September 1, 2010, Brussels EPP Hearing The Swedish universities perspective on Simplifying the implementation of the research framework programmes Pam Fredman Chairman SUHF - the Association of Swedish Higher Education Vice-chancellor, University of Gothenburg

The key roles of the universities: High quality education Independent research

Recommendations: Scientific excellence as the key driver in all research projects further emphasis on bottom-up research projects within all thematic programmes peer review system with scientific excellence as the main criteria Move towards full-costing and a trust-based approach for the universities own accounting systems

Strand 1 Streamlining proposal and grant management under the existing rules reduce the number of scientific and financial reports to 1-2 per project and minimize the details on the use of resources ensure a uniform interpretation of rules and regulations in all research funding programmes reduce time to contract

Strand 2 Adapting the rules under the current cost-based system Harmonize and simplify the participant rules & financial regulations a variety of funding instruments is important, but should not lead to a complex structure of different rules on application, negotiation procedures, reimbursement rates, Intellectual Property Rights etc. Move towards full-costing: consider all direct and indirect costs as eligible when registered in the official accounts of the beneficiary, compliant with national accounting and auditing standards

Strand 3 Moving towards result-based instead of cost-based funding Not supported: could be detrimental and result in projects with lower risk and a lower degree of true scientific exploration greater risk for inducing conflicts in consortia which requires complex consortium agreements Instead: funding should correspond to actual project costs high-trust approach for large public bodies and their financial accounting systems