Technology stimulation measures for SMEs under the Fourth Framework Programme
The European Commission, DG XII, has published a brochure providing general information on the Community action for the stimulation of technological innovation among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) under the Fourth Framework Programme for research and technological development. The aim of Community technology stimulation measures is to encourage greater SME participation in the Community's specific RTD programmes. The brochure gives information and contact details for SMEs interested in benefiting from these measures, which may take one of two forms: - Exploratory phase award: A Community award is granted to two SMEs to prepare a detailed research project proposal. On the basis of this proposal, the Commission can grant the SMEs an award covering the exploratory phase of the project, thus enabling them to formulate a complete proposal to be submitted either as a cooperative research project or as another type of research project; - Cooperative research: This type of project (CRAFT: Cooperative Research Action for Technologies) allows SMEs who have little or no research capacity of their own to commission external organizations to carry out all or part of the RTD work. A European network has been set up in order to make information and assistance available to SMEs, nationally, regionally and locally, for the preparation of projects. The objective is to limit the amount of time and administrative formalities involved in preparing an RTD project and, in the final analysis, to enable SMEs to transform ideas into RTD projects and, hopefully, technological innovations.