European Commission cuts red tape for Research & Development Projects

FP7 programme becomes more attractive for SMEs and researches
For the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) the European Commission supports Research & Development projects with 50.5 billion Euros within the programme period 2007-2013. The amount of funding increased about 40% and shall strengthen the scientifically and technologic development and innovation of European Union for a direct effect on the economy.
Since 2007 almost 8000 projects have been funded in Europe. About 15% of the participants are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In January 2010 the European Commission has adopted measures to increase the attraction of FP7 especially for SMEs and researchers. Less red tape means more successful projects. Most important changes are more flexibility concerning personnel costs and a better contribution of SME owner on the research projects through flat-rate payment.
Financial Management of FP7 projects is complex and associated with a lot of in-dept-knowledge of rules and regulations. Detailed records must be kept, reporting requirements, financial audits, complex eligibility criteria and strict deadlines have to be met. Otherwise there is a great financial risk of freezing grants or complete reimbursement.
Important to know:
• Legal Framework for Financial Management FP7
• Eligibility Criteria for FP7 (Direct & Indirect Costs)
• Financial Planning & Financial Spreadsheet
• How to estimate and assess risks correctly?
• Financial Reporting and Audit of FP7 projects
• Most common and typical pitfalls – Experiences from FP6 to FP7
A special training of the European Academy for Taxes, Economics & Law enable participants to successfully comply with financial requirements of FP7 projects. The European interactive workshop includes small group tasks, special training units with step-by-step exercises.
Date of Event: 14th -15th April 2011, Berlin - More information you will get here:
http://www.europaeische-akademie.net/fileadmin/user_upload/dateien/seminars/Financial_Management_for_FP7_Projects_PR.pdf
The exchange of knowledge is a central factor for success. Most Research & Development projects are so complex that external know-how needs to be brought in to complete research. Therefore contracts for those cooperation’s and R&D activities need to be safe and have clear strategies. This will avoid later financial risk or loss of intellectual property, protect research results and preserve their economic value.

A special designed European Seminar will cover R&D contracts and their different aspects such as ancillary agreements, access rights, confidentiality, ownership and licensing. Participants will learn practically more about how open innovation can be a useful tool for broadening their research, how they negotiate contracts best and what impact EU funding and state aid have on R&D contracts.
Date of Event: 10th-11th March 2011, Berlin - More information you will get here:
http://www.europaeische-akademie.net/fileadmin/user_upload/dateien/seminars/European_Contract_Practice_for_R_and_D_Projects_S287_PR.pdf

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Stephanie Matthes
Public Relations Manager
European Academy for Taxes, Economics & Law
Hausvogteiplatz 13
10117 Berlin
Germany

This release was published on openPR.