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After years of successful activity, EICs and IRCs are moving
toward their expiration. Based on the
Decision No 1639/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of
the Council, a new set of networks will replace the previous ones.
Answering to call “ENT/CIP/07/000:
Services in support for businesses and innovation” (closed in
December 2006), 101 consortia from all over European Union applied,
and 69 were selected to manage the future entities bringing business
and innovation services to European SMEs. Despite of the large number of
consortia selected, some European areas were not covered by a new service
provider. Thus, European Commission launched a new call aiming to filling
the geographic areas that emerged not to be covered after the award decision
of the first call for proposals (see
http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/funding/files/themes_2007/eic_irc/calls_prop_2007_eic_irc.htm).
Services will be grouped into three modules:
a) Information,
feedback, business co-operation and internationalization;
b) Innovation
and transfer of both technology and knowledge;
c) Services encouraging the
participation of SMEs in the Community framework program for RTD.
Networks are built on the No wrong door
concept and are characterized by the excellence and professionalism of the
participating organization. Networks will be supported by a community
financial contribution up to a maximum of 60% of eligible costs with a flat
rate of 30% as overheads of personnel costs.
Italy has been recognized as a best practice for the coverage of territory:
5 new consortia (led respectively by Turin Chamber of Commerce,
CESTEC, Unioncamere Veneto, Consorzio Pisa Ricerche and Mondimpresa)
grouping around 70 organizations (Chambers of Commerce,
Universities, Associations of entrepreneurs, National and Regional Agencies,
Research Centers), will cover the entire Italian territory.
Kick-off of new network is planned for 1 January 2008. Happy
New…Network!!!
(Marco Liviantoni) |
