Connect, no.145, November - December 2006, p.3

Framework 7 and TWI support for Members

Framework programmes are the European Union's principal mechanism for the funding of R&D. The newest of these (FP7), will begin on 1 January 2007, last until 2013, and in total will provide funding of some 50bn for European industry.

TWI has been involved in Framework projects for more than 20 years and in over 70 projects. In that period, experienced teams have developed considerable expertise in winning and managing these programmes. In the current programme (FP6), TWI is managing more than 20 projects with a total value in excess of 60m. These projects are responsible for generating much new knowledge, which then becomes available through future project work for Industrial Members.

It is intended that TWI will continue the activity at a significant level within FP7. A key aspect to this is developing and maintaining close collaboration with Members across all sectors. In addition to providing research capability for project consortia, activities include assisting Members to:

• identify areas of best fit between their own strategies and the opportunities available for R&D funding
• Build project consortia
• Prepare proposals
• Manage projects

Members are encouraged to discuss the possibilities with TWI as soon as possible. The first opportunity to submit proposals in many themes will occur in the first few months of 2007.

For further information contact adrian.duncan@twi.co.uk or peter.oakley@twi.co.uk