EU's Research and Innovation ecosystem

what's in it for SMEs?

DOCUMENTATION

With the publication of Horizon 2020 the Commission has put forth its research and innovation (R&I) priorities for the coming years, however it is still uncertain what will be in it for SMEs. Finances directly earmarked for SMEs support activities have decreased compared to FP7 however new initiatives such as the SMEs dedicated instrument are being developed but it is not yet clear how it will work in practice. Understanding complementarity between measure under Horizon 2020 and those provided at regional and local level through the Structural Funds is also essential. The aim is to have a better understanding of the existing/planned initiatives so as to develop within both programmes a coherent ecosystem for R&I support to SMEs.

Draft programme

14:30
Registration at the ASP building – entrance place Luxembourg ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 15:00 – 15:30
Introduction 15:00 – 15:05
Welcome by MEP Philippe Lamberts – Greens’ shadow on Horizon 2020 15:05 – 15:25
Removing barriers for EU SMEs to innovate
Mr Piet Serrure, Chairman Europe Unlimited ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 15:30 - 16:30
Session 1 – Support for R&I in SMEs:
Understanding the EU landscape of initiatives
Moderator: MEP Reinhard Bütikofer 10 min
Stefanie Kalff-Lena,
Policy officer DG Research and Innovation, SME Unit 10 min
Reinhard Buescher,
HoU, DG Entreprise D.2 Support for industrial Innovation         10 min
Katja Reppel,
HoU, DG Regio D.2. Thematic coord. Innovation                                                 30 minutes discussion                     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 16:30 - 17:30
Session 2 - Experience of SME R&I support practitionners:
One-size fit all?
Moderator: MEP Nikos Chrysogelos 10 min
André Roos
Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs
Small Business Innovation Research programme - a precursor for the EU? 10 min
Petra Püchner ,
Steinbeis-Europa-Zentrum (Entreprise Europe Network)
Engaging SMEs for R&I at local, EU and international level 10 min
Jacques Gautray
OSEO innovation
SMEs in the driver seat : experiences with innovation vouchers schemes and financial instruments                                             30 minutes discussion                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 17:30 - 18:30
Session 3 – Customising support to regional specificities:
Greens leaders session
Moderator: MEP Philippe Lamberts 15 min
Theresia Bauer
Minister for Science in Baden-Württemberg (DE) 15 min
Marie-Carmen Bex
Chief of Cabinet - Research Minister JM Nollet (Wallonia)

30 minutes discussion and final remarks