Implement innovation support programmes for SMEs are important intermediaries for SME innovation. Focus, design and delivery mechanism of innovation support programmes determine to a large extent the economic impact from the supported actions and the satisfaction of the beneficiaries with the support provided. The European Union has supported mutual policy learning and exchange of ‘good […]
H2020. For a better innovation support to SMEs
Many SMEs struggle to embrace the Industry 4.0 revolution and the uptake of advanced manufacturing technologies and systems remains a challenge: only one in five manufacturing companies have already used advanced manufacturing solutions. A recent study shows that for nearly three quarters of the firms, the most important barrier to the uptake of advanced manufacturing technologies […]
Supporting European SMEs to participate in public procurement outside EU
The participation of SMEs in public procurement is a win-win situation. It helps SMEs to grow and scale-up, it improves their reputation, and helps them to obtain more business in the private sector. For public authorities, it increases the number of offers the public buyers get, ultimately increasing the chances to obtain the best value […]
H2020. Mutual learning and resources for supporting innovation projects of start-ups and SMEs
This aims to enhance cooperation among innovation agencies of the European innovation ecosystem by establishing a mutual learning process at a national and regional level, as well as by developing joint tools and resources to assist start-ups and SMEs to innovate. Objectives The pilot action will create an enhancing, supporting and cooperative environment across EU […]
Online tools for SMEs and public sector to better adopt renewable energy sources
An EU-funded initiative has introduced a search engine and a repository to gather data, share information, and match the needs of public procurers and SMEs in embracing renewable energy sources (RESs). Green public procurement (GPP) is a system where public sector organisations use their purchasing power to choose environmentally friendly goods, services and works that […]
The Commission announced the 10 best candidates in its Digital Innovation Challenge
The Digital Innovation Challenge invites SMEs and startups to shape a concept for a service or solution that could be integrated into their company’s business offer, co-create with coaches, pitch their idea at the award ceremony, win up to EUR 50 000 and stand out at European level. The solutions need to be based on […]
Commission and European Investment Fund unlock €8 billion in finance for 100,000 small and medium-sized businesses
The European Commission has unlocked €1 billion from the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) that will serve as a guarantee to the European Investment Fund (EIF), part of the European Investment Bank Group. This will allow the EIF to issue special guarantees to incentivise banks and other lenders to provide liquidity to at least […]
EIB and Be-Spoke Capital provide long term financing opportunities for SMEs and mid-caps in Spain
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has invested up to €61 million of Alhambra SME Funding 2019-1 DAC (Alhambra 2019-1), the first-ever securitisation of loans , originated by Be-Spoke Capital, a new direct lending platform. This newly established platform will support Spanish SMEs and mid-caps with long-term financing opportunities that complement the offer of traditional lenders. […]
H2020: Information and Communication Technologies: I4MS (phase 4) – uptake of digital game changers
The challenge is to accelerate the design, development and uptake of advanced digital technologies by European industry – especially SMEs and mid-caps –, notably in sectors where digital technologies are underexploited. SMEs and mid-caps in the manufacturing sector need support in the use of secure digital technologies in their production processes, products and business models […]