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The CORNET Programme for research-acquiring SMEs

15 January 2010
by Ina Dimireva -- last modified 21 January 2010

CORNET - ‘COllective Research NETworking’ is an ERA-NET in the field of Collective Research. Collective research programmes benefit all or most of the SMEs working in the same sector or branch of industry. Any intellectual property rights generated through the project are typically distributed throughout the firms in the target sector.


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The CORNET Consortium consists of 21 partners managing research programmes involving 17 countries and regions. The coordination of the network is funded by a Seventh Framework Programme grant. Originally appearing in the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6), CORNET seeks to improve the efficiency of collective research policy and activities in Europe. It is aimed at reinforcing the European Research Area (ERA) by improving cooperation between national/regional ministries and government agencies and creating opportunities for establishing collective research sourcing national/regional funding that crosses national borders. The programmes involved in CORNET plan and execute joint Calls for Proposals and other joint activities.

Who can apply?

Eligible partners in the calls for proposals launched by Cornet are associations, federations, trade associations or other groups of enterprises with common objectives, typically subcontracting research work to relevant (collective) research centres and universities.

Which research topics are supported?

Calls have no thematic focus and associations, federations and trade associations in all industrial sectors who are interested in establishing trans-national consortia and submitting collective research proposals can apply.

How does it work?

The project consortium must be composed of eligible partners from countries or regions participating in CORNET. The dissemination activities are essential within the project and should be Europe wide, including information activities in English.

What does the funding cover?

Funding supports research and development carried out by specialised centers for SME associations on behalf of their members, to address their ‘pre-competitive needs’ within a specific business sector. The results are then disseminated for effective exploitation. An example of collective research could be used to improve health and safety standards or optimise the industrial process. As it is based on national/regional programmes, national funding rules apply. The coordinating activities of Cornet are supported by the EU funding.

How to apply