Research & Development Opportunities in the East Midlands

Research & Development is an essential element in the functioning of industrialised countries and essential for the support of policies such as consumer protection and protection of the environment. Currently, the EU only invests 1.9% of its GDP in R&D whereas the US and Japan invest 2.7% and 3% respectively. Europe also lags behind the US and Japan in number of patent applications. However, the EU is seeking to redress this, mainly through the Framework Programme for Research & Technological Development which establishes legal and administrative structures and provides financial resources for the conduct of research (we are now on the Sixth Framework Programme). With a budget of $176 million this programme packs punch and is definitely a source of industry that institutions in the East Midlands should be aiming their sights at. We have a number of excellent universities in the region who have the right people and institutions in place and I would support in any way I can any applications being made in the East Midlands for funding under this programme.