Attracting SMEs to transport research
Bringing together SMEs in the surface transport sector can streamline connections and spur industry. This was the mission of the EU-funded project 'Promoting and facilitating the participation of SMEs in FP7 EU RTD projects in surface transport - automotive, railways, waterborne' (Euro-Trans_Days). It brought together SMEs and major European research and development (R&D) players to exchange know-how and take the sector to the next level. The project organised workshops in Madrid, Spain and in Warsaw, Poland that covered a range of subjects, including technology platforms, consortium building and intellectual property rights (IPR). Team partners also provided coaching to SMEs for finding the right partners, preparing proposals and homing in on new business opportunities. Key to these workshops was participation and presentations by three important technology platforms, the European Rail Research Advisory Council (ERRAC), the European Road Transport Research Advisory Council (ERTRAC), and Waterborne, which brought together stakeholders from sea, river and lake transport. In addition to coaching and encouraging new partnerships, the workshops presented success stories and opportunities for SMEs to participate in EU R&D projects. While participation of these SMEs in EU projects remained modest, the project compiled a feedback report aimed at enhancing such initiatives and keeping up the momentum.
