1 Key figures for the Rhône-Alpes Region  Area : 8% of the area of France, 2 nd French Region  Population : 6 Millions of Inhab (2006), 2 nd French Region  Economy : GDP total : 165 Billions€ (France : Bil€) GDP/Inhab : € (France : €) + 9% of companies setting up between 2003 and 2005 Traditional areas of activity : chemistry, textile, mechanical… Emerging areas in the vanguard of innovation : electronics, computer science, biotechnologies, … companies in Rhône-Alpes ( 91% have less than 10 employees ). The medium SMEs (50 employees) employ 45% of the working population. RA is one of the 15 European Regions which generate the most of affluence

2 SMEs and innovation SMEs and innovation: OSEO survey (based on 1000 SMEs ) 56% leave 1 or many innovations pending 8% are organized to innovate regularly The innovation concerns: Product(56%) Working organization (37%) Selling techniques / distribution (28%) Production process (23%)  Authorities mobilization to support SMEs innovation Government programmes « Gazelles » (2006) France Investment plan (2007) Research tax rebate more flexible Merging of ANVAR, BDPME, SOFARIS in OSEO and doubling of the budget First patent free for SMEs…

3 Meeting of the platform - 25 April: Project’s presentation - 10 May: Development of tools for the eco innovation in the research and demonstration stages - Individuals meeting: development and exportation stages - 20 November: Synthesis and perspective of the project Platform constitution 65 persons, they represent : - SMEs ( chamber of commerce, professional associations …) - Finance ( Business angels, venture capital investors, financial institutions …), - Research ( industrial technical centres, development structures ) - French institutions ( DRIRE, ADEME, OSEO, association of communes, …) Rhône Alpes platform MarchMayAprilJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember

4  Identification of good practices Network technological benefit (=PTR) Incentive grant for a technological innovation Speed : 1 week of waiting period Floralis Transfer technology from research to market Support collaborative research by initiating R & D partnerships with public laboratories and private companies ERAI Simplifying the export process for SME’s Attracting investors and promoting the Region Reinforcing the positioning of Rhône-Alpes in international networks Inventory of eco innovation financial tools

5  Synthesis in 3 parts  Eco innovation : SMEs creation, development, exportation SMEs are too small and don’t have enough personal funds  Improve the coordination of eco innovation actors (platform)  To development a “funds of funds”  Adaptation of innovation tools to eco innovation strategy  Communication of clean technologies Improve the system of financial tool existing  To develop new financial tools (like bonification loan)

6  General approach Multiplicity of structures, of actors and of innovation supports  One-stop counter  Improve actor’s visibility in different phases  Creation of a data base or an observatory SMEs have difficulties to innovate  Develop the accompanying system and formation Insufficient knowledge of clean technologies and eco-technologies  Improve communication and knowledge of eco-innovation Inventory of eco innovation financial tools

7 Outlines  Financial tools level  Development of financial tools ex:Installation of an one-stop counter, Adapt financial tools existing for the innovation to eco- innovation  Assess existing and future financial tools  Communication level  Facilitate and improve the communication about eco innovation  Join the regional Eco-innovative network