With a total budget of € 50 billion, FP7 (7th European Framework Programme for Research and Development) has been the main instrument for funding research and development for the period 2007-2013. It supported collaborative research projects in most technology areas and gave special attention to SMEs*.
FP7 was structured in 4 sub-programmes having their own objectives :
This programme supported EACH research actor, whether public or private : businesses (small, medium or large), universities, research centers, public authorities and individuals.
*SME as defined by Europe : less than 250 employees, turnover not exceeding EUR 50 million or annual balance sheet total not exceeding EUR 43 million, 25% of capital not held by a group.