An analysis of the role and impact of research performing organisations' participation in the framework programmes

This study is conducted in the context of the evaluation of the European Union Framework Programmes for Research, Technological developments and Demonstration Activities (FPs). It is one of the preparatory studies being undertaken for the overall ex post evaluation of the FP7 (2007-2013). It aims at assessing the participation of Research Performing Organisations (RPOs) in FPs, the impact of FPs on the different dynamics and functioning of RPOs in the EU and the role of RPOs in the development of the FPs and EU research and innovation policy. The scope of the study covers FP6 and FP7 funded research projects that involve the participation of RPOs based in the EU28 Member States and some RPOs based in Associated and Third Countries (e.g. the US). The current report presents the results of the evaluation based on information collected through primary and secondary sources of information. Primary data collection has been conducted through in-depth interviews with representatives of selected RPOs across 16 MS, Norway, and the US, as well as with European associations of RPOs and representatives of the European Commission. Secondary sources have been used to collect both qualitative information from literature reviews and quantitative information from various databases (e.g. CORDA and Scopus).