RD221 - ETNO Reflection Document summarising ETNOs views on the 7th Framework Programme proposals

The paper expresses ETNO’s views in relation to the 7th Framework Programme (FP7) preparation. The separation of objectives between Cooperation (the most important and driver behind the others), Ideas, People and Capacities is considered positive. In terms of budget, resource allocation to IST in FP7 should be in line with these objectives, and tend towards 25 % of the Framework Programme.

The paper expresses ETNO’s views in relation to the 7th Framework Programme (FP7) preparation. The separation of objectives between Cooperation (the most important and driver behind the others), Ideas, People and Capacities is considered positive. In terms of budget, resource allocation to IST in FP7 should be in line with these objectives, and tend towards 25 % of the Framework Programme.

ETNO supports the significant simplification of management and financial rules for FP7. In particular, a company rather than a project based approach is much more efficient.

ETNO supports European Technology Platforms (ETPs) as they are the most efficient instruments in order to ensure research transition to industry. During the FP7 building process, ETPs should lead on work programmes and key topics definition, objectives definition and project proposal evaluation. Where ETPs exist, Integrated Projects (IPs) facilitate the creation of synergy between different players and should remain the main vehicle for research.

Finally, the number of industry experts in the evaluation teams should be increased and the Association lists its priorities where content related research topics are concerned.