An analysis of the role and engagement of universities with regard to participation in the Framework Programmes : final report

The analysis is aimed at acquiring a better understanding of the motivations for university participation in the Framework Programmes for RTD, the patterns of cooperation that emerge and their effects, including differences across countries. The study provided evidence in the context of the ex post evaluation of the FP7. First, a literature review examines drivers of university participation, success rates, relationship between funding and scientific output, effects of participation on knowledge production and technology transfer. Secondly, the study provides an analysis of the patterns of university participation in several generations of FPs (FP4-FP7), a social network analysis as well as an analysis of outputs of funded projects. The study includes 100 case studies exploring motivations, collaborations, innovation pathways. 25 cases concern top European research universities. Finally, a survey of rejected proposals explores the issue of participation vs. non participation. The study highlights very positive results of the FPs but also a significant and persistent concentration of resources in few regions and organisations.