True, and often that consortium isn't just a bunch of SME-sized companies. Even the bigger players, like universities need to form multinational consortia to co

True, and often that consortium isn't just a bunch of SME-sized companies. Even the bigger players, like universities need to form multinational consortia to compete successfully. Long processing times might effectively require you to have the amount you are seeking in your own bankroll (money comes often late, not before). Thus you can't actually compete without stable finances. I'm not sure that the scheme produces innovations efficiently, but at least the investment in networking (might prove valuable) and bureaucratic efforts is huge. More info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seventh_Framework_Programme http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seventh_Framework_Programme Luckily there are plenty of funding instruments at the national level.