Research & Development News

Framework Programmes are the EU's vehicle for Research and Development in which businesses large and samll can particiipate. Hopefully the first call for projects will be late 2006 edarly 2007.
 

The European Union's Research and Development programme , Framework Seven is now underway and calls have been requested from intersted parties for R&D Projecs for funding - up to 1 millioin Euro is available for small business to develop new products and processes.

See what the EU has to say about Framework Seven

A consortium led by EFP Consulting has found that a major hindrance to Small Businesses taking up European Union funding for Research and Development is their own Financial Managers. It appears that Finance Directors and Accounts departments are stopping small businesses from taking advantage of R & D Funding because of the perceived financial burdens associated with participation.
 
The researchers asked what influenced your decisions as to whether you took part in a R & D Project or not. The financial staff involved in the companies perceived burdens in administration and financial accounting and so often voted against being involved in a project. The main culprits highlighted were the EU's reporting requirements and co-financing issues. Finance departments also appeared not to understand the benefits that could be gained from being included in R&D Projects, however, they could estimate the possible costs associated with reporting and co-financing. This led them to advising against inclusion or undertaking R & D Projects.

Click this link to view report - The link will open a new window
Cordis News