Simplifying the implementation of Research Framework Programmes

2. Simplifying the implementation of Research Framework Programmes EPP Hearing - european parliament Brussels, 1 September 2010 Ingrid Reynaert IMEC Manager Academic and Governmental Relations

3. IMEC mission • Imec performs world-leading research in nanoelectronics. • We leverage our scientific knowledge with the innovative power of our global partnerships in ICT,healthcare and energy.

4. Imec figures • Revenue: 275 m€ (incl. 44 m€ grant from Flanders government) • Staff: >1750 worldwide • Nationalities: ~60 • Worldwide collaboration: >600 companies

5. IMEC and “simplification” • Coordinated the set-up of two position papers from the 5 Flemish universities and 4 research centres • “Challenges for Europe’s 8th Framework Programme in the European Research Area”, a position paper of the Flemish universities and strategic research centres in Flanders (December 2009) • Position of the Flemish Research Institutions on COM(2010) 187 “Simplifying the implementation of the Research Framework Programmes (May 2010) • Involved in the preparations under the Belgian Presidency • Set-up of the BE position • Preparation of Council conclusions • Involved in the working group “European collaborations” organised by the Flemish Council for Science and Innovation • About100 European projects running

6. Principles of simplification • Healthy balance between scientific output and administrative burden • Stable rules and procedures • Consistency in interpretation of rules and procedures • Mutual trust • Excellence

7. Minor changes under fp7 • Further develop the Research Participant Portal • Ensure equal interpretation and application of rules and regulations • Accept the official accounts of the beneficiary • Simplify the criteria for average personnel cost methodology • Introduce more two-stage application procedures • Remove the obligation to open interest-bearing bank accounts • Consider VAT as an eligible cost item where non-deductible • Improve the clarity of the guidance documents • Line-up the calendar for calls

8. towards fp8 • Develop synergies across all Commission funding programmes and instruments using common rules and procedures • Maintain different funding rates, indirect cost calculation models for each type of beneficiary • Introduce a multidisciplinary approach Special attention should be given to: • Introduce of lump sums • Shift from cost-based to result-based funding

9. Current Definition of lump sums • Contribution in the form of lump sums (or based on reimbursement of eligible costs) • Lump sums and not actual cost are considered as eligible cost • No requirement of submission of financial justifications as these are “fixed” • No requirement to submit certificates on financial statements • Keep record of time (e.g. timesheets) • Amount per cost category predefined and adopted by the Commission

10. Two options for use of lump sums • Option 1: no change of rules lump sums are always optional • Option 2: change of rules based on actual costs of each beneficiary according to the usual accounting practice of the beneficiary

11. Shift to Result-based funding • Open debate with stakeholders • A result that could not be reached is a result in itself • Approach based on best effort principles • Make a clear link between level of risk, milestones and payment plan in Grant Agreement • Funding based on “Excellence “ • Lump sums if based on actual costs

12. CAREFULL approach • Perform an international benchmarking exercise • Look at principles of collaboration in industrial consortium • Start with pilot projects • Use for dedicated research • Do not generalise it

13. Conclusions on simplification FP7 FP8

14. Thank you for your attention! ingrid.reynaert@imec.be www.imec.be