LINK-ing Network of Networks to bring success for SMEs
With a tight deadline of less than 2 weeks and at a difficult time of year for business activity, the LINK network of networks worked together swiftly to find suitable SME candidates for the project need. The partner search was posted on the LINK website (www.link-eu.org) and distributed to all of the LINK partners. The partner search was also sent to the Detect-it ETI as part of the cooperation between LINK and Detect-it. Within days the different network partners had produced encouraging results. Using the networks of NCPs, IRCs and BICs with the aid of Pera, RTO coordinator of the project, 17 SMEs with highly relevant skills and competencies were identified and approached. These SMEs were explained the specific project needs and objectives. Their profiles were then sent to the proposal coordinator. Through collaboration with Pera, the project coordinator was able to quickly clarify details about the SMEs. Eventually, 4 of the 17 SME profiles were integrated into the proposal, with some SMEs covering more than one of the roles so to cover the full SME needs of the project. The LINK Network of Network structure proved very valuable as the integrated SMEs were identified and supported using 4 of the intermediary networks represented in LINK: 1 SME was proposed by BEA, Belgium IRC, 1 by French NCP, Anvar and 2 through the European Business and Innovation Centre Network (Networks of BICs) in collaboration with the Detect-it ETI. The project coordinator was very satisfied with the rapid reaction and efficiency of the LINK network of networks. “We´ve used 4 SMES identified by LINK, out of a total of 8 SMEs in the project. Thanks for all your help with this … it´s worked really well. Only one SME came from all the other ETIs put together, so LINK came out on top!” The LINK network enabled the Project coordinator to spend more time on the important aspects of writing and putting together the proposal, whilst LINK, using their Network of Networks resources, assisted with identifying and supporting specialist SMEs into their integration in an exciting RTD project proposal. If you are interested in receiving information about the LINK network of networks please send us an email to info@link-eu.org or visit the LINK website www.link-eu.org.