Promotion and support of SME research and innovation in the surface finishing and printed circuit manufacturing sectors

Citation

(2007), "Promotion and support of SME research and innovation in the surface finishing and printed circuit manufacturing sectors", Circuit World, Vol. 33 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/cw.2007.21733dab.002

Promotion and support of SME research and innovation in the surface finishing and printed circuit manufacturing sectors

Promotion and support of SME research and innovation in the surface finishing and printed circuit manufacturing sectors

The Prosurf project has launched its new web site, and you can now register your details free to start to benefit now. The web site provides up to date information about technological advancements in the surface finishing and printed circuit sectors, along with European funding opportunities for your organisation.

By registering, you can publish your profile and research interests and improve your chances of collaborating with key research organisations in Europe and enhance your chances of becoming involved in future funded research and development (R&D). You will also receive regular updates regarding future opportunities for your organisation, and have access to a directory of skills and capabilities of key European R&D players.

This is an important time for small-to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the printed circuit and surface finishing industries and the Prosurf project can help you become more competitive through European collaborative R&D.

For further support and information, please contact the Prosurf team at: www.prosurf-online.org

The project

The modern economy is fast moving, dynamic and ever-changing. To be successful, organisations (particularly SMEs) must master the art of innovation, constantly developing and adopting the best products, techniques and practices available to them. Europe has previously struggled to generate the dynamic approach to be globally competitive, and these industries need to establish a way of competing with the Far East, by increased quality, new technology, new knowledge or other added value factors. The Prosurf project can assist SMEs to become more competitive in an increasingly global market place by building the capacity to innovate.

The Prosurf project is supported by the European Commission's Sixth Framework Programme, and is focused on the development and implementation of a research and innovation strategy for SMEs and SME groupings.

The project complements European Commission support research through the Seventh Framework Programme by integrating the research needs of two traditional SME-intensive industry sectors – PCB manufacturing and surface finishing.

The project will build both the capacity and capability of SMEs to innovate through greater involvement in R&D – the primary objective being to strengthen SME competitiveness in both the medium and long term. This will be done by increasing knowledge and awareness of high-tech methods resulting in increased employment and skill levels.

How Prosurf can help you

Increasing SME involvement in European research projects – assisting you with getting involved in European collaborative R&D projects with the aim of increasing competitiveness of your company.

Produce a roadmap defining future research strategies – Prosurf is collecting the information currently available and comparing the implications for future actions. Research studies as well as industrial requirements are covered to generate a research road map providing recommendations for research strategies to SMEs in PCB and surface finishing industries.

Providing a partnering platform to establish collaborative research proposals – mechanisms on the web site are being established to assist organisations to find partners for R&D projects. A database of research partners will be published on the web site to facilitate partnering opportunities with Europe's key organisations; and the team can also help to find suitable projects for you to join.

Establishing a best practice methodology to get SMEs involved in research and innovation – the project aims to establish best practice to enable you to become involved in R&D. This will assist your company to gain access to emerging and future R&D programmes at a national and European level.

Implementing a training workshop programme on technical topics and funding opportunities – a series of interactive workshops will be hosted by Prosurf providing training on technical issues, science-based briefings, the need to innovate and R&D funding opportunities. These workshops will provide awareness of new technologies and future opportunities for participating in R&D, with the ultimate aim of making your organisation more competitive.

The Prosurf project looks to build both the capacity and capability of SMEs to innovate through greater involvement in R&D – the primary objective being to strengthen SME competitiveness in both the medium and long term. This will be done by increasing knowledge and awareness of high-tech methods in PCB and surface finishing industries.

Future plans

The web site will be continuously updated with information relevant to your organisation. This will include further population of the skills and capabilities directory to assist you to identify and make collaborations for future R&D. Best practice strategies will soon be available to registered members. Members will also receive bulletins of future workshops being held around Europe to raise awareness of technical issues and provide information regarding European funding opportunities.

If you have any further questions or require any advice or assistance relating to the Prosurf project or European project opportunities, then please contact the project team.