NMP
The core objective of the ’Nanosciences, Nanotechnologies, Materials and new Production Technologies (NMP)’ theme is to improve the competitiveness of European industry and generate the knowledge needed to transform it from a resource-intensive to a knowledge-intensive industry.NMP research also aims to strengthen the competitiveness of European industry by generating ‘step changes’ in a wide range of sectors and implementing decisive knowledge for new applications between different technologies and disciplines.
Funding the NMP research theme will benefit new, high tech industries and higher-value, knowledge-based traditional industries, with a special focus to the appropriate dissemination of research results to SMEs.
Why is it important?The transformation of European industry into a knowledge-intensive one is essential in order to produce high added value products, which in turn is crucial to create new industries, and meet customer requirements as well as growth, environmental, health and other societal expectations.
What will be funded?
• Emphasis will be given to the following activities:
• Nanosciences and nanotechnologies - studying phenomena and manipulation of matter at the nanoscale and developing nanotechnologies leading to the manufacturing of new products and services.
• Materials - using the knowledge of nanotechnologies and biotechnologies for new products and processes.
• New production - creating conditions for continuous innovation and for developing generic production 'assets' (technologies, organisation and production facilities as well as human resources), while meeting safety and environmental requirements.
• Integration of technologies for industrial applications - focusing on new technologies, materials and applications to address the needs identified by the different European Technology Platforms.
Budget
The EU Member States have earmarked a total of € 3.5 billion for funding this theme over the duration of FP7.