The overall objective of SUPER-SME is to contribute to a quantifiable increase in research expenditure by the business sector in the participating regions within a 5-year period after the project. This will be done by promoting an improved integration of public and private research capacities through evaluating, rationalising and strengthening the know-how of regional systems of science and technology intermediaries. The project focuses on appraising and transferring experience in the field of science and technology intermediation services for research-intensive SMEs. The partnership is based around 3 EU15 mentor regions (Lorraine, Catalunya; Central Macedonia) and 4 mentee regions: 2 from new Member States (Prague; Tartu), and 2 from candidate countries (C luj/Huendoara; Adana). The specific objectives expected to lead to this overall objective are as follows: quantified increase in the level of contract research contracts between regionally based laboratories and scientific institutes and regional SMEs; quantified increase in the participation of regional SMEs to nationally funded R&D programmes and to the EU RTD Framework Programme; contribution to the implementation and updating of specific regional research, technological development and innovation policies (in the form of detailed plans for specific measures to improve the effectiveness of S&T intermediation services; transfer of at least one S&T intermediation methodology from each participating regions. The operational objectives of the project are as follows: methodological guide to the appraisal of the role and function of regional S&T intermediaries; analytical mapping of S&T intermediaries in each participating region.