“The importance of research to prosperity and jobs in Europe is once again being highlighted at the current informal ministerial meeting in Graz. Austria has justifiably made this topic a key issue during the EU Presidency and launched constructive talks on all aspects of the 7th Framework Programme”, the State Secretary for Research Eduard Mainoni said, expressing satisfaction at the course of the talks held during the meeting of Competitiveness Ministers.
Agreement on the EU budget has made it possible to negotiate the exact allocation of financial support within the Framework Programme. “Here, Europe must focus on topics which are crucial to economic growth and employment. In particular, information and communication technology creates new markets. In this area, we still have to catch up with the US”, Mainoni said.
Above all, access to high-tech research for SMEs must be made easier within the 7th Framework Programme. “They must become increasingly competitive globally. Therefore, it is even more important to create the necessary framework conditions for these job drivers. Consequently, the rules on participation by industry have been significantly improved within the Framework Programme”, stated Mainoni
In future, 15% of support for promoting projects from the first pillar of the Framework Programme is to be made available to SMEs, according to Mainoni. “This represents financial support of around EUR 4.5 billion. With this, we are strengthening the European economy in a sustainable manner and securing prosperity and jobs.”
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