Barriers still remain to the full participation of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the framework programme (FP) in general and the Information Society Technologies (IST) programme in particular, according to a new policy paper by EFPConsulting and Empirica. Despite the Commissions political will, the paper `Towards an SME friendly IST programme. Lessons learned from FP6 and policy recommendations for FP7 with special emphasis on the situation in the new member states`, finds that the experience of SMEs on the ground suggests that there is still room for improvement. The paper finds that SMEs faced many financial difficulties in FP6. SMEs that were not already involved in consortia from previous framework programmes found it hard to find projects to join, according to the paper. Other key barriers highlighted by the paper include insufficient integration of SMEs in the policy-making process, partially suitable instruments, SMEs` weak and often subordinate position in negotiations and project execution, and some disadvantageous evaluation criteria. In order to overcome these barriers, the paper makes several policy recommendations like better integration of SME in the policy making process, increase resources for IST priorities of interest to SMEs or enhanced coordination between SME support projects and within the relevant Commission services.

For more information, please visit : http://www.finance-helpdesk.org

Source: CORDIS