In line with the EU’s efforts to create a competitive knowledge economy, research and innovation continue to be key policy areas.  EMEO’s particular focus will be on:

• The Seventh Framework Programme for Research + Development (FP7), with particular emphasis on Health, SMEs, Science in Society, Regions of Knowledge, Energy, Transport (including the Galileo Satellite Navigation system).  EMEO activities will also include collaboration with the new East Midlands FP7 support service;

• iNets and the East Midlands Enterprise Europe Network (combines and builds on the former Innovation Relay Centres and European Information Centres);

• The Competitiveness and Innovation Programme (CIP) with a particular focus on Energy and ICT - intended as a single, coherent legal framework for funding Community action relating to competitiveness and innovation within the framework of the Lisbon Strategy; and

• 2009 – European Year of Innovation and Creativity