European Research area supports coordination of research activities and the convergence of research and innovation policies within the EU. The EU's main instrument for funding research and development are the Framework Programmes.

Framework Programme 6 is the programme for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration from 2002-2006.

Framework Programme 7 is the programme that will run from 2007 to 2013. Main objective is growth from labour-intensive to knowledge-based industry, from design to manufacturing. FP7 will contain seven programmes and nine high-level themes.

The µ-SAPIENT project aims to create a focused and sustainable European-wide infrastructure for the co-ordination of MNT research and dissemination activities, linking relevant national and international projects, organisations and initiatives to support critical EU market sectors.