INNOVATION Relay Centres: new network established
Following the INNOVATION programmes call for proposals in December 1995, the new network of INNOVATION Relay Centres (IRC) is now taking shape. The Relay Centre concept was pioneered by the Community's VALUE II programme and they were formerly referred to as VALUE Relay Centres. The objective of these centres is both to help transfer the results of the EC's RTD Programme to European industry, and help companies get involved in the EC RTD programmes. They provide an important intermediary link between the Commission and local companies. The new network presently has 52 Innovation Relay Centres spread throughout Europe. The basic aim of these centres has not been changed but their scope has been enlarged in that, in addition to covering EC-supported research, they will also cover national and regional programmes. The IRCs will be charged with assessing local technological needs with a view to bringing together owners of appropriate technological solutions, developed in European and/or national research programmes, and local companies. They will, in addition, promote Community RTD programmes to the local area, helping local organizations draw up project proposals, supporting them through their projects and aiding them exploit the results. The range of activities to be carried out by the IRC, will include, amongst other things: - The organization of partnering events and technology demonstration sessions; - The provision of information on relevant financial support schemes; - Technical audits of companies; - Training of companies in innovation, research exploitation and technology transfer; - The provision of consultancy services on market studies and intellectual property rights. The IRCs are hosted by existing regional and national organizations and include both private companies and public bodies. There is also a second tier of "associate members". These will receive just as much information from the Commission as the IRCs, and can participate fully in the network, but do not receive any Commission funding. A full list of IRCs is included in the text field of this article. A list of associate members may be obtained from the European Commission, IRC Central Unit.