MINT: Aid to company integration of new technologies
Managing the Integration of New Technology (MINT) is a new action under the strategic programme for innovation and technology transfer (SPRINT), 1989-1993. It aims at promoting the absorption of new technologies by small and medium enterprises (SMEs), through the use of experienced consultants in the management of innovation. MINT is to be delivered, administered and operated in each Member State according to its own policy and business culture. Member States have proposed 24 organizations as coordinating agencies at regional or national level. These will be responsible for selecting, training and monitoring a core group of experts who will carry out the individual consultancy assignments. The scheme is flexible, designed to provide firms with a diagnosis of their use of technology and the potential for integrating new technology and management techniques (e.g. design, quality, value analysis) as part of an overall business strategy. Targeted companies are SMEs in the manufacturing sector with the commitment, operating potential and management resources to take full advantage of the likely benefits resulting from the better use of new technologies.