Scotland Ensures Competitive Edge for SMEs in European Funding Applications

The launch of the Scottish Proposal Assistance Fund commits nearly #1million over the next three years to assist small companies in obtaining Framework Six funding (FP6) for innovative research and development activities.

Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning Minister, Ian Gray, launched the Scottish Proposal Assistance Fund on 13 February. Mr Gray urged Scottish firms to consider FP6 and take advantage of the new Fund and the wider access to research and European business opportunities that it facilitates.
FP6 is the European Commissions new programme for researching and developing leading-edge technology within European partnerships. Small companies are encouraged to participate to gain first-user access to innovative technology and resources. They can also share in the cost and risk of product development in emerging fields and markets.
The Fund has been established by a collaboration between Scottish Executive, European Regional Development Fund, Scottish Enterprise and Highland and Islands Enterprise. It is hoped that the new resources will increase and improve the number and quality of FP6 applications from Scottish industry. Although the benefits are far-reaching, the requirements of a FP6 proposal can be time-consuming and costly, often exceeding the resources available to the average SME. The Fund will therefore assist SMEs to overcome the financial barriers to an FP6 proposal.
The Innovation Relay Centre for Scotland (IRC Scotland) are responsible for the operation of the new Fund, and will provide support and assistance towards the preparation of both a Framework proposal and applications to the Scottish Proposal Assistance Fund. Over the next 3 years, we hope to provide over a hundred grants and hope that many of the recipients will go on to participate in successful FP6 projects, said Peter Walker, European Funding Adviser at IRC Scotland.
Applications to the Fund must come from a Scottish organisation. Universities and research institutes are eligible to apply, although the proposed FP6 project must involve at least one Scottish SME. The applicant does not have to be a lead partner in the intended FP6 project.
IRC Scotland will assist in helping Fund applicants to identify the FP6 work programme, the type of project and the call closing date needed to submit an application. Successful applicants will also be confident of the objectives, outcomes and benefits of the proposed FP6 project and, in some cases, the funding will be secured on the achievement of milestones.
More information about the application process for the Scottish Proposal Assistance Fund and the expertise available through IRC Scotland can be found on http://www.ircscotland.net.
,For further information, please contact:,Lucy Taylor or Peter Walker at IRC Scotland on [phone] or e-mail: [e-mail] or ,e-mail: [e-mail],

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