Use FP6, Busquin tells Eastern European SMEs
At an event in Estonia on 13 July, the European Commission encouraged small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Eastern European to take full advantage of the budget allocated to them under the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6) in order to reach their full potential Indeed, with SMEs accounting for 66 per cent of all private businesses in Europe, it is imperative for the enlarged EU's competitiveness that small companies develop their research and development (R&D) and innovative capacities. 'SMEs are the cornerstone of Europe's economic competitiveness and key to creating a world class knowledge-based economy by 2010,' said Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin. 'FP6 devotes 2.3 billion euro to SME-led research projects, to help promote innovation and turn bright ideas into profitable businesses. Enlargement means SMEs in Europe's 'Baltic tiger' countries cannot only benefit from more open borders and collaborative research efforts, but also contribute to the overall European Research Area.' The Commission feels the EU's two million industrial SMEs could greatly benefit from FP6, which, according to a Commission statement is 'the largest instrument supporting SME research globally'. FP6 can help SMEs in various ways, such as by providing funding, offering advice and guidance on how to access EU programmes, and facilitating meetings with corporate partners and field experts. A better use of FP6 facilities, by transforming research into lucrative innovation and commercial applications, would encourage the growth of small businesses and boost the creation of start-ups. For this reason, the Commission is hoping to encourage Eastern European SMEs to increase their participation in the programme. At present, only one in every eight applications for EU research funding comes from an SME in Eastern Europe. However, the Commission argues that with enlargement comes increased competition and new market opportunities, and Eastern European SMEs must now start to take full advantage of this flow of goods, services, capital and labour. 'The EC's Integrated Projects, Specific Targeted Research Projects, SME-specific collective and co-operative research schemes offer excellent opportunities for SMEs. The cooperative research (former CRAFT) scheme allows SMEs from different countries, facing common problems; to outsource their research activities. Collective research helps to expand SMEs competitiveness and scientific knowledgebase through SME associations and groupings,' concluded the European Commission in a statement.
Countries
Estonia