1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. EU Policy Context Energy and Climate Change
Integrated energy and climate change policy adopted December 2008
Targets for 2020 (the 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%)

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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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 (!)

18. 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

19. Thank you! David Blackledge Chairman and Director of European Affairs
Transport & Travel Research Ltd
Phone