New SME homepage on CORDIS Web server
A new homepage, providing information about the "Technology Stimulation Measures for SMEs" under the Fourth RTD Framework Programme, has been launched on the CORDIS World Wide Web server. The Commission has developed a number of "Technology Stimulation Measures for SMEs", with the aim of facilitating and encouraging their participation in the specific RTD programmes of the Fourth RTD Framework Programme. These built on the success of the CRAFT scheme of cooperative research for SMEs in the Industrial and Materials Technologies programme during the Third Framework Programme. The new homepage provides details of these measures which include: - Exploratory Awards: provide SMEs with funding to develop full proposals for the specific programmes; - Cooperative research projects (CRAFT): allows a group of SMEs to contract a third party to conduct research on their behalf; - Network of Focal Points to assist SMEs in submitting proposals and finding partners. Information is provided on eligibility, preparing proposals and finding partners. In addition, a number of SME "success stories" are outlined, showing how the Technology Stimulation Measures have worked in practice. A list of contacts in the SME Coordination Unit in DG XII of the European Commission, and in the Member States, as well as the Information Package may also be found on the homepage.