EIB-EFCA-FEACO Seminar on Financing for Research & Development

Thu 14/12/2006 9:30 to 16:00

The European Investment Bank, with the support of EFCA and FEACO, is organising a series of seminars aimed at promoting the funding available to support the economic objectives of the European Union, and supporting the development of expert partnerships and quality projects.

The seminar that took place on 14th December 2006 in Brussels was on the theme of "Financing for Research & Development".

Presentations - Financing for Research & Development

Financing Research Infrastructure - Gunnar Muent
Evaluation criteria for Mid Caps and Large Corporations - Harald Jahn
Funding venture capital for SMEs - Patrice Liauzu
Financing for Universities and Education - Luigi Armeli
New Financing Instruments - Gunnar Muent
Research and Development, effectiveness through international co-operation - Kari Lautso (WSP / EFCA representative)
Project Evaluation Criteria - Jean-Jacques Mertens

Download the programme.

Location: Hotel Silken Berlaymont, bd Charlemagne 11-19, Brussels

Subject of the event

EIB experts presented current and upcoming financing instruments, under the 6th and 7th Framework Programmes, including the new initiative entitled the “Risk-Sharing Finance Facility” (RSFF). The procedures by which proposals are submitted and assessed were explained. Consultants had the opportunity to share their experience in R&D and Innovation projects. Participants contributed comments and questions, shared experiences, and networked.


Background Information

Within the EU’s “Lisbon agenda” to generate economic growth, employment and social cohesion, is the goal to create a European Research and Development Area.

As part of the “Innovation 2010 Initiative” (i2i), the EIB supports investment in R&D by financing –

- Public R&D programmes
- Private sector participation in public research
- The establishment of centres of R&D excellence (with priority to projects in lesser developed regions of the Union)
- Intangible investments (for example, research costs and patent applications, particularly for SMEs)

The geographical areas eligible for support under i2i are :
- the EU-25 Member States (priority is given to assisted areas and cohesion countries)
- the Accession countries – Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia and Turkey
- the Western Balkans

Research Funding for Universities

In addition to its financing activities, the EIB develops other accompanying initiatives to promote learning and research. In this field, the EIB-Universities Research Action covers three programmes:

- EIBURS – a university research sponsorship programme, providing grants to university research centres working on topics of major interest to the Bank

- STAREBEI – a programme for financing young researchers working on joint EIB-university projects

- EIB university networks – a sponsoring mechanism for university networks


Partners for the Seminar Series

EIB

EFCA

FEACO