Management of Collaboration in EC R&D Programmes. Element 7 of the EPIC Study "Horizontal Evaluation of the Impact of the Framework Programmes on European Industry"

The requirement that firms find partners from other Member States of the European Union (EU) to undertake joint R&D was felt to be an extremely important aspect of the Framework Programme for understanding its ultimate impact upon firms' competitiveness. Based upon case studies of 13 R&D projects supported by the Commission this report concludes that firms have gained a valuable competence in being able to manage joint R&D. This collaborative skills are an important element of R&D management include personal factors as well as technical management. Commitment of senior management was very important for allocating sufficient resources and researchers to the effort.