Objective
"smE-MPOWER" demonstrates how high-tech SMEs can be empowered long-term for international RTD activities, and enhances the number of SME driven innovation projects in the context of European Research through the creation of a uniquely resourced pan-European Learning Community of Innovation Coaches and SME Intermediaries. The specific - while not exclusive - focus is the Manufacturing Sector. smE-MPOWER additionally provides regional policy recommendations in order to stimulate improvement of the framework conditions for SME driven research in 10 European regions. It also pursues effective dissemination, purposeful networking for synergies with complementary initiatives, and a Public Demonstration Conference targeting decision makers and SME Intermediaries interested in joining the Coaching Community. The geographically balanced consortium - under the experienced leadership of the Fraunhofer IFF - includes SME networks from Ireland and Cyprus, SME intermediaries from Slowakia, Lithuania, Romania, Switzerland, Israel, and researchers from Germany, France and UK, bridging the worlds of industry and academia. The impact of "smE-MPOWER" will lead to more SME driven proposals in European Research, starting with the first calls of FP7. The resulting European Community of Innovation Coaches, "The PEER-NET", will provide a sustainable European basis for the facilitating and coaching of SME driven innovation projects. And regional innovation policies will be influenced towards a more effective provision of services to research interested high-tech SMEs, especially young and women entrepreneurs. Overall smE-MPOWER models a new approach of empowering SMEs for ownership in self-defined RTD
Call for proposal
FP6-2004-INNOV-5
See other projects for this call
Funding Scheme
SSA - Specific Support ActionCoordinator
MUNCHEN
Germany