Opportunities for SMEs to promote the results of Community RTD projects
Within the framework of the VALUE programme for the dissemination and utilization of scientific research results, the Commission invites proposals, involving small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), and aiming at the exploitation of the results of projects from a Community R&D programme. This announcement is addressed only to research contractors who are or have been participants in Community projects and their actual or potential licensees and/or partners. SMEs are defined as firms employing up to 500 people in total and based within the Community. Proposals should aim at increasing SMEs' access to new technologies so as to improve their competitive position. Implementation of the supported activities will be based on: - Exploratory awards (max. ECU 5,000) intended to cover travel and subsistence costs incurred by SMEs, by university departments or other non-profit organizations in meetings to establish whether the technology available will in fact be appropriate to the needs of the acquiring organization; - Technology exchange awards (max. ECU 100,000) intended to cover up to 50% of the costs associated with establishing the feasibility of the technology transfer.An information file and application forms can be obtained from: (a) Commission of the European Communities Directorate-General for Telecommunications, Information Industries and Innovation, DG XIII/C.2 Jean Monnet Building L-2920 Luxembourg Tel. +352-4301360 or +352-43013453; Fax +352-43014129 (b) Commission of the European Communities Directorate-General for Enterprise Policy, Distributive Trade, Tourism and Cooperatives, DG XXIII/B.3 rue d'Arlon 80 B-1049 Brussels Tel. +32-2-2353942; Fax +32-2-2361241