IraSME and CORNET: Supporters of Innovation for SMEs

IraSME and CORNET are two significant programs under the ERA-NET framework that support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on their innovation journeys. In this article, we will discuss the objectives, support mechanisms, consortium structures, and more of the IraSME and CORNET programs. Additionally, don't miss the opportunity to participate in the brokerage event mentioned at the end of the article!

IraSME (International Research Activities by Small and Medium-sized Enterprises)

IraSME is a network consisting of research and development funding programs from different countries with a shared goal of supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in their innovation development journeys. IraSME has simplified the project application processes as much as possible.

Initiated as an ERA-NET in 2005, IraSME received support from the European Commission's 6th and 7th Research and Development Framework Programs until 2010. Since 2011, it has evolved into a network coordinated by the German AiF Projekt GmbH, with the financial instruments of the BMWK (German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action), involving various national funding organizations.

IraSME issues calls for proposals twice a year with the aim of developing innovative products, processes, or technical services that go beyond current technology. These calls are organized with a "bottom-up" approach, meaning that the research topics are not predefined, and researchers are expected to choose their own topics.

An IraSME project should involve research and development activities that carry significant technical risks and aim to bring new products to life or significantly improve existing products, processes, or technical services. The project's output should be clearly defined, and its market viability should be ensured. It's important to note that IraSME does not support projects that do not yield concrete results, do not involve technical risks, or simply transfer existing technologies to new application areas without any technological challenges or risks.

For IraSME projects, a consortium must consist of participants from at least two countries. (At least two SMEs should be part of the consortium.) Research organizations (RTOs) may also join the consortium, but it's not mandatory. Partners from non-participating countries or partners not eligible for funding from relevant programs, such as public authorities or large companies, can participate by self-financing or obtaining funding from other sources.

Funding is provided through national and regional programs, so projects must comply with the rules of the relevant national/regional programs. The project budget for IraSME can vary from country to country and depending on the consortium structure, but the average funding per partner is around 160,000 euros.

Participating Countries:

• Germany

• Turkey

• Luxembourg

• Canada (Alberta)

• Austria

• Brazil

• Czech Republic

• Belgium (Flanders, Wallonia)

• Switzerland

CORNET (COllective Research NETworking)

CORNET is one of the partners of IraSME. The aim of CORNET is to enhance the competitiveness of SMEs by financing pre-competitive Collective Research projects internationally. CORNET's unique consortium structure allows multiple SMEs to benefit from a single project, setting it apart from other programs.

CORNET was initiated as an ERA-NET in 2005 and has achieved significant success. Until 2010, it received support from the European Commission's 6th and 7th Research and Development Framework Programs. Since 2011, CORNET has become a self-sustaining network coordinated by AiF. However, both IraSME and CORNET still adhere to the ERA-NET principle. The latest statistics show a success rate of 66% for CORNET.

CORNET issues calls for proposals twice a year, at the end of March and September. Similar to IraSME, the calls under CORNET are organized with a "bottom-up" approach, meaning there are no specific call topics. Instead, SME groups from all industrial sectors dealing with any technology are invited to submit proposals. The only requirement is that the project idea must comply with the pre-competitive Collective Research rules.

SMEs often face the need to introduce innovations, but they may struggle due to budget constraints or a lack of human resources for research. This is where the Collective Research approach comes into play. Several businesses that share a common problem come together in a project consortium to pool their strengths.

As with IraSME, each project participant under CORNET is financed by their country's or region's funding organization, so the budget varies from country to country. However, the consortium structure in CORNET is different from IraSME.

For the consortium, at least two countries/regions participating in CORNET calls must submit a joint proposal, requiring three organizations per lead applicant:

1. SME association/organization/group: Responsible for presenting and coordinating the project.

2. Research organization (RTO): Responsible for conducting research activities.

3. An SME user committee consisting of at least 5 SMEs per country: Ensures the pre-competitive nature and benefits from the results. (The number of SMEs may vary depending on the circumstances.)

Figure: CORNET consortium structure

(2023, Guidelines for Applicants (document version.14, p.16). Retrieved from https://cornet.online/SharedDocs/Downloads/EN/gt-guidelines_cornet_call.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=7)

Participating Countries:

• Austria

• Belgium (Wallonia)

• Brazil (EMBRAPII, FAPESP)

• Czech Republic

• Flanders

• Germany (AiF, BAFA)

• Japan

• Netherlands

• Peru

• Poland

• Quebec

• Switzerland

• Taiwan

• Turkey

IraSME and CORNET Brokerage Event

The brokerage event organized by CORNET (Collective Research Networking) and IraSME (International Research Activities by Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) will take place online from November 8 to December 6 this year. This event, designed for SMEs, provides entrepreneurs with the opportunity to present their project ideas or company profiles. Additionally, there will be information provided about the CORNET and IraSME calls for proposals and the European Enterprise Network (EEN). For more detailed information and to register for the event, you can use this link.