Overview
The objective of the project was to promote and support the participation of SMEs in European surface transport R&D projects.
The project included development of a toll that would act as a catalyst for bringing closer SMEs with the industrial and scientific actors of the surface transport R&D and providing the community with comprehensive mapping of SMEs expertise and R&D.
The structure of the project activities:
- WP1: Identification and development of online tools;
- WP 2: Initiation of online tools;;
- WP3: Building awareness and workshops;
- WP4: Instructing and advising SMEs;
- WP5: Advanced design perspective;
- WP6: Management.
Funding
Results
The tool developed was an 'information tool' based on a web site hosting a set of following databases
- SME expertise,
- Projects with innovation needs,
- Technology providers able to participate in co-operative research projects (ex CRAFT)
The web also provided some partner search and skill matching services with news and information services and 'accompanying measures and services' such as:
- National workshops, organised to raise awareness of FP6 within the SMEs community and feed the database with more precise information on: SMEs domains of expertise, products, research needs, potential research ideas.
These workshops were organised nationally either as stand alone workshops or as part of trade/industry events which would have the added benefit of bringing under one roof SMEs with potential clients. The organisation of the workshops took into account the local realities to ensure it has the bigger impact.
- Focused SME coaching and mentoring.
SMEs that expressed a keen interest (through the Web site) and were clearly motivated to set up or participate in a project (IP, STREP, CRAFT) were offered coaching on a defined number of sessions. With a view to improve and perpetuate the actions of the project, an evaluation of the services provided was undertaken and a business case prepared to ensure it would have an impact beyond the life of the project.