Winners and losers in framework programme [6]

Abstract

Sir We have examined the performance of the countries included in the recently completed fourth Framework programme of research and technology in the European Union (EU). We found that this programme cost about 3% of total research and development (R&D) expenditure within the EU, but exceeded 6% of the national expenditure of countries that devote a small share (less than 1%) of their gross domestic product (GDP) to R&D (Greece, Portugal and Spain).

Austria, Italy, France and Germany were net donors of funds, particularly Germany, whose scientists received only 18% of the funds for their country's 30% contribution to the budget (Fig. 1). Most other countries were net recipients of funds, with excess funds received by the United Kingdom and Greece representing 30% and 140% of their contributions, respectively.