European Association of Aerospace Industries Paola Chiarini Bordeaux, 17 th January 2003 Project Manager AeroSME AeroSME Project The AeroSME Project a tool for SMEs

2 Table of Contents How to participate in EU projects: some tips 2 2 The AeroSME Project 1 1

3 AeroSME AeroSME AeroSME is a joint activity between the aerospace industry and the European Commission Objectives 1.Support and improve SMEs participation in EU funded aeronautic RTD projects 2.Facilitate co-operation among SMEs and with aeronautics related bodies in order to improve SMEs position in the supply chainObjectives 1.Support and improve SMEs participation in EU funded aeronautic RTD projects 2.Facilitate co-operation among SMEs and with aeronautics related bodies in order to improve SMEs position in the supply chain

4 Background  20 countries  20 countries participate in AeroSME:  15 EU Member States, Czech Republic, Iceland, Israel, Norway and Switzerland  Activities envisaged also in the New Accession States SMEs  It targets SMEs, but not limited to AECMA members medium companies which are not SMEs under the EU definition will be assisted where possible Research Centres, Universities and other organisations can participate AeroSME

5 Services & Activities AeroSME 1.SME Database 2.Newsletters 3.Helpdesk 4.Website 5.Workshops 6.Support to research project proposals

6 SME Database AeroSME 600 entries òTo date: nearly 600 entries on it òWhy to use the AeroSME database? 7to find partners for European RTD projects 7to find partners for joint commercial activities freehigh visibility òThe AeroSME database is free and has a high visibility in the Aeronautics Industry and the Commission To register: To register: fill in the AeroSME Questionnaire òRegistration on-line òby , fax, post

7 Newsletter and R&TD Project Flash AeroSME What type of info? Brief info on:  invitations to events / conferences  delivery dates for proposals  relevant R&TD possibilities  new trends  partner searches / information on projects for which partners (and other types of co-operation) are sought How? by TO: registered SMEs, National / Regional Associations, Points of Contact AeroSME website on AeroSME website => over 700 recipients

8 Other services and activities FHELPDESK åFacilitate passage of information to SMEs åProvide a free-of-charge consulting service  WEB SITEwww.aerosme.com òWORKSHOPS òIn 20 countries òTo disseminate information and develop networking opportunities AeroSME

9 Support to Research Project Proposals *Individual consulting *Partner search *Support to the initial setting up of a proposal * Support to project proposals in view of the 1 st call of FP6: å IP proposals to be submitted by Industry => IPs å lists of proposals are circulated in order to facilitate the aggregation of SMEs around common project ideas and the setting up of consortia => STREPs and CRAFT

10 Table of Contents How to participate in EU projects: some tips 2 2 The AeroSME Project 1 1

11 Why and how to join a project?  Applicant SME’s must be aware of pros and cons of EU research and joining IP’s particularly Ù EU research does not suit all companies Ù All projects should be part of the strategic development plan of the company  Each company has to find the right niche in an IP’s work programme  A company must 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!

12 Company Strategy: What is needed ? To make best use of EC funding you need a clear company Strategy! – What is it you want to achieve ? New technologies for a (new) product ? Build up? Find partner(s) for a joint venture? Get experience & reputation in European co-operation You need new technologies or a RTD performer* ? You want to strengthen the relationship with customer(s) ? Work as developer (50%) ? Preferably as subcontractor (100%) ? * A „RTD Performer“ develops new technology for you; see CRAFT projects

13 EU Projects: How to get involved ? 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) Utilise existing services, i.e. AeroSME, SCRATCH Search for partners in existing projects ! Participate in match making workshops Start your own project In making contact with potential project partners Always respond with concrete technical offers Be prepared to participate with Euro or more

14 Set up your own project: The milestones Set up a realistic project strategy Get professional, free support, e.g. AeroSME, SCRATCH Find a project co-ordinator and additional dedicated partners You need at least two additional, committed partners Agree project contents; assure financial feasibility Many project ideas die because of missing finances Write the proposal & meet the closing date of the Call Be prepared to spend 6+ months for project preparation

15 AeroSME Contact Details AeroSME Project Office c/o AECMA – European Association of Aerospace Industries Gulledelle 94-b.5 B-1200 Brussels Belgium Tel: Fax: Web site:

Framework Programme 6 Working Programme Aeronautics: Programme Aeronautics Integrated Projects & Networks of Excellence Projects & Networks of Excellence FAQs and a Fact Sheet on FP6 and a Fact Sheet on FP6 1. General Interest Scholarships: European Patent Office: Patent Office Register as EU-expert: as EU-expert 2. Search the CORDIS databases Technology Market Place: Market Place Search CORDIS for partners: CORDIS for partners Search CORDIS for offershttp://dbs.cordis.lu/fep/NEW_TM/EN/TM_OFFR_search.htmlSearch CORDIS for offers Partner search for FP6http:// search for FP6 Search for present and previous research projectshttp://dbs.cordis.lu/fep/NEW_TM/EN/TM_PROJ_search.htmlSearch for present and previous research projects CORDIS list of funded active aeronautics projects in FP5 list of funded active aeronautics projects in FP5http:// 3. SME Interest Small & Medium Enterprises in CORDIShttp://sme.cordis.lu/home/index.cfm Small & Medium Enterprises in CORDIS Funding for SMEs in FP6 for SMEs in FP6 Search for SME Partners for SME Partners SME Helpdesk Helpdesk Intellectual Property Rights - IPR Helpdesk 4. Proposal Preparation Call for proposals for proposals Proposal submission service Proposal submission service EU Project Information: The CORDIS server