FP7 is the short name for the Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development. This is the EU's main instrument for funding research in Europe and it will run from 2007-2013. FP7 is also designed to respond to Europe's employment needs, competitiveness and quality of life. The Specific Programmes constitute the five major building blocks of FP7. These are: Cooperation,Ideas, People, Capacities, Nuclear Research. Most of the 7th Framework specific programmes are implemented through the INCONET action.

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INCO portal

INCONET stands for International Cooperation Networks of high-level institutions-nationally mandated authorities such as government agencies or ministries-aiming to boost science and technology (S&T) cooperation between the EU and different regions of the world. The Commission’s proposals for the FP7 Capacities programme aim to enhance research and innovation capacities throughout Europe and ensure their optimal use.

International Scientific Cooperation Policy

The European Union has developed international scientific cooperation (INCO) over the last 25 years to address the needs and opportunities of an interconnected world, and to contribute to peace and prosperity for European citizens. Europe wants to play a leading role in the world’s research arena and help build a safe future. The international dimension is no longer confined to a specific scientific and technological (S&T) cooperation programme but is now inherent in all European Community research activities. This international policy has three objectives:

• To support European competitiveness through strategic partnerships with third countries in selected fields of science and by engaging the best third country scientists to work in and with Europe.
• To enhance the production of knowledge and scientific excellence by enabling European universities, research institutions and firms to establish contact with their partners in third countries, thereby facilitating access to research environments outside Europe and promoting synergies on a global scale.
• To address specific problems that third countries face or that have a global character, on the basis of mutual interest and mutual benefit.

Third country participation

Participation is open to international organisations and legal entities established in third countries after the minimum conditions laid down in the ‘Rules for participation’ have been met, as well as any specific conditions or relevant work programmes.

The cooperation with Latin America and the Caribbean received special attention in the 2011 work programmes of FP7 to make a specific contribution to the EU-LAC Joint Initiative for Research and Innovation endorsed by the EU-LAC Summit in May 2010 in Madrid. This adds to the creation of an EU-LAC Knowledge Area on the political agenda since the Guadalajara Summit in 2004, which receives new momentum from the launch of the Joint Initiative.

• Cooperation political framework and practical advice for partnering in strong proposals (in Spanish)
• Last FP7 Open calls, July 2012.
  
  

Looking for a Partner?

The Partners Service is a free on-line service, tailor-made to help you find the best research partners for your projects, either in the context of EU-funded Research and Development projects or within a broader search for technology-orientated partnerships. The service includes details on thousands of active partnership requests from companies, research institutions and universities across Europe and around the world.

You can always visit the EUCARINET data base on R&D!