The Seventh European Research Framework Programme, adopted in 2007 and ending in 2013, combines various programmes and is the biggest cross-boundary research funding worldwide. The programme funds sustainable technology sectors and politically and socially relevant projects. The participation of industry is explicitly desired, first of all of SMBs. Concerning the cross-boundary cooperation, the focus is on application-oriented research and development projects in ten defined areas, among them information and communication technology, nanoscience, nanotechnology, materials and new production technologies, environment and energy.