Objective: This invitation-only workshop is organised to facilitate a more effective integration between SMEs and research and technology infrastructures (RTIs) within Europe. Despite significant European funding efforts aimed at sectors such as healthcare and semiconductors, there is a recognised need to better understand and enhance the synergy between infrastructures and the industrial sector, especially SMEs.
The workshop aims to
- Review European Commission funding outcomes: Evaluate the impact of recent EC funding initiatives, identifying successes and challenges, to improve RTI-SME collaboration and linking to relevant ongoing projects and actions such as the TI Expert Group.
- Enable targeted dialogue: Create a forum for SME representatives, alongside experts from relevant EC DGs and Units, key stakeholders and RTI representatives. The focus will be on exploring how RTIs can drive growth and innovation in SMEs, particularly in the areas of biotechnology & health and advanced materials.
- Explore pilot actions: Consider ongoing efforts like the mapping of infrastructures in advanced materials, and discuss the possibility of expanding into new sectors such as The goal is to determine and prioritise areas for deeper RTI-SME cooperation that could offer immediate and long-term benefits.
- Discuss future collaboration frameworks: Agree on a forward path for integrating pilot actions into existing frameworks, aiming to achieve outcomes that bolster SME innovation and competitiveness without explicitly aiming to influence Work Programmes directly.
Expected outcomes
- Identification of priority areas for action and strategic focus, especially in sectors such as Advanced Materials and Biotechnology.
- Strengthened collaboration with Expert Groups within the EC to enhance RTI and SME
- A roadmap for pilot actions, focussing on areas where EU support could provide significant added value in strengthening SME-RTI collaboration.
The Enhancing SME Access to European Research and Technology Infrastructures – A Pathway to Innovation & Growth workshop is co-organised by:
ALBA, Elixir, ESRF, EuroBioimaging, INESC Brussels Hub
And supported by:
LEAPS Innovation, RITIFI, Evolve
