The Enterprise Europe Network helps European companies to do business beyond national and EU borders, calling on its 3,000 experts based in 570 branches in 46 countries.
The latest branches to join the network are in South Korea and Mexico.
Since its launch in 2008, the network has provided information and services to more than 3 million SMEs. In that time, its member organisations have organised nearly 10 000 events and information days, bringing together more than 400,000 companies, often from different countries.
Some 3,000 staff members have conducted over 50,000 technology and business reviews to help firms license the right technology and locate the best business partners. Thanks to the network, small companies have signed more than 1,500 technology and business co-operation agreements to date.
The network pools its expertise in key industries in 18 sector groups, ranging from intelligent energy to nanotechnology. They provide companies with customised support and sector-specific events. In addition, network branches have access to two powerful databases to help companies: one for business partnerships and the other for technology transfer. These databases now contain around 20 000 company and technology profiles.
Fewer than one in 10 European small businesses trade beyond their own national borders, according to the Observatory of European SMEs. This is mainly due to their lack of knowledge of foreign markets.
About the Enterprise Europe Network
The Enterprise Europe Network offers support and advice to firms across Europe and helps them make the most of the business opportunities in the European Union and beyond. Its services are designed for small and medium-sized enterprises but they are also available to larger businesses, research centres and universities across Europe.
Each network branch is a one-stop shop for help in finding business contacts, promoting technology transfer and accessing European funding and finance. Staff can also advise on EU law and technical issues, such as intellectual property rights. The network’s ‘no wrong door’ policy ensures that no matter which member organisation takes the call, clients will be personally directed to the nearest branch that best meets their needs.
The network online
Launched in February, the Enterprise Europe Network’s powerful new website is full of exciting features. It explains how the network supports SMEs.
In addition to an in-depth presentation of the services that the network offers enterprises, an interactive map helps SMEs locate the branch nearest them.
For details, contact www.enterprise-europe-network.ec.europa.eu
Firms looking to license out their technology or acquire other companies’ innovations can consult the ‘technology market’, which currently contains more than 13,000 offers and requests.
Brokerage events that SMEs can take part in to find potential partners are listed in the events calendar, while those seeking inspiration should visit the regularly updated success stories section, to see how the network has helped businesses in similar industries or situations.
For more information on this go to www.een-northeast.co.uk
