EUROPE: EC moves to cut red tape for research funding

30 January 2011

The European Commission has taken steps to simplify EU funding for research and innovation to cut costs and attract more participants, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), reports EurActiv.com.

Accounting burdens and costs for SMEs in the EU's FP7 research programme have been reduced immediately, said Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, EU commissioner for research, innovation and science.

A new steering group made up of senior commission officials has also been set up to tackle inconsistencies in the application of funding rules across EU member states, the commissioner announced last Monday. The measures come in response to concerns voiced by FP7 participants, who often criticise the costs and lengthy processes involved. Wider simplification steps will follow in time for the next EU research programme in 2013, the commissioner stated.
Full report on the EurActiv site

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