European R&D and innovation policies, including industry demands for Framework Programme 8

In the current position paper Orgalime outlines the current industry concerns and issues regarding FP7, including overwhelming bureaucracy, the low success rates (compared to national schemes), the complexity of different intervention mechanisms and funding schemes and the difficulties of the SMEs and ‘mid-range’ companies to access EU R&D funding schemes. Orgalime expresses disappointment concerning collective research, the research for the benefit of associations as well as worries regarding the fragmentation of the Commissions departments are addressed.

Although these reasons have lead to the decline in industry participation in FPs, Orgalime is nevertheless of the opinion that it is still worth investing in European R&D and innovation projects. A number of improvements and simplifications exercises are on their way. Moreover creation of ETPs and Public Private Partnership initiatives were very much welcomed by industry.

Thus, to further increase the participation of industry, Orgalime offers certain suggestions regarding future European R&D and innovation policies. Orgalime suggests more focused allocation of funds, further testing of new methods such as JTIs and PPPs and ways of improving SME access to the next Framework Programme. Orgalime also advocates for more integrated approach regarding research and innovation, which should bridge the gap between the research project results and the potential industrial exploitation of these results.