Seventh Framework Programme (FP7)

The Seventh Framework Programme (FP7 or 'KP7' in Dutch) is the largest EU subsidy programme. FP7 is aimed at encouraging international cooperation among businesses and scientific institutes both in Europe and outside. There are subsidies for research, technological development and demonstration projects. FP7 runs up to and including 2013. The total subsidy amount available during this period is more than €50 billion.

Conditions

FP7 consists of four components:

1. Cooperation
2. Ideas
3. People
4. Capacities

Different rules and procedures apply for each component of FP7. Taking part in an FP7 project is an investment for which you must carefully consider the costs and benefits. Participation in FP7 is certainly not restricted to large companies: FP7 welcomes small and medium-sized enterprises. However, we recommend that your company should be past the pioneering phase; FP7 is less suitable for start-ups.

You can take part if you are based in:

• an EU Member State;
• an associated country (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland or Israel);
• a prospective Member State (countries expected to join the EU within the foreseeable future);
• a country that has the status of International Cooperation Partner Country (ICPC).

A project must be carried out by a consortium: a partnership formed by various businesses and institutes. A consortium must consist of at least three partners from three different countries. The project partners must legally be totally independent of each other.

How to apply

You can obtain advice from the FP7 National Contact Point (NCP), which is associated with NL Agency. The NCP will help you with your application free of charge, providing information and advice, training, and intermediary services in the search for suitable foreign partners. We recommend that you contact the National Contact Point at an early stage.