West Midlands SMEs receive funding for research and development

Feb. 9, 2011 - PRLog -- A technology project is offering free study tours and placements in Europe to eligible West Midlands small and medium enterprises (SMEs)

The placement is fully funded through the European Regional Development Fund and can be designed and organised independently, or facilitated by Coventry University. There will be an information event in Birmingham on 8 March which will explain what opportunities are available.

Nicole Barraclough from Coventry University, said:

"An SME and a researcher from any West Midlands University or research centre, can travel overseas together and spend a week investigating research partnerships, gathering information and identifying good practice."

Two day study tours are also offered with the next to follow in May, looking at good practice in research for the Medical sector in France. Other eligible sectors include digital media and ICT, energy, transport and advanced materials.

Brian More, a researcher at Coventry University reinforced the benefits of R&D to an SME:

“In industry that is fast changing, SMEs must continually revise their design and range of products. Increasing their involvement and expertise in R&D will improve performance in the global marketplace.”

Brian, who attended an automotive study tour to Sweden, continued:

“The tour allowed West Midlands SMEs and researchers to learn together about an area of common interest and to share their own knowledge and expertise while visiting world class research centres.

“The visit to Volvo was particularly interesting, with some of us keen to go back on placement opportunities to learn more and develop relationships.”

Placements and study tours are open to those inexperienced and experienced in R&D. The projects aim is to increase individuals knowledge of research from countries which out-perform in these sectors and to allow West Midlands SMEs and researchers to network informally.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the opportunities available should contact Nicole Barraclough by email: nbarraclough@cad.coventry.ac.uk or call 07974 98 41 28

The free information event takes place on the morning of Tuesday 8 March at Think Tank, Millennium Point, Birmingham.

-Ends-

For further information, contact Ali Bushnell, External Press and Media Relations Officer, Coventry University on 024 7688 8245 or email: ali.bushnell@coventry.ac.uk

Note to editors:

Technology Networks is delivered in partnership by Coventry University Enterprises Ltd, Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and Birmingham City University and funded by the European Union’s Regional Development Fund.

In the photograph are: Michelle Connors, Karen Ison and Jay Gohil from the Technology Networks Team.

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The External Communications team from Coventry University promotes a wide range of initiatives, services, success stories and other related aspects of Higher Education and the achievements of its staff and students as well as comment pieces from experts.