Services of BRIDG€conomies - Enterprise Europe Network

Innovation Centre | BRIDG€con omies - EEN | Superlab
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Consorzio Catania Ricerche as member of Enterprise Europe Network provides Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with the following major services:

• advisory, support and information services;
• the facilitation of cross-border partnerships of enterprises, technology transfer and innovation and research;
• SME feedback activities;
• the provision of a communication channel between SMEs and the EU;
• specific activities in the context of innovation support (Horizon 2020).

In particular, new services under COSME 2014-2020 include:

• provision of information and advisory services on EU initiatives and law;
• support for the enhancement of management capacities to increase the competitiveness of SMEs;
• support aimed at improving SME’s financial knowledge, including information and advisory services on funding opportunities, access to finance and related coaching and mentoring schemes;
• measures to increase SME access to energy efficiency, climate and environmental expertise;
• promotion of EU funding programmes and financial instruments (including Horizon 2020 programme in cooperation with national contact points and the Structural Funds).

Within the framework of the European Commission’s policy towards SMEs and innovation, the Network provides integrated support services increasing the competitiveness of SMEs and facilitating access to business development opportunities in the Single Market and beyond. The aim of the Network is to become a ‘one-stop-shop’ for business and innovation support along the entire value chain, providing its services in the wider context of and in line with the Europe 2020 strategy and specific EU programmes and initiatives aimed at SMEs.

Horizon 2020 – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation 2014/2020 – recognises the Network as a main support instrument for innovation in SMEs. It therefore envisages a reinforced link with the Network to provide innovation support services as well as information and advisory services, such as coaching, mentoring, and partner search activities for SMEs wishing to develop cross-border innovation projects.