A Complete Guide to European Research, Technology and Consultancy Funds: Guidelines for Successful Applications, Lobbying, Acquisition and Use

Research and development is one of the biggest consumers of grants funding in the European Community and a range of grants is available specifically to meet this huge demand. At a time when industries are so desperately short of funds, these resources should be utilized fully. Now in its second edition, this book forms a hands-on action kit for all those trying to get R&D grants from the EC. It explains clearly the complex workings of the EC and its grant application processes, providing applicants with the perfect "inside track", detailing how the various funding developments are structured, precisely what grants are on offer and who the key EC personnel actually are. In addition, it provides information on how to lobby for your own interests and influence the content of EC R&D programmes. This edition presents a complete update on EC thinking on its R&D spending in the post-Maastricht era. It introduces new material on consultancy opportunities in Eastern Europe and the CIS as well as information on funds from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Taking the reader from the EC's Framework Three funding programme, through the supplementary Framework Three Plus, to the strategy for the Fourth Framework (with a possible value of some 8 billion ECU), the book provides advice for those wishing to lock into the latest R&D funds made available.