This Specific Programme will enhance research and innovation capacities throughout Europe and ensure their optimal use. This aim will be achieved through:

1. Optimising the use and development of research infrastructures.
2. Strengthening innovative capacities of SMEs and their ability to benefit from research.
3. Supporting the development of regional research-driven clusters.
4. Unlocking the research potential in the EU's convergence and outermost regions.
5. Bringing science and society closer together for the harmonious integration of science and technology in European society.
6. Supporting the coherent development of research policies.
7. Actions and measures in support of international cooperation.

The Specific Programme shall support the activities for "Capacities", supporting key aspects of European research and innovation capacities as follows:

• Research infrastructures.
• Research for the benefit of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).
• Regions of knowledge.
• Research potential.
• Science in society.
• Support for the coherent development of research policies.
• Activities of international cooperation.

The Community provisional funding available for the programme is:

• 4.097,00 Million EUR (Global Budget)