accessing european research funds and partners in life sciences

Europe is a major force in world economics. The efforts of individual nations are coordinated in several projects to give them greater force and focus. The European Union directs the funds it receives from its member states towards the same market sectors an underlying capabilities.

Nowhere is this more explicit than in technological research. The greatest focus within technology now is on the life science sector, biotechnology in various forms and in its cross-fertilisation with other technologies and with a wide range of end-markets.

Technology Research Grants

The range of programmes in which technologies are supported is wide, but the most prominent programme is the European Union’s Framework Programme for Research and Development. The 7^th Programme (FP7) will be launched in December 2006.  Its largest single focus is human health, but it also supports applications in all main end user markets such as agriculture, environment, sustainability and industrial processes.

The launch of FP7 will include a definitive document of the research and technology focuses for which bids are invited.

International Partnerships

One of the goals of the FP7 is international cooperation. There are opportunities for partners from outside Europe to take part in projects from the programme, and funds specifically reserved for this purpose. Another is commercial perspective, so that it becomes important to see research taken into a model where its economic value is realised and also its benefits to society. Projects allow and even require resources to be devoted to areas such as IP protection, due diligence and market assessment.

Help in Finding Partners

ETNA is an agent for accessing the Life Sciences part of FP7, with partners in this promotional project (called SMEs Go Health or SGH) in every country in Europe . We are therefore able to assist with introductions to the European Research programme and to potential partners in any country in Europe . One of the strongest features of SGH is a searchable database of companies and research groups that have declared an interest in finding project partners in FP7.

Despite the best efforts of the European Commission, preparing bids for a multinational research programme in an environment of transparency can result in layers of explanation and due process that feel confusingly bureaucratic. ETNA can assist with finding the way through this complex process. Project management and project writing are themselves very demanding. ETNA can offer this as an additional service, but at a cost. ETNA can also advise how partners with such skills can be found where casts are very low, as in low cost economies in Central and Eastern Europe .

For more information visit www.smesgolifesciences.be