Overview
AeroSME supported the participation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the EU Framework Programme since 1998.
AeroSME was a joint project of the European Commission and ASD, the AeroSpace and Defence Industries Association of Europe. The project supported the competitiveness of the European aeronautics supply chain, therefore promoting the sustainable development of jobs and knowledge in aeronautics.
AeroSME informed and supported SMEs interested in joining European projects within the next 7th Framework Programme.
AeroSME V continued Europe-wide support for aeronautic SMEs in surviving in a rapidly changing global market, and encouraging participation in ED R&TD projects, which would develop much needed pan-European co-operation in the Aeronautics supply chain. AeroSME V was supported by AECMA, the European Association of Aerospace Industries representing the aerospace industry in Europe in all matters of common interest.
The project objectives were:
- To provide a proactive interface between SMEs and aeronautics related bodies and represent a point of reference for SME issues based on the communication channels with large companies (represented in the Industrial Management Groups - IMG3), research establishments, Universities, National and Regional Associations.
- To strengthen and improve the support and guidance continuously needed to increase the SME participation in ED R&TD Programmes using the previous phases’ experience.
- To continue the improvement of the communications within the Aerospace Industry and to provide SMEs with information and individual consulting support needed through tailored services such as the helpdesk, the website, the SME database and the Newsletters.
- To undertake specific actions in cooperation with IMG3 to facilitate the integration of SMEs in IPs and the set up of SME-led STREPs.
- To organise workshops addressed at aeronautic SMEs to raise awareness on European research issues and Industry's future needs, as well as to facilitate contacts with large companies in the supply chain.
The project improved the communication within the aerospace industry and provided SMEs with information and individual consulting support through tailored services such as the helpdesk, the website, the SME database and newsletters. Specific actions were undertaken in cooperation with IMG4 to facilitate the integration of SMEs in IPs and the set up of SME-led STREPs. Workshops for aeronautic SMEs were organised to raise awareness on European research issues and Industry's future needs, as well as to facilitate contacts with large companies in the supply chain. A very pro-active approach was applied in the Associated Candidate Countries. Finally, AeroSME V, based on an analysis of the SME role in FP6 projects, provided an overview of SME research needs and an evaluation of the FP6 instruments in order to propose recommendations and guidelines for future actions.
Funding
Results
One of the main features of AeroSME was the SME database, aimed at supporting SMEs in finding partners both for European research and technology development (RTD) projects and joint commercial activities. The AeroSME database was set up as tool for the European Aeronautical industry to allow companies to search for partners for European technology projects and business opportunities in general. The database was accessible at www.aerosme.com. It contained RTD relevant data and product information on several hundred aeronautical companies and organisations. The registration was free of charge via AeroSME on-line Registration Form.
The AeroSME helpdesk informed and assisted SMEs in addressing issues related to the 7th Framework Programme, and facilitated networking activities. Furthermore, it provided individual help and guidance for small enterprises on how to set up or how to join a funded RTD project. The project’s technical consultant provided advice on the chances for success of SMEs project ideas, on how to find partners and if necessary with guidance in writing the proposal.
The AeroSME Newsletter was issued regularly and provided SMEs with information on EU-funded RTD project opportunities, AeroSME activities, other European Union initiatives and events. In order to support the building of project consortia, an R&D Project Flash containing detailed information on proposals was electronically distributed to all enterprises registered with AeroSME.
AeroSME organised workshops in many European countries to raise SMEs’ awareness on EU-funded RTD project opportunities and aeronautical supply chain issues. In these workshops representatives of the European Commission and the aeronautics industry reported on the latest developments in the aeronautics sector. The date and place of each workshop were published in the AeroSME Newsletter.
Technical Implications
As a result of the AeroSME project and jointly with SCRATCH the AeroPortal (http://www.aeroportal.eu) is currently available, with the support of the European Union. The AeroPortal Support Action was officially launched during the Berlin AirShow in May 2008. AeroPortal is a consortium of experts in European technology funding in Aeronautics who offer their services free of charge to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). AeroPortal is funded by the European Commission, co-ordinated by the AeroSpace and Defence.