Background: FP7, €50 billion fund

For SMEs the opportunities are vast, and their research and development teams should pay particular attention to the 7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development or FP7 for short.

It will last for seven years from 2007until 2013.
The programme has a total budget of over €50 billion.

Among the groups this Funding Programme
applies to are:

•   Companies intending to innovate

•   Small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)

•   SME associations or groupings

•   Public or governmental administration (local,
    regional or national)

•   Early-stage researchers (postgraduate students)

•   Experienced researchers

•   Professionals