15. 09.08:
Regional Clusters on Natural Resources
Regions of Knowledge (FP7- Capacities) funding worth EUR 16.15 million is available to support transnational cooperation between regional research-driven clusters whose activities will support economic competitiveness in enhancing the sustainable use of natural resources and the man-made environment. Activities should demonstrate how public authorities can facilitate industry-led innovation by using public procurement to encourage local innovative goods and services; setting standards; improving access to risk capital; or providing support for research (‘Lead Markets Initiative’).
Clusters must be composed of at least a 'triple helix' consortia with the public sector element involving local and regional government, development agencies or specialised entities with a policy design/implementation function. National entities with a regional level organisational structure are also eligible. Where appropriate, additional regional/local entities such as technology transfer offices, science parks, chambers of commerce and financial entities may be involved.
Deadline: 15 January 2009
Details: http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/calls/ or contact the IRO.
