1. The AeroSME Project: Practical Assistance for Participation in the EU Research Projects Paola Chiarini AeroSME Project Manager Hungarian Aeronautical Research Workshop Budapest, 27-28 November 2006

2. Slide 2 Table of Contents  Why to participate in EU Framework Programmes for Research  AeroSME: Practical Support to SMEs

3. Slide 3 Becoming a partner (SME Study) SMEs learn about opportunities from project coordinators or colleagues Coordinators know their SMEs from previous projects or colleagues 30% of the SME partners participated for the first time SME partners are selected for special skills and a unique know- how

4. Slide 4 Why SMEs participate in FP6 (SME Study) SMEs decide carefully before they invest in an EU project SMEs have strategic goals -developing a profile as international partner and acquiring know-how -EC funding is important, but not the main drive

5. Slide 5 Outlook into the future (SME Study) 97% of the SMEs would “do it again” 72% of SME-coordinators are ready to coordinate again a project More funding tops the SME "wish list“ -Second: have better information on the incoming proposals Administrational effort and EC payments get “good ratings” from SMEs -81% of the SME partners consider the administrative effort as acceptable -71% of the SME-coordinators find the administrative effort acceptable

6. Slide 6 EU funding: Con’s 50-75% co-funded, but additional networking and partners International consortium Research results must be shared Effort needed to protect existing intellectual property Application procedure can be costly and time consuming, particularly for newcomers

7. Slide 7 1.Have you already participated in technology development projects? 2.Do you have R&TD capabilities? 3.Are you prepared to spend 10,000 € or more for the preparation of a proposal? 4.Are you prepared to pay 25 - 50% of your share in a project out of your own resources? 5.Are you prepared to contribute a minimum of 50,000 € as your share in a project? 6.Would a 50,000 € contribution be less than 20% of your turnover? 7.Would you co-finance the use of test rigs, wind tunnels etc., if required? 8.Can you guarantee your participation in an R&TD project which may last up to 5 years? 9.Are you prepared to sign a standard consortium agreement? Are you suitable as a partner?

8. Slide 8 1.Become a partner in a proposal under preparation  Look out for information on proposals  Info on Large Collaborative Projects will be issued on the AeroSME website  Find the right niche in a proposal’s work programme for your company  Apply to become a partner with a short technical offer to the co-ordinator. A brochure or the expression of a general interest is not sufficient!  AeroSME will provide support in this procedure EU Projects: How to get involved ? 2.Set up your own project

9. Slide 9 Finding opportunities for participation in projects requires a proactive and continuous effort. Be proactive (projects will not come to you!) Contact people, preferably potential project co-ordinator(s) Participate in match making workshops Apply to join a project Help is available from different sources. Look for specific, technology related support. AeroSME, SCRATCH, ECARE+ EC National Contact Points, National Associations and other networks EU Projects: How to get involved ?

10. Slide 10 Looking for information Synopses book pdf version at: http://ec.europa.eu/research/aero nautics/info/documents_en.html DG RTD Aeronautics Web site http://ec.europa.eu/research/aer onautics/projects/search_en.cfm Stay informed about running projects that are of interest to you Try to know whether or not a continuation of a project is planned

11. Helping SMEs to Participate in EC Funded Research http://www.smetolead.org/ Training SMEs to become project coordinator http://www.aerosme.com/ Informing SMEs about Possibilities Coordinators of 'small' Collaborative Projects can find SMEs here Setting-up Collaborative Research Project Led by SMEs http://www.ecare-sme.org/plus/ http://www.aero-scratch.net/index.html Clustering Aeronautics Regions Coordinators of Large Collaborative Projects can find SMEs here

12. Slide 12 Table of Contents  Why should you participate in an European project?  AeroSME: Practical Support to SMEs

13. Slide 13 AeroSME is a support action of the EC and the Aeronautics industry, represented by ASD. Objectives  To support the participation of SMEs in EU funded research projects  To facilitate the co-operation across Europe Open to all countries associated to FP6 Not limited to ASD members, other organisations can also register The AeroSME Project www.aerosme.com

14. Slide 14 What to look for in AeroSME INFORMATION On project proposals under preparation On the Aerospace sector How? www.aerosme.com Newsletters: info on funding, events, partner searches, etc Helpdesk National/Regional workshops in all FP6 countries ENTRY POINT TO THE INDUSTRY Focal point for the Large Collab. Research projects co- ordinators Wide contact network across Europe VISIBILITY SME database (nearly 900 entries) Freely accessible at www.aerosme.comwww.aerosme.com Over 400 visits per month by external users from across Europe Used to find partners for both research projects and commercial activities

15. Slide 15 PREPARATION FOR FP7 1st CALL Publication of information documents on new rules, instruments, etc. Publication of the Large CPs abstracts on the AeroSME website  Expected in December 2006 Organisation of a workshop for the public presentation of the Large CPs  On 16th January 2007 in Brussels Set up of a «market place» where to register your interests How to participate in EU research projects SUPPORT TO JOIN and SET UP PROPOSALS Free-of-charge individual consulting “First aid” on participation matters or project set-up Partner searches

16. Slide 16 To conclude Good luck! Watch out for the 1st call. Check the information on the AeroSME website Participate in the workshop to be organised for the presentation of the large collaborative projects on 16th January in Brussels Join the AeroSME Newsletter distribution list – just give me your business card Apply to join a project

17. Slide 17 Paola Chiarini AeroSME Project Manager ASD – AeroSpace and Defence Industries Association of Europe Gulledelle 94-b.5 B - 1200 Brussels, Belgium Tel:+32 2 775 82 98 Fax:+32 2 763 35 65 E-Mail:paola.chiarini@asd-europe.org Web site:www.aerosme.com Contact Details