£10 billion support for R&D

The European Union’s Fifth Framework research and development programme was launched early in 1999 with a £10 billion budget for the four years to 2002.  Companies willing to work in partnership with organisations in other EU Member States to provide solutions to recognised EU problems or to develop new products and processes which will enhance European competitiveness can access these funds.  There are special support measures to encourage SMEs to participate in the Fifth Framework programme.

Innovation Relay Centre

Thames Valley Technology is able to assist companies to benefit from the EU’s Fifth Framework programme through the Innovation Relay Centre it runs in partnership with Kent Technology Transfer Centre (KTTC) and QinetiQ through the Defence Diversification Agency (DDA). The IRC serves London and the South East and is part of the Europe-wide IRC network which is supported by the European Commission under its Innovation programme and covers:

	All of the Members States
	EFTA countries
	Many of the central and eastern European countries
	States of the Russian federation
	Israel

The IRC network has over 200 member organisations and is linked with its own communications systems.  Many technology and business opportunities appear exclusively on the IRC network but are available to you through TVT.

Services

TVT is able to :

	Assist you to identify and access European research and development funding
	Provide project management support for lead partners in co-operative R&D projects
	Support you to exploit other technology related business opportunities in Europe.

And remember, if you are a small or medium sized firm (an SME) you may be eligible for special funding measures to support co-operative R&D projects.

IRC Website

Don’t miss out on the European market. Refer to the London and South East England IRC Website for the latest information on:

	Current European Commission calls for proposals in the Fifth Framework Programme
	Conferences, seminars and partnering events
	Other EC initiatives such as calls for tenders for specific services
	Technology offers and requests
	R&D partnership prospects

Find out more

Contact TVT direct to find out more about how the IRC can help you exploit European R&D and technology transfer opportunities. Also, check out TVT’s consultancy services. These can provide additional support for technology companies, universities and research and technology organisations.