Specific Programme “Capacities”

The Specific Programme” Capacities” addresses the need to enhance the excellence of research and innovation capacities throughout Europe. These needs will be met by supporting modern and effective research infrastructure, strengthening the innovation capacity of SMEs, strengthening the research potential of European regions, realisation of the full research potential of the enlarge Union, building an effective and democratic European knowledge society and to play a leading role at world level.

This Specific Programme is designed to maximise the leverage and impact of European level research spending within the available budget with a strong
element of continuity and with major new approaches creating capacity for tomorrow’s research excellence. Whenever appropriate synergies and complementarity will be sought with other community policies and programmes.

This specific programme will enhance research and innovation capacities throughout Europe and ensure their optimal use. The objectives will be achieved through initiatives in six areas listed below and for which objectives are further detailed in their respective Work Programmes:

• Optimising the use and development of research infrastructures;
• Strengthening innovative capacities of SMEs and their ability to benefit from
  research;
• Supporting the development of regional research-driven clusters;
• Unlocking the research potential in the EU´s convergence and outermost
  regions;
• Bringing science and society closer together for the harmonious integration of
  science and technology in European society; and
• Horizontal actions and measures in support of international co-operation.

This specific programme will also support the coherent development of research policies.