About FP7:

FP7 is structured into 4 specific programmes:

Cooperation: €32.3bn

This is the main programme for funding collaborative research across Europe. Support will be provided for international R&D projects involving universities, research organisations and businesses. The Cooperation programme is divided into ten major areas of science and technology that reflect the most important fields of knowledge for Europe\'s future competiveness. Particular emphasis is placed on encouraging the participation of SMEs in R&D projects. Measures include a funding rate of 75% for SMEs (increased from 50% in FP6) and simplified rules and procedures.

Ideas: €7.5bn

Support for \'frontier research\' designed to generate new knowledge that opens up new avenues for technological progress and new solutions for social and environmental problems. This programme will be overseen by the European Research Council (ERC).

People: €4.7bn

This programme aims to improve the training and career development of researchers in Europe. It includes actions to stimulate people to enter into research professions, encourage European researchers to stay in Europe and make Europe more attractive for the best researchers from around the world.

Capacities: €4.3bn

The Capacities programme aims to enhance research and innovation capacities throughout Europe and ensure their optimal use. It will cover six broad areas including development of research infrastructures, support for SMEs and regional clusters. This is the main way for SMEs to seek funding from FP7 if their area of research does not fit with the ten themes defined in the Cooperation programme.