Introduction to European Research Funding David Blackledge Director of European Affairs Transport & Travel Research CIVITAS UK & Ireland City Network European Funding Workshop Liverpool, 16th June 2009

Content of Presentation The EU policy context The transport sector The importance of cities Funding programmes and conditions for participation Pros and cons of participating in EC projects

EU Policy Context Jobs and Sustainable Development Lisbon strategy (European Council March 2000, updated March 2005) Jobs and growth 3 dimensions: economic, social and environmental General context of sustainable development EU Strategy for sustainable development (Gothenburg European Council, 15 May 2001) 6 unsustainable trends on which action needs to be taken: social exclusion ageing society climate change Health natural resources transport Global dimension - contributing to sustainable development in the rest of the world

EU Policy Context Energy and Climate Change Integrated energy and climate change policy adopted December 2008 Targets for 2020 (the 20-20-20 Energy Objectives) cutting greenhouse gases by 20% of 1990 levels (30% if international agreement is reached) reducing energy consumption by 20% of projected 2020 levels through increased energy efficiency meeting 20% of energy needs from renewable sources (currently 8.5%)

EU Policy Context Regional Policy Reduce structural disparities between EU regions Convergence Regional Competitiveness and Employment Territorial Cooperation “Balanced polycentric development” Promote equal opportunities for all

EU Policy Context Transport Mid-term review of the EC 2001 White Paper “Effective transportation systems are essential to Europe’s prosperity, having significant impacts on economic growth, social development and the environment ” Importance of the Transport industry for the EU economy: 7 % of GDP and 5 % of jobs Mobility is an essential component of the competitiveness of European industry and services Major challenges for the Transport sector: 30% of total EU energy consumption, 98% dependent on oil Responsible for 25% of CO2 emissions in EU Pollution costs €160 billion per year Demand for mobility is increasing Enlargement of the EU creates new problems

The transport sector Transport measures to meet 20-20-20 Energy Targets For sectors not covered by the EU Emissions Trading System (e.g. surface transport) greenhouse emissions to be cut to 10% below 2005 levels by 2020 through binding national targets (UK 16%) Renewables will produce 20% of all the EU’s energy by 2020 through binding national targets (UK 15%) At least 10% of transport fuel in each country must be renewable (biofuels, hydrogen, 'green' electricity, etc.) Biofuels must meet agreed sustainability criteria

The transport sector Transport in the EU Regional Policy context Improving accessibility of regions Trans-European Networks Investing in environmentally sustainable transport facilities especially in urban areas

Towards a new culture for Urban Mobility Urban Transport Promoting walking and cycling Optimising the use of private cars and freight transport 2007 Green Paper Towards a new culture for Urban Mobility Free-flowing towns and cities Greener towns and cities Smarter urban transport Accessible urban transport Safe and secure urban transport New technologies Green procurement Eco- driving Traffic restrictions Smart charging systems Better information Collective transport meeting citizens needs Balanced coordination of land use and integrated urban mobility Safer behaviour Safer and secure infrastructures Safer vehicles

? Urban Transport 2009 Action Plan on Urban Mobility New CIVITAS Initiative 2009 Action Plan on Urban Mobility ? Increased ITS research and funding? ? ? ?

Importance of cities Eighty per cent of Europeans live in an urban Environment Policy priorities cities as poles of growth entrepreneurship, innovation and the knowledge economy supporting small and medium-sized businesses decreasing disparities between neighbourhoods and social groups tackling crime and the fear of crime AND Cities are the main drivers of sustainable mobility in action

EU RTD Funding Programmes Aims and priorities Transnational research programmes are aimed at developing and demonstrating innovative tools, measures and policies to respond to the policy challenges Current priorities: Clean technologies and alternative fuels Modal shift, decongestion Sustainable urban mobility

Funding programmes 2007-2013 7th Framework programme INTERREG IVA/B/C Controlled by DG Research but many actions are initiated by DG TREN CIVITAS Other Transport actions Other Energy actions Other Research actions INTERREG IVA/B/C DG Regional Affairs Part of ERDF Programme Intelligent Energy Europe Executive Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation STEER ALTENER LIFE+ DG Environment Others DG Social Affairs DG Infosoc External Cooperation Programmes

Mechanism for participation in RTD Projects Annual Work Programmes with Calls for Proposals Information Days Normally 3 months to submit a bid Bids are collaborative, submitted by consortia Proposal template: Admin data Description of Work Detailed budget Compulsory elements in the DoW: European Added Value Workpackage Structure inc Evaluation Dissemination

General conditions for participation in RTD Projects Minimum 3 partners from 3 member states usually more Principle of co-financing Grants 35 – 75% Eligible costs include staff salaries and overheads Equipment and infrastructure may be eligible subject to conditions

Why participate in EC projects? To help contribute to the implementation of sustainable mobility policies through your own experience and expertise. To get seedcorn funding for risky projects, or to help advance their implementation. To build partnerships and critical mass for R&D projects, especially where EU standards would be beneficial. To help staff development by exposing them to new ideas and different ways of doing things. To give a project focus to the development of measures or policies, thus helping efficient implementation and evaluation. To network and exchange experience with others with a common professional background but different history, culture and institutional environment. To gain added value from the political profile of being involved in a European project by establishing a reputation as an innovator by stimulation of tourism and trade linkages etc

Disadvantages of participating in EC Projects Cost of bidding Need to commit staff resources for 2-4 years Need to travel to meetings EC Bureaucracy Distraction from day-to-day work (?) Working with foreigners (!)

If you do decide to give it a try… Don’t wait for a Call for Proposals - Start now Budget to spend time and money on bids Consider 3 stages: Preparation Partnership Proposal Be prepared for bids to fail Be active and participate fully Understand why the project is being supported by EU funds and how you can contribute Don’t forget the political dimension Be prepared to spend time travelling to meetings and dealing with bureaucracy Adopt a long-term view If you have an open mind, you have much to gain

Thank you! David Blackledge Chairman and Director of European Affairs Transport & Travel Research Ltd David.Blackledge@ttr-ltd.com Phone 01543 416 416