Home | Mappa          


About EUREKA


EUREKA history

The primary goal of EUREKA has always been to raise the productivity and competitiveness of European industry and national economies through its 'bottom-up' approach to technological development. Since its inception in 1985, substantial public and private funding has been mobilised to support the research and development carried out within the EUREKA framework. The page illustrates some of the highlights of the Initiative's history.


1985-1988

Establishment of procedures and infrastructure Growth of Network to include all of Western Europe and Turkey.

Project Generation

1985 = 10 new projects

1986 = 99 new projects + 2 Umbrellas

1987 = 58 new projects

1988 = 54 new projects


1989-1995

Opening to Central and Eastern Europe Lillehammer Award created - 1st winner E! 160 FERMSEP.

Project Generation

1989 = 89 new projects + 1 Umbrella

1990 = 91 new projects

1991 = 121 new projects

1992 = 102 new projects + 1 Umbrella

1993 = 193 new projects

1994 = 144 new projects + 1 Umbrella

1995 = 147 new projects


1996-2001

Responding to Globalisation Introduction of guidelines for Cluster projects Lynx Award created - 1st winner Coheris

Project Generation

1996 = 155 new projects + 3 Umbrellas

1997 = 155 new projects

1998 = 186 new projects + 3 Clusters

1999 = 153 new projects + 3 Clusters

2000 = 160 new projects + 2 Clusters and 1 Umbrellas

2001 = 190 new projects + 2 Umbrellas


2002-2003

Reaching a common understanding on the quality of EUREKA projects. Increasing the efficiency of EUREKA's organisation and decision-making. Proposing a European Research Area pilot project in biotechnology 'New Safer Medicines Faster'.

Project Generation

2003 = 168 new projects + 1 Umbrella


2003-2004

Working towards the EU 3% Barcelona objective. Supporting SMEs through an agreement with a European network of business angels. Improving EUREKA's decision-making procedures (unanimity replaced by qualified majority).

Project Generation

2004 = 206 new projects + 6 Clusters.


2004-2005

Marking 20 years of pan-European innovation Improving complementarities with EU research Framework Programme Establishing political and industrial dialogue to improve overall EUREKA performance Setting up permanent independent external project evaluation to strengthen EUREKA quality label

Project Generation

2005 = 181 individual projects, 57 Cluster projects + 3 Umbrellas