B2Europe initiative targets increased synergy of business support networks
A new communication aimed at fostering a better business environment for entrepreneurs in Europe through different methods of knowledge transfer was adopted by the European Commission on 5 March. The B2Europe initiative focuses on connecting the resources and know how of European business support networks so that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can have access to relevant information in a quick and easy manner. 'The B2Europe initiative will bring more coherence and public clarity to the services provided by business support networks across Europe. The initiative will enable SMEs to find out quickly which network to approach with their particular query and to obtain the most appropriate service,' said Commissioner for Enterprise and the Information Society Erkki Liikanen. To this end, the B2Europe initiative aims to launch a website and a multiple entry point system by the end of 2003, which it hopes will enhance knowledge transfer between companies. Furthermore, the initiative will develop a query reference and tracking system to steer businesses towards the support network most relevant to them. Among the business support networks involved in this initiative are the innovation relay centres (IRCs), which assist companies with the commercial transfer of innovative technologies throughout Europe, and the business and innovation centres (BICs) which support the creation of new innovative companies and the modernisation and innovation of existing enterprises.