23/04/2008

European Union. First figures on the participation of Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in FP7 projects are available

The second issue of "SME Update", the quarterly newsletter of the DG Research for SMEs accessible on the SME Techweb site, made available the first figures about the participation of SMEs in FP7 calls for proposals.

The figures, which focus on participation in the FP7 "Cooperation programme", show that an increasing number of SMEs are participating in the various R&D themes, as compared to the participation registered in FP6. Around 29% (22.5% in FP6) of participants in the calls of the Cooperation programme are SMEs.

The simplification of administrative procedures and the increase in R&D funding levels for SMEs (from 50% available in FP6 to the 75% in FP7) are likely to have played an important role in achieving this result. If this positive trend continues, it is estimated that, on average, 1 billion euros will be made available to SMEs annually via FP7 for R&D activities.

Related Links:
Press release from "SME Update" newsletter, issue no. 2
SME Techweb Web site
European portal for SMEs

Related news items in IPR-Helpdesk:
2008/04/16 European Union. A guide presenting opportunities for trans-national research for SMEs recently published
2008/01/24 European Union. Issue 1 of "SME Update", the quarterly newsletter of DG Research for SMEs is now on-line.
2007/07/18 European Union. DG Enterprise and Industry recently published the "Putting SMEs first" guide and launched a new SME portal