Swedish life science SME´s voice in Horizon 2020
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | SwedenBIO Service AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 200 000 |
| Project duration | September 2013 - February 2014 |
| Status | Completed |
Purpose and goal
There is currently no formal structure within the EU allowing cooperation and influence on Life Science issues. For example there is no ETP for Life Science, nor any channel for Swedish Life Science SMEs to influence EUs research funding (H2020). Thus the´Swedish Life Science SME:s voice in Horizon 2020´ platform is an important unified voice towards Europe. We have identified a structure that unites Swedish SMEs, regions, biotech clusters and experts in Sweden and Europe, to identify and influence what can be improved in H2020 for Life Science SMEs.
Results and expected effects
The Horizon2020 research program has an expressed focus on support for SMEs, but there is still room for improvement. This platform will gather opinions from a Swedish SME perspective and suggest improvements in future H2020 programs. These suggestions will be channeled into the EU in a structured way through the platform. Our established contacts with European organizations, gives us good opportunities to influence future work programs, and reach out to similar platforms in Europe.
Approach and implementation
- The platform has been presented at seminars throughout, and gained many potential members. - An incubator organization was used to reach out to early stage SMEs. - The steering group has identified SMEs with previous experience from EU framework programs. - The steering group has participated in the SwedenBio network meeting for Life Science regions, and established a regional network. - Meetings in Brusselles with European organisations has identified efficient channels towards EU. The result is a structure that captures a substantial part of the Life Science SMEs in Sweden.