EraSME seeks to strengthen and enhance the competitiveness and innovative capacities of SMEs, while improving links between Europe’s business and research communities.

The goal is to help SMEs collaborate with one another and work with research and technology organisations (RTOs) and universities. The RTOs can provide SMEs with valuable research expertise and facilities. In return, the SMEs can offer their research partners valuable business acumen. EraSME also gives SMEs the chance to work in international research networks and make new contacts across Europe.

EraSME’s fifth call for trans-national proposals covers all fields of technology and is open to co-operative proposals from the following countries or regions: Austria, Belgium/Flanders, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy/Tuscany, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain/Madrid and Sweden.

This call provides two project formats, both of which must include partners from at least two countries:

• smaller trans-national co-operation projects, with at least two SMEs and one RTO; or
• larger consortia, to include at least four SMEs and two RTOs.

EraSME covers research and innovation programmes from 17 countries/regions and is funded through the EU’s Seventh Framework Programme for Research.

The call closes on 31 March 2009.

Details on how to apply are available here. (web archive)