“research for the benefit of smes” · pdf filetitle: microsoft powerpoint - npl...

Copyright © TWI Ltd 2011

“Research for the Benefit of SMEs”

Shahid Mughal

TWI


Agenda• Introduction to TWI

• Overview of Research for SMEs

• Who is it for?

• Benefits of Participation

• Process of Application and Timelines

• Example Projects


Granta Park, Cambridge


TWI in 2011

• Over 650 employees

• Four UK technical centres and eleven international offices

• More than 3500 Members in 700 locations World-Wide

• Total estimated value of collaborative projects won - €64m

• Total grant value - €41m


Main focus is services to our Industrial Members

• Solve technical enquiries

• Conduct R&D or consultancy projects

• Access to technical literature, standards, conference proceedings etc.

• Access to the leading edge Core Research Programme

• Pre-paid consultancy

• Host conferences, seminars, workshops and Member company days


Our Technology Groups• Advanced Materials- Polymers and Textile welding- Composites and Adhesives Ceramics- Microtechnology and Electronics

• Arc welding engineering

• Electron beam processes

• Friction and Forge

• Lasers- Resistance welding- Mechanical fastening


Our Technology Groups

• Metallurgy, Corrosion & Surfacing– spraying technologies

• Structural Integrity– Fatigue Integrity Management– Fracture Integrity Management– Asset Integrity Management– Modelling and Optimisation

• Non Destructive Testing

• Manufacturing support

• Business systems and Software development


Projects have included…

• Joining heads to surgical tools• Additive manufacture of implants• Disposable Endoscope• Urine Drainage System• Sculpted metal implant surfaces


Topic Description

“Research for SMEs supports innovative SMEs to solve common or complementary technological problems. Projects must be centred on the innovation needs of the SMEs which outsource research to RTD performers and must demonstrate a clear exploitation potential for the SMEs concerned.”


What does that mean??• Projects must solve common (or complementary)

technological problem– Have a {worthy} problem requiring a technological solution

• Innovative needs of the SMEs are outsourced to RTD (Research) Performers– Mix of {commercially focussed} SMEs and expert research

organisations

• Projects must demonstrate a clear exploitation potential for the SMEs involved– Route-to-Market allowing SMEs to make €€€


Therefore, a project must contain…

• Market ‘Need’ and desire

• Enabling Technology Development

– Normally you would be given this in the call topic description


Three types of participants

– SMEs• Have the problem [End-User], or• Have the idea to solve the problem, or• Would provide the solution (once developed)• Principle ‘beneficiaries’ of the project

– RTD Performers• Research capable ‘expert’ organisation (i.e. universities,

research centres, etc.)

– Others• Large companies with an interest


Their roles in the project…

– SMEs• ‘Manage’ the R&D activities of the RTD performers• Absorb the knowledge generated and exploit it post-project

– RTD Performers• Undertake the vast majority of the R&D activities• To transfer knowledge to the SMEs

– Others• To advise on (wider) market issues• Provide future input


Buyer – Seller Relationship

• Basis of projects is that {a group of} SMEs BUY knowledge from RTDs:

SMEs RTD PerformersSMEsSMEsSMEs

€€€

Knowledge

{IP}

RTD PerformersRTD

PerformersSMEs

€€€

Market


Why do SMEs participate?

• Access to expert R&D capabilities

• Beneficiaries of >€1m of R&D activity

• To develop and own IP around an innovate product or service

• Network with expert organisations

• Potential access to large medical companies


Why do ‘other’ organisations participate?

• RTDs– Paid at 100% of costs– …but NO IPR rights

• Others– Access to new products and services at minimal cost– Networking with innovative companies


Application Process

• 60 page proposal comprising– Section 1: Science & Technology

• Introduction• State of the Art review• Advancement beyond the state of the art• Work Program

– Section 2: Management• Management procedures and consortium description

– Section 3: Impact• European Impact (including financial return to SMEs)• Plan for Dissemination and Exploitation


Evaluation Criteria


Timeline for Project• Preparation of Proposal

– Establishing the consortium– Preparing the proposal document– Submission to the EC

• Evaluation by EC

• Negotiation of Contract

• Start of Project

• Mid-term Review

• End of Project

• Commercialisation


Information….

• Cordis– http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/

• National Contact Points– Specific SME NCP

• KTNs, Technology Strategy Board


How can TWI help?

• Solve almost any material joining issue you can think of!

• Prepare and write the proposal if there is role for us

• Manage the process and handle all the administration/bureaucracy

• Happy to discuss potential ideas


Thank You!

Questions

Shahid [email protected]

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