Innovation Management Techniques - Synopsis of projects A series of activities aimed at supporting the integration of Innovation Management Techniques (IMTs) in European business are being supported by the European Commission as part of its specific programme for the dissemination and exploitation of the results of RTD activities (... A series of activities aimed at supporting the integration of Innovation Management Techniques (IMTs) in European business are being supported by the European Commission as part of its specific programme for the dissemination and exploitation of the results of RTD activities (INNOVATION). A proper integration of IMTs facilitates an enterprise's ability to establish and integrate new technology in a coherent and non-disruptive manner, thus strengthening the long-term business prospects of businesses, particularly SMEs. As most SMEs do not have the necessary in-house knowledge and skills in IMTs, they often rely on external advisory services (e.g. consultancy companies, specialized promotion bodies, etc.) to use and incorporate these IMTs within their business. The objectives of the IMT projects supported by the European Commission include: - Developing experience and raising awareness in the design and monitoring of support schemes promoting IMTs; - Creating a body of experience through the implementation of more than 900 innovation consultancy assignments in SMEs; - Disseminating results to facilitate the harmonization of methodologies and provide added value to regional and national schemes and their operations, public or private. A document providing a brief overview of this area of Community activity is now available from the European Commission. This presents a synopsis of selected IMT projects and accompanying measures - most of which started at the beginning of 1997 - including a description of project activities and contact details for the main partners.
