General: SMEs and R&D programmes

General:
SMEs and R&D programmes. European SMEs are increasingly attracted by Community research programmes. By the end of 1998 more than 12,000 SMEs will have taken part in the EU's R&D programmes for the period 1994-98, which represents a doubling compared with previous programmes. The main benefits for SMEs are creating international partnerships, developing a new product or process, accessing technology and exploiting their existing expertise.
Source: Press Release (European Commission), IP/98/911 (19.10.98)