Call for proposals for innovative approaches to subcontracting

The European Commission, DG XXIII, has published a call for proposals for projects in the field of subcontracting, outsourcing and supply chain management, one of the means identified to enhance competitiveness of SMEs in the European Union. In preparation for the introductio...

The European Commission, DG XXIII, has published a call for proposals for projects in the field of subcontracting, outsourcing and supply chain management, one of the means identified to enhance competitiveness of SMEs in the European Union.

In preparation for the introduction of a new work programme in the field of subcontracting, due to be presented in the second half of 1999, this call for proposals is intended to help in the transition.

Six different lots or project areas have been identified for which the Commission is now seeking proposals, which should start in early 2000:

- Subcontracting development poles (SDPs);
- Benchmarking;
- Clustering/restructuring/networking;
- Integrated suppliers' training;
- Internationalisation of European subcontracting;
- Support measures for the dissemination and promotion of good practice in the field of subcontracting, outsourcing, and supply chain management.

The Commission envisages granting funding for up to 50% of the costs of between six and ten projects, with total funding of one million euro available. Proposals must cover at least two EU Member States and be of a significant size. Proposers must be established in a Member State of the EU (or EEA), and may be regional, national or European associations with the capability to offer training, seminars and counselling to SMEs. Organisations from the Central and Eastern european countries and the Mediterranean region may be associated with projects, but will not be eligible to receive a financial contribution from the EU.
Full specifications and the official application form may be obtained from:

European Commission
DG XXIII - Enterprise policy, distributive trades, tourism and cooperatives
Unit A.3 - Promotion of innovation: training, research, take-up of technology and subcontracting
Subcontracting secretariat
200 rue de la Loi (G-1 2/261)
B-1049 Brussels
Fax [phone]

Further information may also be found on the Web, at:

http://europa.eu.int/en/comm/dg23/cftindex.htm