EU research programmes for SMEs help turn knowledge into profit
Getting involved in research projects can help SMEs (small- and
medium-sized enterprises) to develop new products and services and
improve existing ones. It also provides a useful network of contacts in
business and academia. In an interview with CORDIS News, members of the
Research and SMEs unit at the European Commission's Research
Directorate General explained how the role of SMEs in the framework
programmes has evolved over the years, and how they believe access to
all kinds of research funding for SMEs could be facilitated.
The role of SMEs in European research has grown rapidly over the course
of successive framework programmes. 'In the Fourth Framework Programme
it was just lip service,' commented Barend Verachtert. 'Now in the
Sixth and Seventh Framework Programmes (FP6 and FP7) the SMEs are
involved in mainstream research projects.'
Under FP7, some 15% of the funds are targeted at SMEs. SMEs also
benefit from higher funding and a reduced administrative burden. The
success of this new approach will be evaluated in detail over the next
two years. Until then, Head of Unit Dr Bernd Reichert pointed out, 'At
least we have more than sufficient applications, so we know there is
demand out there.'
One programme that has been particularly successful at helping SMEs get
involved in EU-funded projects is the 'Stepping up Economic and
Technological Intelligence' (ETI) scheme. ETI initiatives were first
launched under the Fifth Framework Programme (FP5), with the goal of
helping SMEs assess their research capabilities and needs to better
prepare for participation in transnational research projects.
SMEs also receive assistance throughout the proposal process, for
example help finding partners and advice on legal and financial issues.
In total 49 ETI initiatives were launched during FP5 and FP6, and
between them they have helped several thousand SMEs across Europe. Many
of the initiatives are still running and helping SMEs to access FP7
resources.
Through the ETIs, the Commission has learnt a great deal about how best
to approach SMEs and encourage them to get involved in research
programmes linking academia and industry.
'One of the findings is that it is not enough to give information to
SMEs,' explained Dr Reichert. 'What you have to do is mentor, coach and
empower them.'
The ETIs also found that SMEs with experience of regional or national
research programmes are generally better suited for transnational
research projects than companies with little experience.
The Commission is also talking directly to SMEs to find out what they
want and expect from European research programmes. At a recent
conference bringing together policy makers and SMEs, the messages were
loud and clear.
'They started with the well known messages: make things simpler, reduce
bureaucracy,' said Mr Verachtert. But, he added, the key message was
that policy makers need to create a framework that allows SMEs to
develop their ideas and get support for them in a flexible way that
allows them to really focus on their businesses.
The SMEs also asked for more flexibility in the way they build project
consortia. Many of them have large companies as suppliers and clients,
and the SMEs want to work with these people in their research
projects.
The SME team is also keen to make it easier for small businesses to
apply for different kinds of research funding. 'Ideally, an SME should
not have to learn a separate set of rules for Europe, and a separate
set of rules for Belgium and a separate set of rules for Flanders and a
separate set of rules for the province of Antwerp!' exclaimed Henrik
Dam.
'What we are looking for is a one-door policy,' he added. 'An SME
should be able to go to a local agency and the person there should be
able to show them all the opportunities and possibilities and help them
make a decision as to what to do.'
'We hope we can use some of these experiences and ideas in the mid-term
review of FP7,' commented Dr Reichert. 'And sooner or later we will
start looking at what will happen in the next framework
programmes.'
Research for the benefit of SMEs under FP7
Source: Community R&D Information Service (CORDIS)