This Paper argues that it is necessary to make efficient use of public investment in research and development by supporting the transition of the results into the final operational service/product.Recommended measures include ensuring a better transition between the 7th Framework Programmes and European Regional Policy Funds, by designing calls that take into consideration the R&D stage but also the operational use of the resulting services as an objective in itself. Such calls would make it compulsory to include end-users from the R&D stage, and a business case for these to use the resulting services.