Final evaluation of space research under the seventh framework programme for research, technological development and demonstration : final report

The basis for the performance of this assignment is provided by the Commission Decision on the Seventh Framework Programme: "Two years following the completion of this Framework Programme, the Commission shall carry out an external evaluation by independent experts of its rationale, implementation and achievements." The Commission decision thus represents the key rationale for performing this ex-post evaluation, which has the goal to evaluate the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, coherence and EU added value of the Space research activities managed by DG Enterprise and Industry under FP7 in relation to the relevant overarching political and operational objectives of FP7 in support of European Space policy and EU2020. Moreover, the outcomes of the evaluation are meant to support recommendations for improvements to the implementation of space research programmes under Horizon 2020. The evaluation takes into account the objectives and priorities initially set for FP7 in general and Space Research in particular, considering also how they evolved in light of the policy developments during its implementation period. Around 50% of the funding envelope for FP7 Space, i.e. ~700M€, comprised the EU contribution to financing the construction and launch of the GMES/Copernicus infrastructure (the Sentinel satellites and ground infrastructure). This work was delegated to ESA and closely linked to the GIO programme (GMES Initial Operations) and to the Copernicus operational programme. These activities can only be evaluated in the context of the Copernicus programme and thus do not fall within the scope of the present evaluation.