The Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) has greatly improved scientific excellence in Europe and strengthened its competitiveness by improving industry’s capacity to innovate, according to a report published today by the European Commission.

The ex-post evaluation, which was conducted by an independent group of high-level experts, showed that FP7 projects have so far generated over 170,000 publications, with an Open Access rate of 54% for all scientific peer-reviewed publications created during its lifetime.

The report also found that the €55bn invested into EU research and innovation between 2007 and 2013 proved highly attractive to private sector participants, among them a record number of SMEs, which has helped strengthen the competitiveness of European industries.

FP7 investment, the report suggests, is now on track to trigger economic growth of approximately €20bn per year over 25 years, or €500bn in total, through direct and indirect economic effects, as well as creating 130,000 research jobs annually over a period of ten years and 160,000 additional jobs each year over a period of 25 years.

“Independent experts have confirmed that our research and innovation investments are supporting world class science and improving our citizens’ welfare,” said Research Commissioner Carlos Moedas.

“We are now using the lessons learned to further improve Horizon 2020, the new EU research and innovation funding programme, and make it simpler, more effective and more focused on finding innovative solutions to benefit our society and economy.”

The Commission will present the results of the ex-post evaluation of FP7, alongside its response to the recommendations of the high-level expert group, to member states at the Informal Competitiveness Council in Amsterdam on 27 January, as well as to the Industry, Research and Energy Committee in the European Parliament on 28 January.

The post FP7 boosting EU science and competitiveness appeared first on Horizon 2020 Projects.