The European Commission yesterday announced the availability of nearly €7 billion euros (nearly US$10 billion) to boost innovation, its biggest grant ever for research and development. The move is predicted to create 174,000 jobs in the short-term and some 450,000 jobs and €80 billion in economic growth over the next 15 years.
Calls for proposals were expected to be published as soon as today. Funds will go toward research in health, environment and biodiversity, information and communications technologies, nanotechnology, and other areas. Much of the focus is on societal improvements.
The announcement was made by Commissioner Máire Geoghegan-Quinn.
The Commission press release is here.