On the 10th of November 2017, the expert validation workshop “Access of SMEs to KETs technology centres” took place in Brussels. The workshop was organised as part of a study for DG GROW (European Commission).
The objective of the workshop was to discuss the possibilities for established networks in KETs to become financially sustainable in the long-term and to shed light on the possible solutions that can foster the financial sustainability of the networks and that can make them scalable beyond the rules of specific calls of the European Commission (e.g. H2020 calls). The workshop allowed to get a more precise view on the types of actions for which public support is most needed and the types of actions for which private sector contribution as well as self-financial sustainability can be expected.
Collaboration networks often experience difficulties in guaranteeing their long-term sustainability. In the first part of the workshop, the types of actions for which public support is most needed and the types of actions for which private sector contribution as well as self-financial sustainability can be expected were discussed. In the second part of the workshop, the use of SME instruments and programmes to cover the finance needs of SMEs in accessing the services offered by collaboration networks; and the need for performance monitoring and assessment were explored.
Workshop agenda
• 10.00-10.30 Presentation of the study “Access of SMEs to KETs technology centres”
• 10.30-12.30 Type of actions for which public versus private support is needed
• 12.30-13.00 Lunch
• 13.00-14.45 Discussion on the activities for which public support is absolutely required
• 14.45-15.00 Coffee break
• 15.00-16.00 Discussion on the use of SME instruments to cover the finance needs of SMEs
• 16.00-17.00 Discussion on performance monitoring and assessment
Venue
The workshop was held on November 10, 2017 in the premises of IDEA Consult, 40 rue Joseph II/Jozef II Straat, in Brussels, Belgium.
