Promoting the access of SMEs to KETs technology infrastructures : action plan

Key Enabling Technologies (KETs) are crucial components of Europe´s industrial renaissance and key drivers of a sustainable and competitive industry. They provide the basis for innovation in a wide range of products and processes across all industrial sectors - both emerging and traditional - and are essential to solving Europe's major societal challenges. Six KETs have been identified as important for Europe's future competitiveness: Advanced Materials, Nanotechnology, Micro- and Nanoelectronics, Industrial Biotechnology, Photonics and Advanced Manufacturing Technologies. KETs are essential for the modernization of the European industrial base and in driving the development of entirely new industries. Accessing this knowledge becomes a major competitive factor for SMEs to generate innovative solutions in products, processes and services. As a consequence, SMEs need state-of the art infrastructures, pilot lines and industrial demonstrators to reach the technology readiness level adequate for the commercialisation of new products. However, as the majority of SMEs are not in a position to have all needed facilities and knowledge in-house, it becomes apparent that external service providers are urgently required to deliver KETs knowledge and services at high technology readiness levels