The research evaluation community has devoted multiple efforts to analyze the effects of Framework Programmes. However, there is little empirical evidence on their impact on economic performance. This article presents an empirical analysis of the research project-based networks created by 7th Framework Programme in the field of Information and Communication Technologies and investigates their links with regional total factor productivity. For comparison purposes, the diffusion network created by the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme is also studied. Our results allow us to assess whether (or not) there are any common patterns in the research and diffusion links established by regions in these two European-supported networks and evaluate their (potentially) different connection with productivity. We use tools from Social Network Analysis and, specifically, the novel measure of bridging centrality, which takes into account territories' internal microstructure.