EU research funding creates excellent science and boosts EU competitiveness, evaluation shows

Excellent science and more industrial innovation are just some of the benefits created by EU research funding between 2007 and 2013. These are some of the key findings of the independent evaluation of the 7th Framework Programme (FP7), the EU’s €55 billion research funding programme over the 2007-2013 period; which the Commission is publishing today. Carlos Moedas, Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation said: “Independent experts have confirmed that our research and innovation investments are supporting world class science and improving our citizen’s welfare. We are now using the lessons learned to further improve Horizon 2020, the new EU research and innovation funding programme, and make it simpler, more effective and more focused on finding innovative solutions to benefit our society and economy.” The evaluation, which is composed of an independent experts’ report and the Commission’s response to it, also shows that FP7 had a significant impact on creating growth and jobs around Europe. Such a focus on results and transparency, in line with the priorities of President Juncker, is being continuously strengthened throughout FP7’s successor programme Horizon 2020. A full press release and factsheet are available online.