Overview
AEROPORTAL was a consortium of experts in European technology funding in Aeronautics who offered their services free of charge to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).
AEROPORTAL was funded by the European Commission, coordinated by the AEROSPACE and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD) and co-managed by EURO INTER, the former SCRATCH coordinator.
The AEROPORTAL project was created by the merger of the two support actions AeroSME and SCRATCH. It was the prime objective of AEROPORTAL to support aeronautical SMEs in advancing their technology base and their competitiveness through participation in European RTD projects.
What did AEROPORTAL offer? The project offered:
- Information on European technology programmes for aeronautics for SMEs;
- An electronic newsletter;
- An on-line database of European aeronautics SMEs;
- On-site visits by experts analysing SMEs individual funding opportunities;
- Support to join proposals under preparation;
- Support in turning an idea into a project proposal;
- Support in proposal writing and partner search;
- Organisation of local workshops;
- Training activities and workshops for industry and local bodies.
Funding
Results
The AEROPORTAL project created a single point of reference for information and project opportunities and by providing a wide ranging direct support encompassing:
- The support to help SMEs integrate both Level 1 and 2 proposals put forward by large companies;
- The support to SMEs to set up their own project proposals. AeroPortal will set up, and maintain, an internet portal, which will be an exchange place where project ideas, offers and requests of technical capabilities, partner searches, etc. can be posted and supported by an interactive database containing profiles of European SMEs and offering effective search features.
In addition to the virtual networking provided by the internet portal, AEROPORTAL set out to establish a permanent cooperation with all interested groups involved in support activities to aeronautical SMEs, such as SME clusters, National and Regional Associations, and also other funded Aeronautics Support Actions. These groups will be invited to become members of the AEROPORTAL Multiplier Group.