Analysis of the Survey of the Working Group EU-Financing. 2004/2005: EU-Programmes, June 2005

Transcription

1 Analysis of the Survey of the Working Group EU-Financing 2004/2005: EU-Programmes, June 2005 In the name of the Working Group EU-Financing I would like to thank all EIC colleagues who have participated in this survey. A special Thank You for all my/our friends who personally made sure that the questionnaires were filled out correctly and/or translated the questionnaire in their own mother tongue. In total we have translations into 12 different languages! If you have any questions, suggestions or recommendations please do not hesitate to contact me: Ingrid Kumar Euro Info Centre Linz, AT 605 Wirtschaftskammer OÖ Mozartstrasse Linz, Austria Ingrid.kumar@wkooe.at Tel.: Fax: O:WG Finance/Results EIC AT 605, /28

2 Inhaltsverzeichnis/Table of Contents 1. General Statistics Part A of the Questionnaire Part B: Companies who have not yet taken part in EU-Programmes Part C: Companies who have taken part in EU-Programmes Abbildungsverzeichnis/Illustratiions Abbildung 1/Illustration No. 1: Received questionnaires in alphabetical order of the countries 3 Abbildung 3/Illustration No. 3: Reasons for non-participation... 5 Abbildung 4/Illustration No. 4: support required for successful participation... 6 Abbildung 5/Illustration No. 5: Suggestions to be more competitive... 7 Abbildung 7/llustration No. 7: Participation in EU-Programmes as:... 9 Abbildung 8/llustration No. 8: Reasons for participating in EU-Programmes... 9 Abbildung 9/llustration No. 9: Was your application successful? Abbildung 10/llustration No. 10: Application was not successful because of: Abbildung 11/llustration No. 11: Helpful suggestions for taking part in EU-Programmes Abbildung 12/llustration No. 12: Received information from: Abbildung 13/llustration No. 13: Encountered difficulties/problems Abbildung 14/llustration No. 14: Was external help required? Abbildung 15/llustration No. 15: External help was needed with Abbildung 16/llustration No. 16: Extra costs Abbildung 17/lustration No. 17: How long did it take until final subsidy was received? Abbildung 18/llustration No. 18: Percentage of EU funding for the project Abbildung 19/Illustration No. 19: Co-financing received from Abbildung 20/Illustration No. 20: Original estimation Abbildung 21/Illustration No. 21: Would you take part in EU programmes again? Abbildung 22/Illustration No. 22: Why would you not consider taking part in EU-programmes again? Abbildung 23/Illustration No. 23: What kind of support is needed to be more competitive? O:WG Finance/Results EIC AT 605, /28

3 1. General Statistics: EIC Linz received a total of 314 questionnaires from most EICs. Our colleagues from the ten new member states were not only the fastest to return the questionnaires to us but also the ones who sent us the biggest quantity. We received 13,38 % of all questionnaires from Poland, 10,83 % from Lithuania and 10,83 % from Romania. The fifteen old members were a bit slow in sending us the questionnaires. EICs from UK, Portugal, Luxembourg and Malta did not participate in the survey at all. From the 314 questionnaires received, 52 % of the companies have not yet taken part in EU programmes. (Illustration 2) From the 48 % who have taken part in EU Programmes were % successful and received a subsidy,16.55 % were unsuccessful and 7.95 % did not state whether they were successful or not. Questionnaires received - sorted by countries AT BE BG CY CZ DE DK ES FI FR GR HU IR IT LT LU NL NO PL RO SK SL Abbildung 1/Illustration 1: Received questionnaires in alphabetical order of the countries Participation in EU-Programmes Did not prarticipate in EU Programmes 52% Participated in EU Programmes 48% Abbildung 2/Illustration No. 2: Participation of companies in EU-Programmes O:WG Finance/Results EIC AT 605, /28

4 2. Part A of the Questionnaire covers general information concerning the companies: company size, annual turnover, sector and home country. 93,9 % of the participants are SME s, 4.5 % are enterprises above 250 employees and the remaining 1.6 % gave no indication as to the size of the company. This chart shows the percentage of companies who already took part in EU programmes compared to those who did not within one country. Participation and Non-Participation in EU-Programmes 20,00% 15,00% 10,00% 5,00% 0,00% AT DE CY LT BE GR ES CZ DK IR PL FI IT NL HU SK FR LV SL BG RO NO Participation in EU Programmes Non-Participation in EU-Programmes Abbildung 3/Illustration No. 3: Participation in EU-Programmes O:WG Finance/Results EIC AT 605, /28

5 3. Part B: Companies who have not yet taken part in EU Programmes: Question 5: We did not apply because of : Reasons for non-participation too difficult and time consuming lack of information 24,57% 24,23% lack of staff resources programmes not suitable for activities 17,06% 14,33% lack of financial resources 12,63% too many problems 2,73% not interested other reasons 1,71% 1,37% other financial reasons 1,37% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% Abbildung 4/Illustration No. 4: Reasons for non-participation O:WG Finance/Results EIC AT 605, /28

6 Question 6: Please tell us what would help you to successfully take part in EU-Programmes Support required for successful participation personal advice/info electronical programme info training in project application assistance through consultant project partner database training in project management financing-experts database information about EU-programmes in hard copy glossary of financial terms others 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% not helpful helpful very helpful Abbildung 5/Illustration No. 5: support required for successful participation O:WG Finance/Results EIC AT 605, /28

7 Question 7: In your opinion, what kind of support would you need to be more competitive? Suggestions to be more competitive financial support 29,37% simple and easy understandable info 27,27% personal contact to experts 14,69% participation at seminars, workshops, etc. marketing 9,79% 6,99% networking and cooperation 6,29% others 5,59% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% Abbildung 6/Illustration No. 6: Suggestions to be more competitive O:WG Finance/Results EIC AT 605, /28

8 Question 8: Do you have any suggestion, advice or recommendation to make it easier for companies to take part in EU programmes? Recommendations to make it easier to take part in EU-Programmes better availability of information 26,67% personal contact to experts 20,95% reduction of time, cost and buerokratie 18,10% Support for SME 15,24% more adds about the EU-Programmes announcements of deadlines and programmes per 8,57% 7,62% others 2,86% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% Abbildung 7/Illustration No. 7: Recommendations for easier participation O:WG Finance/Results EIC AT 605, /28

9 4. Part C: Companies who have taken part in EU programmes Question 10: Our company took part in this EU programme as : Participation in EU-Programmes as: Participants 3% Projektpartner 42% Projektmanager 55% Abbildung 8/llustration No. 8: Participation in EU-Programmes as: Question 11: Why did you take part in this EU programme? Reasons for participating in EU-Programmes financial support 30,48% international cooperation aquisition of know-how new markets public realtion effects cost advantages risk sharing networking others 20,23% 16,24% 12,82% 8,55% 5,41% 3,42% 1,99% 0,85% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% Abbildung 9/llustration No. 9: Reasons for participating in EU-Programmes O:WG Finance/Results EIC AT 605, /28

10 Question 12: Was your application successful? Was your application successful? no answer 8% no 17% yes 75% Abbildung 10/llustration No. 10: Was your application successful? Question 13: Application was not successful because of: Companies stated under others that they did not know the reason why the application was rejected. Application was not successful because of: formal mistake 21,43% others 17,86% problem with partners 17,86% not in line with programme, objectives or selection criteria 14,29% problem with budget & costs 10,71% missing documents 7,14% language problems 7,14% problem with deadlines 3,57% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% Abbildung 11/llustration No. 11: Application was not successful because of: O:WG Finance/Results EIC AT 605, /28

11 Question 14: Please tell us what would help you to successfully take part in EU programmes Helpful suggestions for taking part in EU-Programmes electronical programme info personal advice/info assistance through consultant training in project application training in project management project partner database programme info in hard copy financing-experts database glossary of financial terms others networking 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% not helpful helpful very helpful Abbildung 12/llustration No. 12: Helpful suggestions for taking part in EU-Programmes O:WG Finance/Results EIC AT 605, /28

12 Question 15: Who informed you about EU programmes? Received information from: own internet research EIC/IRC/IPE private contacts national contact points leaflet/brochure/newspaper consultant Chamber of Commerce local authority ncial intermediaries others 1,63% 2,85% 4,88% 6,50% 8,13% 8,13% 9,76% 15,85% 19,92% 22,36% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% Abbildung 13/llustration No. 13: Received information from: O:WG Finance/Results EIC AT 605, /28

13 Question 16: Did you encounter difficulties/problems with: Encountered difficulties/problems administrative and reporting obligations arranging co-financing writing the proposal project management working with your partner finding a cooperation partner staff resources meeting deadlines finding programme information finding/receiving documents others 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% no problem at all problematic very problematic Abbildung 14/llustration No. 14: Encountered difficulties/problems Question 17: Did you require external help? Was external help required? no 47,68% no answer 4,64% yes 47,68% Abbildung 15/llustration No. 15: Was external help required? O:WG Finance/Results EIC AT 605, /28

14 Question 18: External help was needed with: External help was needed with: preparing documents 34,67% application obtaining information 27,33% 26,00% finding a cooperation partner 8,67% others 3,33% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% Abbildung 16/llustration No. 16: External help was needed with Question 19: How much were the extra costs (consultants, travelling expenses, etc.) Extra costs % > % < % Abbildung 17/llustration No. 17: Extra costs O:WG Finance/Results EIC AT 605, /28

15 Question 20: How long did it take until you received the final subsidy/grant/loan from the date of approval? How long did it take until receiving the final subsidy was received 17% 25% 32% 26% < 6 monhts 6-12 monhts > 12 months no answer Abbildung 18/lustration No. 18: How long did it take until final subsidy was received? Question 21: What was the percentage of EU funding for your project? 13 % of the companies said, that they received less than 30 % of the project cost, 49 % of the companies stated that they received between % and 38 % of the companies said that the received more that 50 % of the project costs. Percentage of EU funding for the project >50% 38% <30% 13% % 49% Abbildung 19/llustration No. 19: Percentage of EU funding for the project O:WG Finance/Results EIC AT 605, /28

16 Question 23: Where did you get co-financing from: Co-financing received from local authorities 2% national programmes 10% own resources 70% financial institutions 18% Abbildung 20/Illustration No. 20: Co-financing received from O:WG Finance/Results EIC AT 605, /28

17 Question 24: Finally, how did you originally estimate? Original estimation financial costs staff resources over estimated correct underestimated administrative work 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% Abbildung 21/Illustration No. 21: Original estimation Question 25: Would you consider taking part in EU programmes again? Would you take part in EU programmes again maybe 1% no 13% no answer 5% yes 81% Abbildung 22/Illustration No. 22: Would you take part in EU programmes again? O:WG Finance/Results EIC AT 605, /28

18 Question 26: Why would you not consider taking part in EU programmes again? Why would you not consider taking part in EU - programmes again problem with partners 14% too difficult 27% too time consuming 54% lack of resources 5% Abbildung 23/Illustration No. 23: Why would you not consider taking part in EU-programmes again? O:WG Finance/Results EIC AT 605, /28

19 Question 27: In your opinion, what kind of support would you need to be more competitive? Companies defined Information as follows: Fast and easily understandable information on EU Programmes, EU law and EIC activities for SMEs General info about foreign markets, cultures and legal systems alert on EU Programmes Companies defined Advice from Experts as follows: Advice, whether new ideas or projects would be eligible for EU-funding Advice on how to safeguard design, ideas and products Advice on how to estimate creditworthiness and reliability of foreign partners Advice on efficient project management Advice on how to submit successful applications for EU Programmes Advice on international marketing, transfer of know-how and technologies,etc. Companies defined SME support as follows: Securities for risky projects access to (inexpensive) know-how and new technologies simple and flexible EU-Programmes assistance with lobbying at EU institutions financing possibilities with low interest rates team of experienced workers and employees who could help a SME on short notice, if SME is short of resources. Type of support needed financial support advice from experts information SME support workshops and trainings less bureaucracy marketing cooperation and networking 23,66% 19,08% 16,79% 12,98% 9,92% 6,87% 5,34% 5,34% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% Abbildung 24/Illustration No. 24: What kind of support is needed to be more competitive? O:WG Finance/Results EIC AT 605, /28

20 5. Summary of all free-text answers: 5.1 A Programm suitable for SME should consider the following points: Simple, easily understandable, standardized documents starting from the tender/programme information until the final evaluation including documents like tender, directives, guide books, reference sheets, letter of intent, certificates, etc. Clearly defined criteria for selection and evaluation A basic information in the language of the country i where the programme information is published. This should include information for which type of SMEs the programme is suitable, what is the objective, deadlines, which documents are needed, who can be contacted for more detailed information; the rest of documents could be all in English to save translation costs Whether or not an application is successful should depend on a clear system of points: e.g. below 0-40: failed, has a good chance provided some things are corrected, funding is granted Transnational partners should not be obligatory; instead SME should get bonus points when they do cooperate with foreign partners. The necessity of transnational partners should be changed into just partners, perhaps from the same state but from different counties/regions.that way SMEs could learn teamwork/cooperation before they graduate to cooperate with transnational partners Big programmes should be divided in several smaller lots which could be handled by smaller SME without external help Deadlines should be long enough to find partners and prepare the application There should be a fast response from Brussels whether funding will be given or at least a quick reaction as to whether a project is shortlisted There should be a possibility to improve an application, to supply missing data, in general to be given the opportunity to correct an application if there is only a small item/issue that needs to be corrected. Clear and speedy information why project application was not successful Programmes have to be flexible to adapt to changing situations (in the region, in the companies management, partner situation, etc.) O:WG Finance/Results EIC AT 605, /28

21 5.2 Following points should be discussed in detail: 1. Special Funding programmes for small SMEs (0-9 employees) should be available 2. Special Funding programmes covering a life cycle of an enterprise e.g. a programme suitable for start-ups (1-3 years ) or young companies (up to 10 years after set-up) and established Companies (older than 10 years) 3. Special Funding-Fonds for uncomplicated Co-Financing; Funds or loans should be made available so that SMEs can participate without financial constraints 4. Subsidised training programmes for SMEs on subjects like: how to file an application, Project Management Knowledge-Management etc. (EICs who have special know-how - particularly members of the ex-working Group EU-Financing or reference points could hold/organise seminars 5. SME could have an observer-status, in big programmes with transnational partners in order to get some more experience before tackling a project application on its own 6. SME should develop cooperation know how and competence gradually; there should be funding projects on local/nation level, than on international level (with 1 or 2 transnational partners and then finally on global level with several international partners. 7. Pre-Evaluation teams who could advise a company as to how improve applications in order to be successful (check that there are no formal mistakes, etc.) 8. Establishment of independent authorities/offices who advise companies whether ideas and projects are worthwhile to be considered for funding (could be special task for EICs knowledgeable in Funds and Finance) 9. Companies who have a constant rate of growth should get an Extra Bonus Point when evaluating an application 10. A user-friendly software should be made available for consultants and/or EICs to facilitate budgeting and filling out forms 11. Consultants who specialise in advising companies concerning Funds and Finance should be accredited/properly qualified and audited by DG Enterprise so that companies can rely on correct information and advice. 12. Development of information management (software) between strategic and operative partners 13. Companies have to stick to certain deadlines; the same should apply to the authorities issuing the tender or programmes e.g. to inform about the results of the application within a certain period of time. O:WG Finance/Results EIC AT 605, /28

22 14. Application should be accompanied by an doc. Information for Applicant where evaluators could immediately make their remarks /give their points/ and return this one document to the applicant as soon as possible => this way companies will know quickly the results and/or the reasons for failure and learn to do the right thing next time 15. There should be a Finance-Panel where representatives of companies, consultants, National Contact Points, Finance Experts, evaluators, programme-developers EICs, etc. meet regularly to discuss improvements => necessities/objectives of programmes/projects would be more realistic, more innovative; selection and evaluation criteria would be better coordinated 16. If a subsidised innovation project proves to be commercially successful, a certain amount/percentage of the original subsidy could be paid into a Funding-Fonds 17. There should be a interactive Information system between the Money-Giver and the Money-Receiver similar to DHL or Amazon where you know about the status or can trace the delivery of goods 18. Information about EU Programmes should be published in different media, different information offices (Ministries, EICs, IRCs, etc., by different means of communications 19. EICs could offer a EU-Programme/Subsidy Monitoring Service and act as liaisons offices between European Commission/Funding Experts and the companies 20. EU Programmes/Funds should also be available for traditional companies (SME in various branches/sectors) wanting to expand/export and not only for companies active in research and development 21. Funds and Finance Control (could be a new task for interested EICs) - coordination between EU and national funding authorities - coordination between the Players of the Funds and Finance Scene - coordination of economic, political, legal framework 22. It would be advisable to have one national Clearing office in a member state where information of all EU subsidies that are given to or available in that state, are recorded. (would increase transparency) In any case, SMEs should be effectively supported with proper financing programmes in their endeavours to become more international or more competitive worldwide. It is also important that programmes are flexible so that they can be adapted to a quickly changing economy/situation/region. O:WG Finance/Results EIC AT 605, /28

23 Questionnaire EU-Programmes Please return the questionnaire as soon as possible! Introduction/Objective: In order to make access to finance/eu programmes 1 easier for companies (particularly for SMEs 2 ) we would be grateful if you could help us with following questionnaire. Please download the questionnaire and return the completed questionnaire as soon as possible, at the latest by 31st October 2004 to Ingrid Kumar, Euro Info Centre, Mozartstrasse 20, A-4020 Linz, Austria, or mail to eic@wkooe.at. EIC-Officer:... EIC-No.:... Name of company:... Town:... (Voluntary information, data will be processed anonymously) Part A) Company information: 1) Company size: (number of employees) and more 2) Annual turnover is: less than 2 Mio between 10,1 and 50 Mio between 2 and 10 Mio more than 50 Mio 3) Company is active in: service trade production/manufacturing 4) Company is based in: Austria Belgium Denmark Finland France Germany Greece Ireland Italy Luxembourg Portugal Spain Sweden Netherlands United Kingdom Cyprus Czech Rep. Estonia Hungary Latvia Lithuania Malta Poland Slovakia Slovenia 1 Thematic programmes: Research & Development e.g. 6 th FP, Education e.g. Leonardo, Training e.g. Gateway to Japan, Environment e.g. LIFE, Information Society e.g. e-content, Culture e.g. Culture 2000, etc. 2 SMEs: Small and medium sized enterprises with less than 250 employees O:WG Finance/Results EIC AT 605, /28

24 Part B) programmes: Companies who have NOT YET taken part in EU 5) We did not yet apply because of lack of information too difficult and time consuming not interested lack of staff resources lack of financial resources programmes not suitable for our activities other reasons: 6) Please tell us what would help you to successfully take part in EU programmes (1 = not helpful at all, 2 = helpful, 3 = very helpful) a) receiving EU-programmes info electronically hard copy b) project partner database c) financing-experts database d) glossary of financial terms e) training in project application f) training in project management g) personal advice/ info h) assistance through consultant i) others: ) In your opinion, what kind of support would you need to be more competitive? ) Do you have any suggestion, advice or recommendation to make it easier for companies to take part in EU-Programmes? Part C) Companies who have taken part in EU Programmes: O:WG Finance/Results EIC AT 605, /28

25 9) Please name the EU Programme you have taken part in 3 : ) Our company took part in this EU Programme as: lead manager partner 11) Why did you take part in this EU Programme? financial support international cooperation cost advantages new markets risk sharing public relation effects acquisition of know-how others:.. 12) Was your application successful? Yes No If yes, please continue with question 14. If no, please continue with question ) Application was not successful because of formal mistake problem with deadlines problem with partners problem with budget & costs missing documents/enclosures language problem not in line with programme, objectives and selection criteria other reasons: ) Please tell us what would help you to successfully take part in EU programmes (1 = not helpful at all, 2 = helpful, 3 = very helpful) a) receiving EU-programmes info electronically hard copy b) project partner database c) financing-experts database d) glossary of financial terms e) training in project application f) training in project management g) personal advice/ info h) assistance through consultant i) others: please fill out a separate questionnaire for each programme! O:WG Finance/Results EIC AT 605, /28

26 ) Who informed you about EU Programmes Chamber of Commerce EIC/IRC/IPE 4 own internet search consultant leaflet/brochure/newspaper private contacts financial intermediaries local authority national contact points other sources: ) Did you encounter difficulties/problems with: (1 = no problem at all, 2 = problematic, 3 = very problematic) a) finding programme information b) available documents c) finding a cooperation partner d) working with your partner e) writing the proposal f) arranging co-financing g) project management h) administrative and reporting obligations i) staff resources j) meeting deadlines k) other problems/difficulties: ) Did you require external help 6? Yes If yes, please continue with question No If no, please continue with question 18) External help was needed with obtaining information preparing documents application finding a cooperation partner others: ) How much were the extra costs (consultants, travelling expenses, etc.) less than more than EIC: Euro Info Centre, IRC: Innovation Relay Centre, IPE: Information Point Europe 5 guidelines, work programme, call for proposal 6 external help e.g. a consultant, support of an EIC, etc. O:WG Finance/Results EIC AT 605, /28

27 20) How long did it take until you received the final subsidy/grant/loan from the date of approval? less than 6 months 6-12 months more than 12 months 21) What was the percentage of EU funding for your project? less than 30 % % more than 50 % 22) What was the total project amount (in Euros)? 23) Where did you get co-financing from: financial institutions/ banks local authority national programmes own resources 24) Finally, how did you originally estimate? a) staff resources underestimated correct over estimated b) financial costs underestimated correct over estimated c) administrative work underestimated correct over estimated 25) Would you consider taking part in EU programmes again? yes maybe no If yes, please go directly to question 27, otherwise continue with question )Why would you not consider taking part in EU programmes again? too difficult too time consuming lack of resources problem with partners others: ) In your opinion, what kind of support would you need to be more competitive? ) Do you have any suggestion, advice or recommendation to make it easier for companies to take part in EU-Programmes? Would you like to contact a member of the Working Group EU-Financing to talk about your suggestion personally... Country/ EIC Name/ Tel./ Fax France EIC FR 259 Jean-Louis Falcou T O:WG Finance/Results EIC AT 605, /28

28 France EIC FR 277 Germany EIC DE 127 Italy EIC IT 362 Poland EIC PL 405 Spain EIC ES 218 F Véronique Tetu T tetu@haute-normandie.cci.fr F Dagmar Klaudia Heidenreiter T dagmar.heidenreiter@ibhhessen.de F Barbara Santicioli T santicioli@infoeuropa.it F Adam Kaliszuk T euroinfo@cofund.org.pl F Cristina Fanjul Alonso T cfanjul@idepa.es F or the coordinator of the Working Group EU-Financing Ingrid Sieglinde Kumar: ingrid.kumar@wkooe.at Tel.: Fax: Thank you very much for your participation in this survey. Data will be processed anonymously. O:WG Finance/Results EIC AT 605, /28