Challenge

Innovative SMEs can bring specialist knowledge and fresh ideas to European research, but smaller companies from the EU’s newer Member States often face practical barriers when entering multinational projects. Limited access to partner networks, unfamiliar application procedures and difficulty presenting their expertise to established consortia can reduce their participation in the EU’s Information Society Technologies (IST) Programme.

Solutions

EPRI-start therefore focused on connecting ICT-oriented SMEs from the ten countries that joined the EU in 2004 with European research opportunities. The project established a Qualified Partner Pool through which several hundred SMEs could present their expertise, project ideas and interest in European collaboration. A more advanced Certified Partner Pool was designed for 150 SMEs, supported by company fact sheets, letters of intent and ready-to-use starter packages. A fast-track process and a partner-brokering platform then helped SMEs connect with organisations preparing proposals for IST calls.

Alongside this practical support, EPRI-start engaged national and European policymakers in discussions about ICT’s socioeconomic impact and the conditions needed for stronger SME participation. The consortium was coordinated by Teleport Sachsen-Anhalt, while empirica participated as a project partner.

Results

EPRI-start gave SMEs a clearer route into European research by helping them prepare reusable company profiles, identify relevant opportunities and make direct contact with potential consortium partners. The project aimed to generate between 50 and 100 SME participations in IST calls while strengthening international research networks across the new Member States.

Its partner pools and brokering activities also gave existing IST consortia access to innovative companies that were less visible within established European networks. By connecting practical SME support with policy dialogue, EPRI-start contributed experience to discussions on the design of the Seventh Framework Programme and on how future EU research initiatives could involve smaller companies more effectively.