Advanced ICT under the 7th EU R&D framework programme: opportunities for the AEC/FM industry (original) (raw)

2009, J. Inf. Technol. Constr.

The 7th EU framework programme for research (FP7) aims to provide new impetus to Europe’s growth and competitiveness, in realising that knowledge is Europe’s greatest resource. The programme places greater emphasis than in the past on research that is relevant to the needs of European industry, to help it compete internationally, and develop its role as a world leader in certain sectors. For the first time the framework programme provides support for the best in European investigator-driven research, with the creation of a European Research Council. The FP7 budget is 50% higher compared with its predecessor. The paper focuses on advances in information and communication technologies (ICT) under FP7 and on how the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry and facility management (FM) can benefit through a systematic involvement. The technologies under development, ranging from wireless sensor networks, cooperative smart objects, plug-and-play control architectures, te...