9.2 Seventh Framework Programme The Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7) is the EU’s main instrument for funding research in Europe. Since their launch in 1984, the Framework Programmes have played a lead role in multidisciplinary research and cooperative activities in Europe and beyond. Running from 2007 to 2013, FP7 has a budget of €53.2 billion over its seven-year lifespan, the largest funding allocation yet for such programmes. Through its funding, FP7 draws together all research-related EU initiatives, including the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP)18, education and training programmes and structural and cohesion funds for regional convergence and competitiveness. It is also a key component of the European Research Area (ERA), an initiative launched in 2000 to tackle the weaknesses in the field of European research. The broad objectives of FP7 have been grouped into four categories:
Capacities Co-operation Ideas People.
For each objective, there is a specific programme corresponding to the main areas of EU research policy. All specific programmes work together to promote and encourage the creation of European poles of (scientific) excellence.
9.3 Structural Funds Four Structural Funds enable the EU to grant financial assistance to resolve structural economic and social problems: the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF); European Social Fund (ESF); European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF) and the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG). Of these, the ERDF and ESF have relevance to the audiovisual industry.
18
See section 9.4i for more information
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