Cooperative research for SMEs

A European conference on "Cooperative research in a new Europe" will take place on 24-25 March 1995 in Valencia, Spain. It is organized by the Federation of European Industrial Cooperative Research Organizations (FEICRO), in collaboration with DGs XII and XIII of the European Commission.

The general aim of the conference is to promote SME competitiveness through cooperative research. In particular the conference objectives are to:

- Emphasize the importance of research and technology organizations (RTOs), such as research, technical assistance, technology transfer and training centres;
- Promote the integration of enterprises and RTOs in European sectoral networks;
- Strengthen the cooperative research model as a means of supporting the competitiveness of SMEs.

The results of projects in which cooperative research organizations have participated will be presented, as well as examples of Commission support for cooperative research by means of the following:

- CRAFT stimulation actions (DG XII);
- Exploitation of cooperative project results (DG XII);
- Technological centre networks for the diffusion of technology towards SMEs (DG XIII).

A programme of visits to technological institutes is also in preparation.
For further information, please contact:

FEICRO
3 rue des Capucins
L-1313 Luxembourg
Tel./Fax +352-462943