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. 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.The EU Member States have earmarked a total of € 3.5 billion for funding this theme over the duration of FP7.
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.
