Economic growth, industrial development and improvement of quality of life depend closely on technological innovation. Worldwide, the challenges of science and research are getting more complex: individual European countries can't compete with the strong economies of the USA and Japan and with emergent markets. Hence the fundamental role played by the European Union in favouring cooperation between the member states to transform scientific knowledge into innovative products and services and cutting-edge technological applications.

The Fondazione Politecnico promotes and participates in joint research projects that involve the Politecnico di Milano, private companies, public bodies, laboratories and universities from different countries, thereby actively contributing to the creation of the "European Research Space" (ESR). In this "area" the European Union and the participating bodies share and exchange information, human resources and scientific results to increase employment and competitiveness in the European market.

The principal financial instrument that supports the development of the SER is the seventh framework programme (7FP) which covers the 2007-2013 period and includes 50.5 billion euro. The Politecnico di Milano, like many other European public and private bodies, takes part in applications for 7FP funding to conduct joint research projects. The Fondazione Politecnico supports the Politecnico throughout the assessment and feasibility study process, obtaining information through dialogue and debate with policy makers; it carries out market analysis and searches for potential partners; and it identifies a successful alliance, plans the activities and then proceeds to draw up the proposal. If the project is approved by the European Community, the Fondazione assists with carrying out the research activities and implementing the programme, coordinates the work, or promotes the results obtained.