6.2.     FINDING R&D PARTNERS IN EUROPE

‘Which databases / websites operated by the EU allow to search for European enterprises, research institutes, universities, etc. who want to cooperate in various R&D – fields, in market-oriented R&D with licensing or manufacturing agreements, joint ventures, etc. ?’

For an answer to this question, look into the website presented below.

How to use this website?

Step 1:   login to the CORDIS website (click on the link above)

Step 2:   click on ‘search’

Step 3:   select ‘Partners’ in the box next to ‘Select your type of information’

Step 4:   introduce a search term (e.g. ‘renewable energies’) and  click on ‘search’

Step 5:   consult the list of profiles which appears on the screen

Some of the organisations listed in this database developed already a longstanding experience in international cooperation in R&D via a participation to EU-funded programs.

Step 6:   contact companies, research institutes or universities from the retrieved list which might be suitable
                for a cooperation in specific R&D fields

Step 1:   login to the CORDIS PARTNERS web page
http://cordis.europa.eu/partners-service/

Step 2:   select ‘Search for Partners’

Option 1: select a partner for EU-funded research

Step 3:   In case of interest for finding a partner for a cooperation in EU-funded R&D, enter a search term (e.g. ‘renewable energy’) in the upper box

Step 4:   choose ‘project proposal’ if you want to search for organisations with R&D proposals in your sphere of interest which they would like to realize with EU-funds in the near future and in a cooperation with other European partners

and/or

‘company expertise’ if you want to find organisations who demonstrate in their profile a certain skill in specific R&D fields, e.g. thanks to previously realized EU-funded projects

Step 5:   select a program which seems to fit with your interests (e.g. ‘CIP, a program that supports projects in the fields of competitiveness and innovation). More information on all EU-funded R&D programs is available at http://cordis.europa.eu/ica/news/en/EN_NEWSl_search.html

Step 6:   click on ‘search’ and view the profiles of listed companies, research institutes, universities, etc.

Option 2: select a partner for a private collaboration

Step 3bis:  select one or more types of cooperation

1. financial support
2. further R&D support
3. joint venture agreement
4. licence agreement
5. manufacturing agreement
6. marketing agreement

Step 4bis:  select one or more SME support networks in case you prefer profiles of potential partners which were introduced by professional intermediary organisations as National Contact Points, Innovation Relay Centres (IRCs) or Euro Info Centres (EICs)

Step 5bis:  select one or more countries of interest where you would like to find potential partners

Step 6bis:  click on ‘search’ and view the profiles of listed companies, research institutes, universities, etc.

EUREKA is a pan-European network for market-oriented, industrial R&D.
Created as an intergovernmental Initiative in 1985, EUREKA aims to enhance European competitiveness through its support to businesses, research centres and universities who carry out pan-European projects to develop innovative products, processes and services. Through its flexible and decentralised Network, EUREKA offers project partners rapid access to a wealth of knowledge, skills and expertise across Europe and facilitates access to national public and private funding schemes.
The internationally recognised EUREKA label adds value to a project and gives participants a competitive edge in their dealings with financial, technical and commercial partners. Through a EUREKA project, partners develop new technologies for which they agree the Intellectual Property Rights and build partnerships to penetrate new markets.
The EUREKA Clusters play a key role in building European competitiveness, driving European standards and the interoperability of products in a wide range of sectors. The result is a clear demonstration of the strength of pan-European teamwork in the European Research Area. The EUREKA Umbrellas are thematic networks which focus on a specific technology area or business sector. The main goal of an Umbrella is to facilitate the generation of EUREKA projects in its own target area.
Each year hundreds of individual projects are initiated by European companies, an increasing number of which are SMEs. These contribute to improved wellbeing, security, environment and employment in Europe and beyond.
BUSANET, a European network of Business Angels, signed a partnership agreement with EUREKA in 2004. This non-profit making organisation’s objective is to develop funding activities and financial toolboxes to support innovation implementation in Europe.
Each year the EUREKA Lillehammer Award is given to a project that has demonstrated its outstanding contribution to the environment. The EUREKA Lynx Award goes to the SME that has achieved or expects to achieve a significant increase in turnover as a result of participation in a EUREKA project.

How to use this website?

Step 1:   login to the EUREKA website (click on the link above)

Step 2:   select ‘Project portfolio’

Step 2:   enter a keyword (e.g. ‘renewable energy’)

Step 3:   select EUREKA member countries as well as one or more technological areas

Step 4:   select the status of projects (running, proposal or finished)

Step 5:   click on “GO” and consult the list of projects