ICT

ICT – Information and Communication Technologies – http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/ict/

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are critical to improve the competitiveness of European industry and to meet the demands of its society and economy.

ICTs have a catalytic impact in three key areas:

  • productivity and innovation, by facilitating creativity and management;
  • modernisation of public services, such as health, education and transport;
  • advances in science and technology, by supporting cooperation and access to information.

The objective of ICT research under the EU’s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) is 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.

The EU Member States have earmarked a total of € 9.1 billion for funding ICT over the duration of FP7; making it the largest research theme in the Cooperation programme, which is itself the largest specific programme of FP7 (with 64% of the total budget).

FP7 research activities will strengthen Europe’s scientific and technology base and ensure its global leadership in ICT, help drive and stimulate product, service and process innovation and creativity through ICT use and ensure that ICT progress is rapidly transformed into benefits for Europe’s citizens, businesses, industry and governments.