Opportunity

Main objective

Increase investment in private research through national implementation of EU-wide State aid rules that accept the YIC definition.  Currently, the EU, France, Belgium and Spain have implemented the YIC definition and offer benefits YIC tax status. 
 

The Seventh Framework Programme is the European Union’s chief instrument for the public funding of research.  It brings together public and private sector stakeholders to define research and development priojects, timeframes and action plans on a number of issues that are strategically important to achieving Europe's future growth, competitiveness and sustainability.

Match2BioSME is a European initiative with the mission to stimulate innovation in the European biotechnology industry by matching the activities of small- and medium sized companies (SMEs) and academic institutions. Match2BioSME organizes partnering events and coaching workshops, and provides online assistance and guidelines to support and expand the knowledge transfer and deal-making process between both actors, as well as to increase the funding of collaborative projects through private and/or EU-sources (i.e. FP7 program).
 

The Innovative Medicines Initiative is a unique Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between the pharmaceutical industry and the European Communities represented by the European Commission. The research activities to be supported under the IMI will be open to all research actors, provided that they are performed within Europe
 

The Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP) aims to encourage the competitiveness of European enterprises. With small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as its main target, the programme will support innovation activities (including eco-innovation), provide better access to finance and deliver business support services in the regions. It will encourage a better take-up and use of information and communications technologies (ICT) and help to develop the information society. It will also promote the increased use of renewable energies and energy efficiency.
 

The Commission is preparing a Small Business Act for Europe whose main aim will be to set principles and concrete measures to improve the framework conditions for European SMEs, while taking full account of their diversity. After a public consultation, the Commission's objective is to come up with a proposal by June 2008.