€50 billion has been set aside to fund collaborative research and development projects under the next round of the European Commision's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7).

Launched in January 2007, FP7 will run until 2013 and provide industry with excellent opportunities to work with some of the leading research organisations in Europe.

The programme will also provide access to new markets and help participants gain new areas expertise through collaborative research and development.

Under the previous programme, North West organisations won in excess of €86 million - many of them SMEs in industrial sectors.

And the successful applicants have put this funding to good use carrying out research and development that would have otherwise proved impossible to conduct.

With more money available in FP7 and an even greater focus on industrial participation, organisations in the North West are being urged to find out how to participate.

As an important gateway to accessing funds, FrameworksNW will continue to support North West organisations in all aspects of proposal preparation and help them to submit strengthened bids in line with specific ‘calls’ from Europe.

Established in 2003, the service is funded by the North West Development Agency and delivered by technology transfer company, RTC North Ltd.

Having recently been awarded a follow on contract to deliver support to the North West, RTC North’s FrameworksNW team will continue to act as the dedicated regional contact point for European R&D and provide an important gateway through which researchers and regional organisations will be able to access funds.

Based in Knowsley, Merseyside,  FrameworksNW is managed by Ritchie Head. He explained:

“We have worked hard to highlight the right opportunities for the right organisations in the North West, responding to the direct needs of industry in the region.

“Focusing on practical help and advice, we have successfully increased North West based participation in the Frameworks Programme, and I fully expect this to rise for FP7.”

Accessing funding under previous Framework Programmes has involved a complex application and proposal writing process. But FrameworksNW is aiming to smooth the way. Ritchie added:

“The North West is ripe with innovative organisations looking to develop themselves further. Companies need to receive the right kind of support and assistance from people experienced in European collaborative projects.

“FrameworksNW can provide high-level support which will enhance the chances of making successful bids and ensure that the North West continues to become one of the most competitive knowledge based regions in the UK and Europe.”

With the launch of FP7 approaching, North West organisations are still benefiting from the previous programme. The School of Biological Science at the University of Liverpool is already reaping the rewards following two recent successful applications. Professor of Biological Chemistry from Liverpool University, Dave Fernig, said:

“So far our FP6 projects have been a great success and the 12 Research Fellows we have hired are absolutely top class, making the entire programme a pleasure. We are very happy with the outcome, even at this early stage.”

The Frameworks team has also recently helped two North West SMEs become driving forces in a European consortium of partners aiming to design future generations of safe anti-infective drugs.
 
Companies interested in accessing European funding through FP7 should contact the FrameworksNW team on 0151 632 8888.