European research activities are now structured around a consecutive 7-year programmes, or so called Framework Programmes.  The Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) sets out the priorities – including the Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) theme – for the period 2007-2013 under the specific programme ‘Cooperation’ of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities.

The Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) Programme (http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/ict/), part of FP7 (http://cordis.europa.eu), is the largest of the European research, development and demonstration programmes, and is open until 2013.  The ICT’s Programme aims to improve the competitiveness of European Industry – as well as to enable Europe to master and shape the future developments of these technologies so that the demands of its society and economy are met.

This 9 billion Euros programme funds research into information and communications technologies, systems, applications and services through collaborative project involving organisations from the public sector, research, academy and industry.  The programme aims for improved interoperability and usability of information and communications technologies and actions to stimulate their take-up.

The latest workprogramme can be downloaded via

ftp://ftp.cordis.lu/pub/fp7/ict/docs/ict-wp-2007-08-draft-ist-2006.pdf

The National Contact point for any queries related to the ICTs programme is

Mr. Eric Flask 

Eric.flask@gov.mt or on +356 2360 2123