A guide to research and innovation support measures for SMEs
CORDIS has launched a new homepage on its World Wide Web server providing a centralized access point to the various European Union programmes, initiatives and instruments aimed at improving the research and innovation capacity of SMEs. Entitled "Research and Innovation Support for SMEs", the new service consists of explanations of the main measures available and links to other sites on the CORDIS and EUROPA servers from where more detailed information can be obtained. The importance of SMEs to the European economy is widely recognized. With this in mind, the European Commission implements a number of measures and initiatives to promote research and innovation in this sector. These include the "Technology Stimulation Measures for SMEs", introduced under the Fourth RTD Framework Programme, which are intended to facilitate SME access to the Community's specific RTD programmes. In addition, a number of specific programmes have introduced their own special incentive measures for SMEs (including the Telematics Applications, ACTS and ESPRIT programmes). The INNOVATION programme also plays a very important role in promoting technology transfer and innovation among SMEs. Outside the RTD Framework Programme, the Community's Structural Funds support a number of measures which are of relevance to SMEs interested in research and innovation. Commission Directorate-General XXIII (Enterprise policy, distributive trades, tourism and cooperatives) also supports several policies, services and programmes which, although aimed at the general business community, are relevant to SMEs active in the research and innovation domains. In addition, a number of Community information services and networks exist which offer a variety of information and support (primarily partner-search) services to SMEs. Details are also provided of general policy activities of interest to SMEs including, for instance, the "Action Plan for Innovation in Europe" and developments in the preparation of the Fifth RTD Framework Programme.