Networks
The following information aims at providing a map of networks and contact points working in areas related to the eContent programme within Member States & Associated States. For eContent specific issues, you can consult the programme's contact points.
The sixth Framework Programme for research and development (FP6)
The Information Society Technologies (IST) Programme of the 6th Framework Programme for research and technological development aims at strengthening Europe's competitiveness & technology base as well as building the information and knowledge society for all. Contrary to research activities eContent is market-oriented. It concentrates on the use of both existing and emerging - but commercially available - technologies to close the gap between research and market. The IST programme stimulates the required research for providing an information structure of the future while eContent is concerned with digital content production of the public sector and its exploitation and the promotion of the linguistic diversity in the Information Society. EContent builds on the results of the IST programme and successor programmes as they emerge.
 Euro Info Centre Network
The Euro Info Centres act as an interface between European institutions and at a local level. EICs are out there, close to the enterprises in order to help them gain easier access to the opportunities presented by Europe and to prepare them for crucial milestones, such as the euro, electronic commerce, enlargement etc. As SME specialists, Euro Info Centres have a European expertise encompassing several main goals. Their aim is to inform, advise and assist SMEs in all Europe-related areas while taking into account the great variety of enterprises concerned.
EICs do not only provide SMEs with their own resources and skills, but also point to other specialized networks and organisations when specific expertise is required.
Innovation Relay Centre (IRC)
The European Commission has established 68 Innovation Relay Centres (IRCs) troughout Europe including the EU. These centres have been created in order to facilitate the transfer of innovative technology to and from European companies or research departments. As mover and shaker in innovation, the IRC network has become a leading European network for the promotion of technology partnerships and transfer mainly between small and medium-sized companies (SMEs). The IRCs are innovation support services mainly hosted by public organisations such as technology centres of universities, chambers of commerce, regional development agencies or national innovation agencies. Most IRCs are set up as consortia.
Hope / Euromap  The mission is to provide awareness, bridge-building and market-enabling services to boost opportunities for market take-up of the results of European and national Human Language Technology -HLT- research and development activities.
The key focus is on accelerating the rate of HLT transfer from the research base to the market by creating communities of interest between the critical players in the development and value chain. Initially it builds communities and establish expertise at national level, it will capitalise on the dynamics, intellectual capital and skills base generated in 4th Framework Programme EUROMAP projects to create a new European information and support platform for adding value to national and European level HLT initiatives.
It will produce a modular, adaptable HLT 'path to market' package, tested against at least two user sectors, and provide useful case study and channel management material that can be rapidly tailored to new user sectors and new HLT projects throughout Europe.
Hope / Euromap List
 LIFT - Linking Innovation, Finance and Technology
LIFT is a free service sponsored by the European Commission's Innovation/SMEs Programme. It can help organisations to:
- Prepare a comprehensive and convincing business plan
- Gain a better understanding of the financial world
- Increase knowledge of the options available
- Effectively present idea to investors
- Attract investors for high-technology business
Experienced experts offer a wide range of comprehensive services including:
LIFT Toolkit: Plan for success
LIFT Workshops throughout Europe: Hands-on instruction and guidance
LIFT Helpdesk: Personalised assistance and support
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