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.

 

14:30

Registration at the ASP building – entrance place Luxembourg

 

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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

 

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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                    

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10 min

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

OSEO innovation

SMEs in the driver seat : experiences with innovation vouchers schemes and financial instruments

 

                                            30 minutes discussion                                   

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15 min

Minister for Science in Baden-Württemberg (DE)

 

15 min

Chief of Cabinet - Research Minister JM Nollet (Wallonia)

 

30 minutes discussion and final remarks