Rural-ETINET - project dedicated to support in FP6 sub-networks of small businesses in rural areas.

Rural-ETINET is a three-year ETI project co-funded by European Commission, with the aim to set up and manage a network comprised of a series of thematic sub-networks of SMEs, with SME representatives and organisations that work with SME businesses in rural areas.

Project partners are high-skilled organisations from UK, Austria, Italy, Sweden, Turkey, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Iceland, Romania and Slovakia. The network members are encouraged to participate in, and submit FP6 projects in rural issues, especially in the following sectors:,- Novel crops,- On-farm processing,- Forestry/wood chain,- Waste management,- Eco-systems
The methodology applied is very focused, utilising the knowledge and contacts of existing rural networks, organisations and associations from throughout Europe. SMEs will greatly benefit from theme-specific approach and assistance in networking as this raises their international competitiveness in larger consortia groups working with European Research programmes and particularly Framework Programme 6. The network members are encouraged and assisted to participate in the larger scale projects, in Thematic Priority 5 Food Quality and Safety, 6 Sustainable Development and Global Change and 8 Policy Orientated Research. Network members can get assistance also to set up smaller scale projects amongst themselves.