Boosting the innovation potential of Europe's SMEs

On 12 and 13 December, over 100 delegates will gather in Valencia, Spain, for a conference on Regional schemes to support innovation in SMEs. The event will provide an overview of the strategies and instruments used across Europe to enhance companies involvement in research, development and innovation (RDI) activities.

There are currently 20 million enterprises in Europe, employing over 120 million people over half of Europe's total workforce. The vast majority of these companies are SMEs, making them one of the most important driving forces behind Europe's economic prosperity. Ensuring SMEs maintain a competitive edge is vital to the EU's future growth.
Europe's regions have a crucial role to play in creating the right environment to facilitate and encourage such innovation. Regions and national governments use very different approaches to boost RDI in SMEs ranging from grants, subsidies and tax incentives for activities carried out by SMEs to special schemes aimed at tapping into university research facilities and expertise. The conference will provide a platform for regions to share experience about their innovation support policies and activities.
At the conference, organised by the region of Valencia and the Innovating Regions in Europe network, several examples of innovation schemes will be presented, including: , , The Welsh approach - an action plan to support SMEs: ,Wales has recently launched an Innovation Action Plan, which aims to build on past successes and provide improved innovation support and funding tailored to the needs of individual businesses. A national innovation campaign will be launched to communicate what can be achieved through innovation.
Taking Tuscan traditions forward - cultural heritage restoration: ,The Tuscan cultural restoration industry has a worldwide reputation for excellence. Using new innovative optoelectronic techniques, this traditional sector has managed to boost competitiveness and create new business markets.
Technology transfer in Aachen: ,The Aachen Regional Development Agency acts as a moderator between the region’s SME sector and universities. Over the last 15 years, over 150 SMEs have benefited from their services, which have resulted in over 300 co-operation contracts with university institutes., , Research voucher scheme in Limburg: ,The vouchers gives free consultancy services to SMEs for a limited period. The aim is to encourage the transfer of knowledge and collaboration between SMEs and knowledge centres.
RDI schemes for SMEs in Flanders: ,The Flemish government has set up a special institution to support and stimulate industrial research and technology transfer. Several successful measures have been introduced to support innovation in SMEs. , ,Journalists are also invited to attend the Valencia conference. By taking part they will have the chance to meet and discuss with innovation policy-makers at regional, national and European levels, innovative SMEs, representatives from technology centres and research organisations and development agencies.
For registration and more information, contact: ,Ms Lara Griffiths, [phone], [e-mail],

Countries

Spain