CRAFT information package
The European Commission, DG XII, has published an information package on the technology stimulation action (CRAFT) under the programme on industrial and materials technologies (BRITE/EURAM III) of the Fourth Framework Programme for research and technological development and demonstration (1994-1998). CRAFT aims to encourage and facilitate the participation of SMEs in the BRITE/EURAM III programme. It comprises two shared cost measures to which SMEs can apply: - Exploratory awards; - Cooperative research projects. The indicative budget allocation for CRAFT is ECU 225 million for the period 1994-1998. CRAFT is designed specifically for SMEs in response to their growing interest and need to participate in RTD cooperation at European level. The overall objectives of CRAFT are to: - Promote the development of technologies adapted to the needs of SMEs; - Support SMEs in their effort to strengthen their capability to absorb and to contribute to the development of the technologies they require; - Promote transnational networking and cooperation among SMEs and between SMEs, research organizations and larger companies from all regions of the EU; - Facilitate the participation of SMEs in the industrial research projects of the BRITE/EURAM programme. The information package provides a list of the technical sub-areas, scope and objectives of the BRITE/EURAM III programme.