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What is the European Commission Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development?
The EC Framework Programmes for RTD are the EU’s main source of funding for leading edge research and technological development (R&D). Framework Programme 6 has a budget of €19 billion, over the period 2002 to 2006. The Seventh Framework Programme is due to run from 2007 to 2013 with a predicted budget of over €70 billion. The Framework programmes support organisations of all sizes throughout the EC with particular emphasis on the participation of SMEs (Small and Medium Sized Enterprises)
What is meant by the term “SME”?
An SME (Small Medium Sized Enterprise) is an enterprise which has;
- Less than 250 employees AND
- Annual turnover not exceeding €50 million OR
- Balance sheet total not exceeding €43 million
What if I am not an SME?
The SMEtoLEAD initiative is dedicated to SMEs according to the definition given above, in order to comply with European Commission objectives of encouraging SME participation in RTD programmes. If you do not fit within the definition of an SME and you are interested in the SMEtoLEAD training, please contact us directly by e-mail info@smetolead.com; we will contact you back to discuss other possibilities of support through the partners’ own offering.
Why should I be a project coordinator?
Project coordinators have the following advantages/ benefits above participation;
- Project management costs reimbursed at 100%
- More input to the proposal scope and objectives
- Greater control over Research and Development issues and deliverables
- Stronger influence in IPR matters
- Project management and financial skills will be developed
- Additional credibility in the knowledge of scientific developments and their implementation
- Strengthen networks across Europe, enabling future identification of emerging technological advances and develop new commercial potential
- As co-ordinator, the SME can prevent the domination of larger enterprises and RTO performers that sometimes occurs within projects, resulting in the project reaching the wider goal of meeting the industrial needs of the sector.
Overall leading to a greater output for you and a higher Return on Investment!
Does the training cover all FP6 instruments?
Yes, the SME coordinator training is suitable for all types of FP projects relevant to SMEs, including STREPS, IP for SMEs, Collective and Cooperative projects. Once FP7 is finalised and officially presented, updated guidance will be provided for new instruments.
Which training module is right for me?
Module 1 is aimed at Small and Medium Sized Enterprises who are novices to the Framework Programme procedures and coordination of projects. The module is however also aimed at SME coordinators just entering contract negotiation (it may be worth having a refresh of FP procedures and where to get help along the way) and those who are interested to find out more about Framework Programme 7 proposal development.
Module 2 is the ideal follow up for attendees of Module 1. However this module is also available and most suited to Small and Medium Sized Enterprise coordinators who have recently been awarded either FP6 or FP7 projects. Module 2 will help coordinators to understand the procedures for project management from project launch until mid-term assessment stage.
Module 3 is only available to module 2 attendees. It is ideal for SME project coordinators at the later stage of a project, to understand the procedures for the final report including exploitation and technological implementation plan.
How much will the training cost?
During the SMEtoLEAD project duration (2005 until 2008) the training is free for SMEs; however your travel costs, accommodation and time will not be reimbursed.
Where will the training sessions be?
Training sessions will be held across 6 regions, with at least 3 venues being located in New Member or Candidate Countries.
Please see the “Where” section of the website for more information about where the training sessions will be held.
When is the next training session?
Please see the “When” section of the website for details of when the next training sessions will take place.
How do I register for a training session?
Please see the training registration area of the website where you will find the registration form and practical information for the next training session.
Is S2L giving some additional support to SMEs coordinators?
Yes, a support service will be available for SMEs having followed the training: a helpdesk will be answering former attendees’ queries to help them through their coordinator’s tasks.
Do I have to attend all three training modules?
According to your needs, you may want to attend all three training sessions or only a selection of them.
Acronyms
CORDIS - Community Research & Development Information Service
EC - European Commission
ETI - Economic and Technological Intelligence
EU - European Union
FP - Framework Programme
FP2 - Second Framework Programme (1987-1991)
FP6 - Sixth Framework Programme (2002- 2006)
FP7 - Seventh Framework Programme (2007-2013)
NCP - National Contact Point
PTA - Project Technical Advisor
RTO - Research and Technology Organisation
RTD - Research and Technological Development
SMEs - Small and Medium Sized Enterprises
STL - SMEtoLEAD
TIP - Technological Implementation Plan
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