Innovation 2007, Prague, 4 December 2007 The Eurostars Programme Svatopluk Halada, EUREKA Secretariat

Why Eurostars? No specific European support for R&D performing SMEs –CRAFT is an outsourcing programme, not for R&D performing SMEs, lengthy procedures… –EUREKA conditions and call procedures unbureaucratic … –National instruments by definition not all-European…

Eurostars will... Support R&D-performing SMEs to –be in the driving seat –conduct market-oriented research, managed from the bottom up –perform the core research and to exploit the results –shorten time to market exploitation Facilitate access to funding coupled with fast application procedures Align national programmes

R&D-performing SMEs? Existing and starts-up companies EU definition for SME applies plus Eurostars criteria: –10% of full-time equivalent engaged in R&D or –10% of turnover dedicated to R&D

SME definition EU SME definition

Improvement for Eurostars participating SME Similar procedures for all participants –Timing calls –Evaluation Funding can be assured –Public or private Higher level of funding possible –Community contribution

Message of SMEs SMEs stand for innovation SMEs become more international SMEs rely on themselves SMEs still struggle with many obstacles SME Action Day Brussels 21 November 2007

SMEs are innovative The development of new products and services and national expansion are particularly relevant For half of all SMEs, in-house R&D activities are a key source for innovation, and to a lesser extent R&D alliances and purchased solutions Only one in five companies (17%) receives subsidies in this regard, with national and regional programmes being more common than European programmes SME Action Day Brussels 21 November 2007

SMEs are ambitious Four in five European SMEs consider growth to be very important for their company About 50% plan to grow at rate of over 10% in the next three to five years. One fifth aim at future growth rate of more than 20% International growth is perceived to be more important than external growth SME Action Day Brussels 21 November 2007

SMEs in EUREKA projects Nearly 12,000 partners from across Europe – and beyond

In what technologies can EUREKA projects be found?

A Eurostars ‘simulation’ Out of 400 projects endorsed since June 2003: –180 projects were led by an SME –150 projects of these also involved another SME in addition to the leader Demonstrates a potential for the Eurostars Programme

Eurostars by combining existing instruments THE BEST OF THREE WORLDS By exploiting Article 169 of the EU Treaty bringing together combination - The EUREKA network and procedures and access to companies (SMEs) –National funding programmes (financial, critical mass) –The EC FP7 (financial incentive)

Eurostars Launch event on 2 October 2007 EUREKA Chairman Mihelič EU Commissioner Potočnik Pres. of the High-Tech SMEs Le Prince

The Eurostars Programme A joint programme with EUREKA and the European Community 27 countries committed so far Estimated public budget: 400 million euro A target of 560 projects for 7 years First deadline for project proposals on 8 February 2008 Next cut-off date forecasted in Nov. 2008

Eurostars participating countries Status October 2007

What is a Eurostars project? Bottom-up and market-oriented Any technological field The R&D-performing SME in the driving seat At least two Eurostars countries involved Other project participants – SME, large company, research institute, university The leading SME performs the core research… …and gets to exploit the results Fast application procedures Fast time to market

Eurostars eligibility criteria The main participant is R&D-performing SME based in a Eurostars participating country –R&D-performing SME must meet EU definition and Eurostars criteria Minimum two project participants from two Eurostars participating countries All project participants are legal entities R&D-performing SME(s) undertaking at least 50% of the total R&D project costs Balanced partnership whereby no partner or country is performing more than 75% of the total project costs Duration of project is 3 years or less Market introduction is foreseen within 2 years after the project has ended

Common international evaluation criteria Basic Assessment –Project structure –Partners and management Technology and Innovation –Technological risks –Achievements envisaged Market and Competitiveness –Market potential –Business aspects

Eurostars Funding Principles The Programme is co-funded by the Eurostars participating countries and the European Community Funding level of project participants depends on National rules/ Programmes The Community contribution to the Programme is up to 25% of the total public funding available in Eurostars

Legal issues –IPR focussed on use of results According to the FP7 guidelines Consortium agreement to be signed before first payment is made –Contract is signed with National funding agency/authority According to national rules National percentage

EUREKA / Eurostars legal arrangement between partners Consortium agreement should cover The rights and obligations of the partners (in clear and simple language) Project management and communications The project plan, time schedule and milestones Ownership of the results Exploitation routes and agreements Procedures for partner changing Termination provisions Confidentiality matters Settlement of disputes Which national law should be applied

Expectations for the first call Available budget –65 million euro –90 to 100 projects –1.5 million euro average total cost per project –1-2 SME partners per project plus other participants –300,000 – 750,000 euro average request per partner for public funding

Planning first call for proposals

Eurostars management Eurostars participating countries network EUREKA Secretariat in Brussels Eurostars Advisory Group Eurostars High Level Group

Eurostars Programme: Staying in touch Information on Programme –Application form and other information –Guidelines –Contacts in the EUREKA network –Frequently asked questions Eurostars Help desk - information request

Information website

EUREKA National Project Coordinators Ing. Josef Martinec National Project Coordinator MŠMT – odbor 32 tel fax Role of your NPC Information, advice and support

Similarities EUREKA Bottom-up principles Using EUREKA network Using National programmes for funding

Higher, faster, stronger Eurostars is targeting research- performing SMEs and allowing them to aim higher in their research efforts. With its bottom-up, flexible approach, the results of Eurostars projects will reach the market faster. The economic future of Europe is dependent on its improved innovation efforts. The results of Eurostars projects will make Europe stronger.

Thank you for listening Svatopluk Halada Eurostars Programme EUREKA Secretariat