Commission assists SMEs in space industry
The European Commission together with the European Space Agency and six business consultancy companies are funding the LOSTESC (leveraging on space technologies to enhance SME competitiveness) programme. The programme is aims to attract new business opportunities in Europe and globally, assist innovative SMEs (small and medium sized enterprises) working in the space industry to bring their skills and ideas to the attention of larger industrial groups, and adapt technology developed primarily for the space industry to other uses. The programme's three main targets are: - to identify 23 promising technologies in the aerospace sector with potential applications in other industrial fields - to prepare proposals for the funding of these technologies by the European Commission - to assist in promoting these technologies so that they can attract new business globally as well as in Europe. The 23 chosen projects will be selected by the end of March and submitted for funding in April and September 2001, and in January and March 2002. Funding will be provided over a one to two year period for 100 per cent of the costs undergone by the aerospace SMEs to adapt the technology for other uses. Awareness increasing seminars are being held to help SMEs identify technology suitable for adaptation to non-aerospace applications. Companies interested in building new business relationships with European partners, and in exploring the use of technologies designed for the aerospace sector in other markets can obtain further information on the LOSTESC programme should contact the LOSTESC Front Desk (details below).