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A prized partnership |
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The Carive Prize aims to improve technology transfer between the Veneto region of Italy and the rest of the world. The winning project in 2003 linked a small Belgian biosensor manufacturer to two Venetian partners, thanks to the close collaboration of their local Innovation Relay Centres. |
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Sharing space |
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IRCs in regions that have strengths in particular technologies are joining together to form thematic groups to improve their service to the companies' concerned. One such thematic group focuses on aerospace, providing rich opportunities within the IRC network for the transnational transfer of space technologies between specialised SMEs. |
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Raising the game |
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Innovation Relay Centres have been active for almost eight years, and the network is becoming increasingly recognised across Europe. With that recognition comes expectation from clients, so IRCs are developing a range of initiatives to guarantee the quality of service provided both to clients and to fellow IRCs. |
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Plugging into the IRC network |
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While universities generate many usable new technologies, they often do not make the best use of these. Methods for identifying opportunities within and outside institutions are still developing, but closer links with the Innovation Relay Centres network may prove valuable. |
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Wood-chip panels make cheap buildings |
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A company manufacturing do-it-yourself building panels and one that generates wood waste as a by-product have formed an ambitious joint venture in Greece to make and sell prefabricated building elements. Both received great support from their local IRCs in setting up this deal. |
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Bridging the cultural divide |
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A recent visit to Brandenburg by Polish companies was the latest in a series of joint initiatives taken by the North Germany and West Poland IRCs to promote ties between firms in their respective regions. |
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A package for ensuring success |
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IRC Paris/île-de-France is piloting a tailor-made package called "Being successful with technology transfer in Europe". It goes further than the regular transnational technology transfer service by providing eligible firms with access to specialised consultancy and funding solutions. |
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Clever climate control |
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More and more people expect to live and work in comfortable indoor temperatures and clean air all the year round. Two companies from Sweden and Germany, which met through the IRC network, are together making 'smarter', smaller HVAC units to meet this growing market. |
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Clearing the air |
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A brokerage event held at south-east Europe's premier environmental exhibition gave IRC clients an excellent opportunity to market their innovative technologies. |
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July 2003
