External visibility and promotion project to assist SMEs in Europe Jappe van der Zwan m.sc. Manager NEN-Business Development Projectleader SMEST ‘Better access of SMEs to standardization’ Prague 6 May 2009 www.smest.eu

‘Better access of SMEs to standardization’ Program Project information Project partners General approach Toolkit Preliminary findings Conclusion ‘Better access of SMEs to standardization’ Prague 6 May 2009 www.smest.eu

Project information (1) Basics Important role of SMEs in European economy (95% of enterprises, 70% of jobs, 50% of added value) Important role of standardization in European economy (foundation for growth, promoting market access, encouraging innovation) Link standardization, innovation and SMEs Standardization can enable innovation and act as barrier Organisations can benefit from using and developing infrastructure SMEs do not benefit enough from standards and standardization Time for action! Time for SMEST-project! Key role for National Standardization Bodies (NSBs) ‘Better access of SMEs to standardization’ Prague 6 May 2009 www.smest.eu

Project information (2) Objective Promote involvement SMEs from 12 new CEN/CENELEC NSB members in the European standardization process by developing a toolkit and organising train the trainer activities Planning Start: February 2008 Finish: December 2009 Deliverables Toolkit Train the trainers programme Availability of the toolkit to other parties Website (www.smest.eu) One day final workshop ‘Better access of SMEs to standardization’ Prague 6 May 2009 www.smest.eu

‘Better access of SMEs to standardization’ Project partners ‘Better access of SMEs to standardization’ Prague 6 May 2009 www.smest.eu

‘Better access of SMEs to standardization’ General approach Practical approach Analysis 23 ‘Best practices’ EIM-report SMEs and standardisation in Europe Inventory additional ‘Best practices’ Connect to other relevant projects ‘Acces to standardization (EIM)’ CEN/CENELEC SME Acces project CEN/BT/WG 202 “SME Guide” Theoretical approach Definition of objective, basic principles, target group and content toolkit Develop toolkit by combining approaches Train the trainer program Day 1: Effective use of the toolkit Day 2: SME Awareness raising event ‘Better access of SMEs to standardization’ Prague 6 May 2009 www.smest.eu

‘Better access of SMEs to standardization’ Toolkit (1) Objective Provide tools to help CEN/CENELEC NSBs to approach SMEs in terms of awareness, information and participation Awareness (general) How can standards support business? How are standards related to regulation? Information (standards) Which standards are relevant for my product or service? How should I use those standards? Participation (standardization) What is the added value to participate in standardization? How can I participate? => In line with barrier model used in CEN/CENELEC SME Acces project ‘Better access of SMEs to standardization’ Prague 6 May 2009 www.smest.eu

‘Better access of SMEs to standardization’ Toolkit (2) Target group Standardizers SMEs (not the primary target group) Basic principles Keep it Short and Simple (KISS) Less is more Website = toolkit National approach works: toolkit developed as local information points => A toolkit is something practical! ‘Better access of SMEs to standardization’ Prague 6 May 2009 www.smest.eu

‘Better access of SMEs to standardization’ Toolkit (3) Using the toolkit Not one perfect solution available Built on existing tools Toolkit consists of measures (44) and examples (> 100) NSBs can choose suitable measures Rating system included to score effectiveness of measure => First step to dynamic knowledge system ‘Better access of SMEs to standardization’ Prague 6 May 2009 www.smest.eu

‘Better access of SMEs to standardization’ Toolkit (4) ‘Better access of SMEs to standardization’ Prague 6 May 2009 www.smest.eu

‘Better access of SMEs to standardization’ Toolkit (5) ‘Better access of SMEs to standardization’ Prague 6 May 2009 www.smest.eu

‘Better access of SMEs to standardization’ Toolkit (7) ‘Better access of SMEs to standardization’ Prague 6 May 2009 www.smest.eu

‘Better access of SMEs to standardization’ Toolkit (8) ‘Better access of SMEs to standardization’ Prague 6 May 2009 www.smest.eu

‘Better access of SMEs to standardization’ Toolkit (8) ‘Better access of SMEs to standardization’ Prague 6 May 2009 www.smest.eu

‘Better access of SMEs to standardization’ Toolkit (9) Some measures and examples: Disseminate promotional material via chambers of commerce Provide information via professional organizations and other information points Create a specific SME committee Train NSB staff in acquisition/business development Create fact sheets about committees/sectors Translate standards Distribute a CD-ROM or USB-stick with catalogue to SMEs Use testimonials of SME participants Perform a good structured stakeholder analysis => Practical examples included (presentations, promotion material, acquisiution toolkit, USP/USB etc.) ‘Better access of SMEs to standardization’ Prague 6 May 2009 www.smest.eu

‘Better access of SMEs to standardization’ Workshops (1) 2-day workshop in 12 countries Day 1: train the trainers within the NSB to effectively use the toolkit => information passed on to colleagues. Day 2: seminar for SMEs to create awareness on standardization) => standardization offers a powerful tool for SMEs; interested organisations contact the NSB for information. Seminar standardized format, organised by NSB supported by SMEST-projectteam Kick off workshops SME week in Prague (6 may 2009) Final open workshop in Brussels on 19 november 2009 ‘Better access of SMEs to standardization’ Prague 6 May 2009 www.smest.eu

‘Better access of SMEs to standardization’ Workshops (2) ‘Better access of SMEs to standardization’ Prague 6 May 2009 www.smest.eu

‘Better access of SMEs to standardization’ Preliminary findings Essential to understand SMEs problems/position with respect to awareness, information and participation Funding model critical and different amongst NSBs No perfect solution, but there are some commonalities Involvement of professional organisations Focus on awareness and information; participation for professional organisations Clear contact point is important Focus on practical problems, not on standards Investment in time and resources necessary Regional approach most effective ‘Better access of SMEs to standardization’ Prague 6 May 2009 www.smest.eu

Conclusion Thank you for your attention! Involvement of SMEs in standardization has full attention of CEN/CENELEC and NSBs! The toolkit is available via www.smest.eu and ready to use! Start selecting and implementing measures Share experiences (rating system) Convert toolkit into a dynamic knowledge system Thank you for your attention! For more information Local National Standardization Body or Mr. Jappe van der Zwan E-mail: jappe.vanderzwan@nen.nl Telephone: 0031(0)152690428 ‘Better access of SMEs to standardization’ Prague 6 May 2009 www.smest.eu