The issue of synergies between the Framework Programme (FP), the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP), and the Structural Funds (SF) has been on the agenda at European level for several years and has been addressed and analysed by different bodies. The present exercise included also the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) and parts of the Life-Long Learning Programme (LLP) in its deliberations and analyses.

The main issues to be addressed were identified by the SEG as follows:

• The fragmentation of innovation policies at EU level;
• The sub-optimal coordination of research and innovation as well as cohesion policies at European, national and regional level, both within and between these levels;
• A lack of common strategies in accordance with the orientations of Europe 2020;
• A lack of a coherent and interacting governance structure;
• Weak complementarities and compatibilities as well as interoperability of policies and programmes, particularly regarding the regional dimension in research and innovation policy and the research and innovation dimension in regional policy;
• A lack of instruments aimed at supporting the pooling of European and national funds;
• Poor communication, coordination and cooperation between actors and stakeholders at all levels.

For the main conclusions and recommendations of the SEG please refer to the executive summary of the report. The full report can be downloaded below.