Study on non FP participation by innovative SME : final reportReasons and steps forward

This report focuses on non-participating highly innovative SMEs in the ICT sector with the aim to clarify the reasons for not participating in European research programs and to suggest ways forward for the new ICT-FP8/Horizon 2020 to remedy the situation. This was done by launching an online questionnaire completed by 829 entities, of which over 600 were innovative ICT SMEs, and carrying out in-depth interviews with 47 of these. In the questionnaire SMEs were asked to state their level of experience in FP7 and to consider whether or not they agreed with statements considering funding conditions, rules of participation, consortium formation, IPR issues, bureaucracy and awareness. Their answers to the statements were then analysed against their level of FP7 experience to define the areas that separate participants from non-participants. During the interviews Innovative ICT-SMEs were asked to express the issues they have faced when considering European research funding, with a particular focus on the issues raised that had stopped SMEs from successfully applying. The SMEs were then asked to suggest ways to solve these issues. They were also given a brief explanation of the proposed plans for Horizon 2020 and asked to comment on these proposals. From these investigations 6 key messages have been developed. These key messages have then been compared to the solutions put forward for Horizon 2020.