WHAT. "reducing research cycle time" = search terms. WHY. Awards scheme will encourage SMEs to work with universities. 31 May 2011 Based on the strength of their research excellence in advanced materials, three UK universities have each been awarded EPSRC funds to create an awards scheme to support companies wishing to work with them for the first time.
Working with the Materials KTN, Sheffield and Glasgow universities will fund the so-called SPARK awards from their Knowledge Transfer Account (KTA) while Bath University will fund its involvement in the scheme through Bath Ventures. Sean Smith of Bath Ventures said: ‘This new award scheme will allow SMEs in the south west to compete for funding to develop problem-solving proof-of-concept technology demonstrators and other development activities involving materials.’ Cycle Time Summary. [MSC] SME access to research funding necessary for innovation/growth. [MSC] Research for the benefit of SMEs: CORDIS. Objective The aim is to strengthen the 'innovation capacity' of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Europe and their contribution to the development of new technology based products and markets.
![[MSC] Research for the benefit of SMEs: CORDIS](http://cdn.pearltrees.com/s/pic/th/european-commission-cordis-fp7-30023535)
The programme will help them outsource research, increase their research efforts, extend their networks, better exploit research results and acquire technological know how, bridging the gap between research and innovation. Not sure if you are and SME? Take the SME test on the SME Techweb where you will also find a step-by-step guide for SMEs in all of FP7.
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