Compared to other research support, this programme focused far more closely on the SMEs' individual markets. Everything done in each project was very specific to the SMEs. Most participants focused on a particular problem that it wanted to resolve. In terms of the intangible impacts looked at in the study, networking produced some of the most interesting results. "Whether the programme created it or the company was already doing it," study author Dr Reichert explains, "networking was consistently mentioned as being a key part of SME business."

The draft report also found that two thirds (66%) of all respondents' projects would not have taken place without FP funding. This implies that projects would not have taken place without incentive and support from an outside source, a case referred to as full project additionality. Dr Reichert adds: "Personally I feel this is not great. It shows the SMEs' projects were not really necessary and only carried out due to the programme support. But then we must consider that SMEs' capital cover is so thin and many companies, even if they really wanted to, cannot afford such research."

Of those projects that did take place, the key factors that contributed to its success were: commitment of partners, proximity to the market of what is being developed, adequate funding for non-research partners, regular face-to-face interaction, clear IPR arrangements and strong leadership.

Source: SME update issue 6: http://ec.europa.eu/research/sme-techweb/newsletter/issue6/interview_en.html, as of Septemer 11, 2009.