EU project aims to enhance innovation in Europe's SMEs
A pan-European project, supported by the European Commission, is currently developing a multimedia training tool aimed at boosting the competitiveness of small businesses by increasing their innovativeness. The project, entitled ABC (assisting business competitiveness) is due to end in December 2003, and involves eight partners from Germany, Ireland, Portugal, Spain and the UK. Funded under the Education DG's Leonardo da Vinci programme, the project will provide access for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to a Europe-wide benchmarking system, and a training course on CD ROM, combining innovation and social inclusion. 'Competitiveness is a key factor in any small business, leading to increased profitability and employment growth,' says JJ Grugan from project leader Initiative Economic Development. 'However, European businesses lag behind in comparison to their American and Japanese counterparts, and certain regional disparities in areas within Europe pose additional obstacles. We believe a more level playing field could be achieved if European businesses are provided with the necessary means to become more innovative.' A step towards closing the gap between Europe and its competitors would be increasing awareness of the value of innovation within Europe's businesses, as well as how to increase levels of innovation. Mr Grugan believes than many companies are uninformed when it comes to innovation, particularly micro enterprises 'whose need to become competitive - to survive and grow - is most acute.' The ABC multimedia training tool will comprise a real time website, allowing SMEs to compare their current level of innovation with their national and European counterparts. The CD ROM training course will specifically address social inclusion and the needs of female entrepreneurs. Mr Grugan expects that the heterogeneity of the consortium will encourage a broad uptake of the training tool.
Countries
Germany, Spain, Ireland, Portugal, United Kingdom