According to the European Commission, less than 50% of industrial partners use the publicly funded applied research projects strategically and only about 22% of SMEs participating in EU research programs are strategic innovators. In addition, Small and Medium Enterprises are often not aware of the programmes to support internationalization, although there is a strong relationship between innovation and internationalization, which should be further exploited.

On the basis of this evidence, in the 2014-2020 programming period, the European Commission aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises through an integrated approach that supports companies throughout the innovation cycle.

Other measures will be supported through complementary programs:

Further information: 

What is an SME?

SMEs opportunities in Horizon 2020