The Enterprise Europe Network Brigitte Tanti Malta Enterprise European Commission Enterprise and Industry

Enterprise Europe Network The largest European Network for SMEs Launched in February 2008 Built on the experience of 2 previous support Networks: the Euro Info Centres and Innovation Relay Centres Mission To identify potential business partners for companies To help SMEs access new markets, EU activities and funding opportunities To advise companies on EU legislation and policies, as well as technical issues such as IPR standards To channel feedback to Commission on the views of entrepreneurs

The Framework The Enterprise Europe Network: is managed by the Executive Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation (EACI) on the behalf of the European Commission's Enterprise and Industry Directorate-General is financed by the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme

A partnership to support SMEs Enterprise Europe Network SMEs DG Enterprise & Industry EACI

The Network in numbers 550 organisations (regional chambers of commerce and industry, technology and innovation agencies, sector associations and economic development agencies such as Malta Enterprise) 50+ countries: EU27, European Economic Area (Norway, Iceland), Candidate Countries (Turkey, FYROM), Switzerland, Balkans, plus Third Countries (Russia, Armenia, Israel, the US…) 3,600 experienced technical staff

Services for SMEs A broad range of quality services EU information, expert advice, feedback and business cooperation Innovation, technology and knowledge transfer Services encouraging SMEs to take part in the Research Framework / CIP Programmes

Information Services Timely and quick response to queries concerning community legislation Proximity and the ‘no-wrong-door’ principle are distinctive and decisive factors for the Enterprise Europe Network

Meeting with companies Personal contacts with clients are important to the Network Raise awareness on benefits of various EU programmes Assess current and future needs of client base

Internationalisation & Innovation services Provide information on innovation policy and business cooperation Input Maltese profiles in the Partnerships Opportunities Database Technology audits carried out Clients are offered a market access training programme [Gateway to Export] and other services Offer company-driven B2B matchmaking and brokerage events abroad

Tailored alerting services Technology profiles are regularly disseminated through the use of our “Automated Matching Tool”, the monthly newsletter (over 800 subscribers) and to targeted companies. The same applies to the “Partner Search” service for potential business partner contacts. A Tenders Alert service is available to subscribers.

Access to EU Programmes The FP7 Exploratory Award Scheme covers 60% of the total eligible costs of the preparatory proposal up to a maximum of €10,000 and covers costs related to personnel, technical advisors and travel. The Business Advisory Scheme aims to provide tailored business advice on EU projects through advisors selected by Malta Enterprise [10 hours of an advisor’s intervention on a specific project/task is financed by Malta Enterprise].

Some success Stories Protex Ltd, a Maltese medical devices manufacturer was assisted in sourcing specifically machined parts from an Italian company via the network New Era Solutions, a local ICT company, entered into an agreement with an Italian counterpart to further develop their products in order to enhance both their portfolios Projects in Motion Ltd was assisted to form part of an FP7 project consortium dealing with renewable energy matters. Baron Group, a local property developer entered into an agreement with a German counterpart in order to have their properties marketed in Germany

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