How can science and technology foster SMEs?
As a background study to a conference on the Euro-Mediterranean partnership to be organised in 2001, the Institute for prospective technological studies is launching a call for tenders for a study on the role of science and technology in fostering small and medium sized enterprises' (SMEs) cooperation in the Euro-Mediterranean free trade area and overall industrial development. The tenderers are asked to analyse to what extent the development of new advanced technologies may support SMEs networking within the Euro-Mediterranean area. The Mediterranean Partner countries (MPCs) subject to analysis (minimum of four countries - preferably two from the Near East and two from the Maghreb) for the scope of the study are of the tenderers choice, as in the conditions specified in the technical specifications. The English language will be used in the study. The study requires possession of (or access to) databases containing detailed information on SMEs in selected MPCs and EU Member States. A budget of around 50,000 euro is available. For further information, please contact: European Commission Joint Research Centre Institute for Prospective technological studies Ms Laura Tapias Ed. World Trade Centre Isla de la Cartuja s/n E-41092Seville Fax +34-954-488359