RTD funding possibilities and constraints
From INVESaTWIKI
RTD funding possibilities and constraints
Frequently SMEs are missing the financial and human resources required to develop new and innovative applications and businesses in the
GNSS domain. What can be done to support SMEs by customised RTD funding schemes, and notably to provide easy and targeted access to
such funding for SMEs?
Due to the current economic climate the pressure is on all companies to either reduce their manning levels or further maximise the output of
existing employees, this is especially true for SMEs. Companies are only going to put effort into development of products and services which
either can show a short term return on investment, or ones which are being subsidised by the customers, external organisations, national or
international legislation.
The GPS market is now a mature market and business is being generated at a current level in excess of € 700 million, per annum. The market
will be further expanded due to the increased performance offered by EGNOS, etc., and R&D effort will be required to ensure that individual
companies maintain their market share and keep up to date with the new applications.
GALILEO is still perceived to be some way down the road by many companies, especially those who are focused on today’s business. These
dynamic businesses are essential to the success of GALILEO.
To date GALILEO projects appear to have been awarded to large organisations and especially to those belonging to the GALILEI industrial
team. From the GALILEO JU information day, which took place in September 2003, it would appear that this trend will continue and the only
way for SMEs to gain access to the project is by becoming a sub-contractor of one of the larger players. Further, only a few contracts will be let
under the next phase, further reducing the chances of SMEs winning contracts. Over 400 people attended the information day, the number of
successful bids will be very small, further discouraging participation by SMEs. [1]
References
[1] G.Dippel-Hens (GALILEAN working group report)
"GNSS business issues".
