The RSFF targets private and public European research-intensive entities including SMEs and research infrastructures, larger companies, universities and research organisations, irrespective of size and ownership, which contribute to the objectives of FP7. The financing may be provided either to entities or to individual research-related projects, often at a demonstration stage, especially to projects resulting from European research initiatives, such as Research Infrastructures, European Technology Platforms, Joint Technology Initiatives and Eureka.

Loans or guarantees can be given to projects (if they create a dedicated legal entity) and/or to innovative institutions of any size and ownership in all MS and AC:

• Mid and large corporates (typically unrated / sub investment grade / turnaround situations)

• SMEs

• Research Institutes (public and private)

• Universities (public and private)

• Special purpose / Project companies, PPP

• Research Infrastructure promoters

à Any size and ownership!