Brussels, 29/09/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 28 September, the European Commission announced one of the largest ever calls for proposals (ICT Call 7) in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector under the EU's research framework programmes. It will result in project funding of €780 million in 2011. Under the Digital Agenda for Europe, the Commission has committed to maintaining a 20% yearly increase of the annual ICT Research & Development budget at least until 2013. “The EU's support to our world-class researchers announced today must be accompanied by substantial additional investments by the beneficiaries themselves. This research will help Europe's industry to strengthen its competitiveness,” said Digital Agenda Commissioner Neelie Kroes.
This money will be available to fund research and technological developments in networking, digital media and service infrastructure for the future internet. This is crucial if Europe is to stay ahead of the challenges that its increasingly digital society will face in the next decade. It will also be used to strengthen Europe's position as a leading supplier of electronic systems and photonic components. The Commission also wants to promote research in ICT for health and ageing to create sustainable solutions and to maximise market opportunities that help reduce related social and healthcare costs. Finally, part of the money will be made available for ICT research to improve energy efficiency in buildings, in transport and logistics. Universities, research centres, SMEs, large companies and other organisations in Europe and beyond are eligible to apply for project funding under ICT Call 7. Proposals can be submitted until 18 January 2011, after which they will be evaluated by independent panels of experts for selection on the basis of their quality. (I.L./transl.rt)