European research funding: where next?

A look at the names on the current 7th  Framework Programme for Research confirms  that the number of successful applications  from Germany has risen significantly  as the program has progressed. More than  25% of German applicants received funding  in 2010. Having won around € 3.6 bn worth  of funding, applicants from Germany were  at the top of the list from 2007 to 2011.  Within Germany, the state of Baden-Württemberg  is number one, with 20.8% of applicants,  22.2% of EU financing and 26.9%  of coordinators. 

The framework initiative is an important  source of funding in Germany, especially  in Baden-Württemberg. Within the German  landscape, 23.3% of universities, 19.9% of  research institutions and 24.6% of companies  to gain funding under the program  are based in Baden-Württemberg. As an  important economic region within Europe  and an area with high average earnings,  Baden-Württemberg has to work continuously  to improve the quality of its products.  To maintain its high standards, the region  must invest in research and development on  a permanent basis. The EU funding program makes it possible to cushion companies from  financial risks when products are still in development  and not yet bringing commercial  benefit. The framework program fosters  transnational collaboration. Through such  transnational collaboration, Germany as a  strong exporter has a major opportunity to  gain access to foreign markets or build and  bolster its standing. As a result, the state is  keen to maintain access to European funding  programs.

To facilitate this, the Steinbeis-  Europa-Zentrum represents the parties involved  on a variety of European Commission  committees, making an active contribution  to political discussion on future EU innovation  and research policy. One of the aims of  the Steinbeis-Europa-Zentrum is to involve  more small and medium-sized companies in  European Union research programs.  The planned Horizon 2020 program is an  important pillar of the “Innovation Union,”  one of seven key initiatives under the  Europe 2020 strategy, which is aimed at  strengthening Europe’s global competitiveness.  Horizon 2020 brings together activities  for the first time that were previously carried  out in isolation, such as the Framework Programme for Research, the Programme  for Competitiveness and Innovation and  the European Institute for Innovation and  Technology (EIT). The hope of the European  Commission is that funding instruments will  work more cohesively. 

The Steinbeis-Europa-Zentrum is inviting  business managers, researchers and scientist  to take advantage of the current funding  opportunities presented by the EU’s 7th  Framework Programme for Research. During  the remainder of 2012, the EU will be requesting  project applications in the following  technology fields: transport, nano/microtechnology,  materials/working materials,  production, medicine, the environment, nutrition  and foodstuffs. SEZ project managers  offer free short consulting sessions.