Research for the Benefit of SMEs Shahid Mughal TWI
Agenda Introduction to TWI Overview of Research for SMEs Who is it for? Benefits of Participation Process of Application and Timelines Example Projects
Granta Park, Cambridge
TWI in 2011 Over 650 employees Four UK technical centres and eleven international offices More than 3500 Members in 700 locations World-Wide Total estimated value of collaborative projects won - 64m Total grant value - 41m
Main focus is services to our Industrial Solve technical enquiries Members Conduct R&D or consultancy projects Access to technical literature, standards, conference proceedings etc. Access to the leading edge Core Research Programme Pre-paid consultancy Host conferences, seminars, workshops and Member company days
Our Technology Groups Advanced Materials - Polymers and Textile welding - Composites and Adhesives Ceramics - Microtechnology and Electronics Arc welding engineering Electron beam processes Friction and Forge Lasers - Resistance welding - Mechanical fastening
Our Technology Groups Metallurgy, Corrosion & Surfacing spraying technologies Structural Integrity Fatigue Integrity Management Fracture Integrity Management Asset Integrity Management Modelling and Optimisation Non Destructive Testing Manufacturing support Business systems and Software development
Projects have included Joining heads to surgical tools Additive manufacture of implants Disposable Endoscope Urine Drainage System Sculpted metal implant surfaces
Topic Description Research for SMEs supports innovative SMEs to solve common or complementary technological problems. Projects must be centred on the innovation needs of the SMEs which outsource research to RTD performers and must demonstrate a clear exploitation potential for the SMEs concerned.
What does that mean?? Projects must solve common (or complementary) technological problem Have a {worthy} problem requiring a technological solution Innovative needs of the SMEs are outsourced to RTD (Research) Performers Mix of {commercially focussed} SMEs and expert research organisations Projects must demonstrate a clear exploitation potential for the SMEs involved Route-to-Market allowing SMEs to make
Therefore, a project must contain Market Need and desire Normally you would be given this in the call topic description Enabling Technology Development
Three types of participants SMEs Have the problem [End-User], or Have the idea to solve the problem, or Would provide the solution (once developed) Principle beneficiaries of the project RTD Performers Research capable expert organisation (i.e. universities, research centres, etc.) Others Large companies with an interest
Their roles in the project SMEs Manage the R&D activities of the RTD performers Absorb the knowledge generated and exploit it post-project RTD Performers Undertake the vast majority of the R&D activities To transfer knowledge to the SMEs Others To advise on (wider) market issues Provide future input
Buyer Seller Relationship SMEs SMEs SMEs SMEs SMEs Basis of projects is that {a group of} SMEs BUY knowledge from RTDs: Knowledge {IP} RTD RTD Performers RTD Performers Performers Market
Why do SMEs participate? Access to expert R&D capabilities Beneficiaries of > 1m of R&D activity To develop and own IP around an innovate product or service Network with expert organisations Potential access to large medical companies
Why do other organisations participate? RTDs Paid at 100% of costs but NO IPR rights Others Access to new products and services at minimal cost Networking with innovative companies
Application Process 60 page proposal comprising Section 1: Science & Technology Introduction State of the Art review Advancement beyond the state of the art Work Program Section 2: Management Management procedures and consortium description Section 3: Impact European Impact (including financial return to SMEs) Plan for Dissemination and Exploitation
Evaluation Criteria
Timeline for Project Preparation of Proposal Establishing the consortium Preparing the proposal document Submission to the EC Evaluation by EC Negotiation of Contract Start of Project Mid-term Review End of Project Commercialisation
Cordis Information. http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/ National Contact Points Specific SME NCP KTNs, Technology Strategy Board
How can TWI help? Solve almost any material joining issue you can think of! Prepare and write the proposal if there is role for us Manage the process and handle all the administration/bureaucracy Happy to discuss potential ideas
Thank You! Questions Shahid Mughal shahid.mughal@twi.co.uk