6% of the European total. The number of Dutch participants is also relatively high: approximately 5.5%. The trend is continuing in FP7.

The VSNU contributed to the midterm review of FP7 with the position paper "Considerations regarding the midterm review of the Seventh Framework Programme" in which the VSNU emphasises the need for simplifying regulations and the importance of focusing on excellence in research.

Further information

Further information can be found on the FP7 website of the European Commission.