SMEs in EU Health Research

08 September 2009
by inadim -- last modified 08 September 2009

Research-intensive small and medium-sized enterprises - SMEs are the main economic drivers of healthcare, biotechnology and medical technologies. High-tech SMEs in the health and biotechnology sectors are expected to play a prominent role in FP7 Health theme funded projects.

EU-funded health research actively seeks SME participation

Research-intensive small and medium-sized enterprises - SMEs - are the main economic drivers of healthcare, biotechnology and medical technologies. Smaller high-tech firms in the health and biotechnology sectors are expected to play a prominent role in FP7 Health theme funded projects. In addition, SMEs providing a service, e.g. management or intellectual property expertise, are also eligible to participate in FP7 projects.

Out of the € 6.1 billion dedicated to the Health theme in the Seventh Framework Programme (2007-2013), the share going to SMEs is expected to be at least 15%, or over € 900 million.

Inclusion of 'high-tech' SMEs in most projects throughout the Health Work Programme is a priority of the Health theme.

In addition, SME inputs in research and innovation are particularly encouraged in certain specific topics for small or medium-scale focused research projects targeted to SMEs (SME-targeted projects). The expected results of these projects should clearly be of interest and potential benefit to SMEs. The relevant consortia should aim to have at least 40% of the requested EC contribution going to SMEs (those projects should not necessarily be co-ordinated by the participating SMEs). Check carefully the topic formulation in the call.

FP7 IS MORE FAVOURABLE TO SME PARTICIPATION

Wider coverage: FP7 has a broader approach to health research than FP6, covering also new areas, such as medical technologies and public health. Furthermore, it is a 7-year programme, with continuity of structure, rules and procedures.

Better funding: FP7 "rules of participation" allows funding of up to 75% for research and development activities of SMEs, rather than the 50% of the previous framework programme. Management and training activities are funded up to 100%.

Better protection of intellectual property: The rules governing intellectual property in EU-funded projects have been greatly improved in the last framework programmes. Clearer IPR rules are designed with more attention to the special needs of SMEs.

Reduced need for financial checks and bank guarantees: In FP7, a guarantee fund replaces the 'collective financial responsibility'. This fund is set up to cover the financial risks of defaulting project participants.

Where to get help to prepare a proposal:

• Dedicated local support is available through SME-go-Health, an EU funded support network of experts and National Contact Points in 30 countries aiming at the successful participation of research centers, universities and innovative SMEs in EU-funded "HEALTH" research projects. Several services are provided: individual assistance and consultation, information and training on EU FP7 topics in national and transnational training sessions and help in finding a project partner through its SME/researcher project profiles database.
• If you are an SME working in Medical Technologies and Biomedical Engineering, SM-BIO-POWER will specifically help you to participate in EU research. This EU funded support action, with a consortium of ten partners, helps SMEs to gain international visibility for your company. SM-BIO-POWER provides information on the latest trends in EU support for biomedical engineering research together with best practice examples from other SMEs in EU projects. An online helpdesk is available for registered users as well as personal assistance in identifying funding opportunities and project partners. Personalised updates include selected information such as call alerts, partner searches and consortia and project opportunities.

Further support

The SME Contact Officer in the Health Research Directorate is Ludovica Serafini.

EU SME Definition:

• less than 250 employees,
• annual turnover less or equal to € 50 million
• and balance sheet less or equal to 43 million
• the company has to be "independent"

Check if you qualify as an SME according to the European Commission's definition.

Source: European Commission