Stimulating the realisation of the full research potential of the enlarged European Union by unlocking and developing the research potential in the EU´s ‘convergence regions’ and outermost regions, and helping to strengthen the capacities of their researchers to successfully participate in research activities at EU level.

FP7 will provide support for:

• Trans-national two-way secondments of research staff in the convergence regions;
• The acquisition and development of research equipment in selected centres;
• The organisation of workshops and conferences to facilitate knowledge transfer;
• ‘Evaluation facilities’ for research centres in the ‘Convergence regions’ to obtain an international independent expert evaluation of their research quality and infrastructures.

‘Research potential’ is a bottom-up scheme, the projects may address any research theme of FP7.

The Funding scheme for this activity will be ‘Coordination and Support Actions’.

The EU Member States have earmarked a total of € 340 million for funding these activities over the duration of FP7.