The Enterprise Europe Network Opportunities for International Technology Transfer in the Water Sector Platzhalter für Foto Peter Wolfmeyer ZENIT GmbH envirowater Conference Stellenbosch, South Africa, 4 March 2009
Contents 1. Seventh Framework Programme (FP 7) 2. Competitiveness and Innovation Programme (CIP) 3. Enterprise Europe Network 4. Sector Group Environment
1. Seventh Framework Programme
Importance of FP 7 Platform for technological innovation 7-year programme with 53 billion budget of which 1.9 billion for Environment (including Climate Change), i.e. water too Complements national funding schemes International co-operation with other EU organisations Solution of common problems by division of labour Development of new partnerships in other areas or sectors Access to knowledge of other organisations Financing of research and development http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/home_en.html
South Africa-EU R&D cooperation in FP 7 There is a South Africa-EU Scientific Cooperation Agreement South Africa is an ICPC country (International Cooperation Partner Country) and as such participants from South Africa have full access to the Framework Programme and are eligible for EU funding (same status as participants from EU Member and Associated States) The European South African Science and Technology Advancement Programme (ESASTAP) is a Specific Support Action implemented by the South African Department of Science and Technology and DG Research of the European Commission to assist cooperation between European and South African researchers In many FP 7 calls currently open, co-operation with South Africa is specifically required or encouraged, including calls related to the environment South Africa s FP 7 Seed Funding instrument dedicates funds to both European and South African partners, e.g. for travel required in preparing an R&D proposal and Strategic Co-investment is available for successful South African FP7 participants for parts of project not funded by EU
Key EU water initiatives (partly FP linked) Integration4 Water an Internet platform dedicated specifically to water research projects and the search for consortium partners for joint FP 7 proposals (www.integration4water.org) Water supply and sanitation Technology Platform (WssTP) - an initiative of the European Commission within the European Environmental Technology Action Plan ETAP which aims to bring together all European stakeholders in the area of water to define the vision for water in Europe (www.wsstp.eu/site/online/home) European Water Partnership - its mission is to give water one common voice in Europe. Its main objectives are to provide an open and independent forum, to mobilise funding methods for water, to put water on the mainstream political and media agenda, to promote technological and managerial innovation, etc. (www.ewp.eu)
2. Competitiveness & Innovation Programme
CIP objectives To foster the competitiveness of enterprises, in particular of SMEs To promote all forms of innovation, including ecoinnovation To accelerate the development of a sustainable, competitive, innovative and inclusive information society To promote energy efficiency and new renewable energy sources in all sectors, including transport
Time frame and budget Time frame: 2007 2013 Budget: 3621 million Annual work programmes for each of the three specific programmes: o o o Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme ICT Policy Support Programme Intelligent Energy Europe
South Africa cooperation in CIP Possible in accordance with CIP Article 21.5 No funding from the EU Applications possible at any time in the duration of CIP
3. Enterprise Europe Network
Key figures of the Enterprise Europe Network Close to 600 organisations in Europe are involved: Chambers, banks, consultants, regional development bodies Present in 44 countries (EU 27, candidate countries, EEA countries, other third countries) Some 4000 experts www.enterprise-europe-network.ec.europa.eu
Key features of the Enterprise Europe Network Provision of information and advice/consulting services to EU businesses, above all small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as other institutions such as universities and research institutes Help for organisations to make the most of the opportunities the European Union offers Promotion of competitiveness and innovation at local level in Europe and beyond Access to all services from one source - the one-stop shop
NRW.Europa in a nutshell Hosted by ZENIT GmbH in a consortium with NRW.BANK With an annual budget of over 3 million and over 21 FTEs per year, NRW.Europa is one of the largest nodes in the Enterprise Europe Network Clients are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), universities and other higher education institutions, research and development institutes, other (public bodies, sectoral initiatives, associations, foundations, multipliers, private consultants ) Central contact point for all EU-related information (one-stop shop) Competent advice from experts experienced in SME and EU issues Use of international network of contacts Stakeholder network (about 20 partners) www.nrw-europa.de
4. The Sector Group Environment
Introduction to Sector Groups Objective: A Sector Group uses the expertise of its members to support European enterprises, above all small and medium-sized firms, and other organisations such as universities and research institutions in their scientific and commercial development Status: 18 Sector Groups, including Intelligent Energy, Biotechnology, Aerospace, Transport, Security, and Environment Purpose: Generally to support a specific sector and specifically to initiate all types of partnerships (commercial, technology transfer, research) between enterprises/other organisations in different countries Activities: Formal meetings, brokerage events, seminars, company missions, symposia, conferences, workshops, policy feedback and publications, provision of information, amongst others
Example of Sector Group Environment Chaired by NRW.Europa/ZENIT About 50 Members 19 countries represented o From Norway and Sweden in the North, to Malta and Greece in the South o From Portugal and Spain in the West, to Hungary and Romania in the East Next Formal Meeting and Brokerage Event on 15 16 April 2009 in Prague
Sector Group Environment in detail With a particular focus on eco-innovation, the Sector Group Environment covers all environmental topics, from A for air to Z for zero emission. The Sector Group Environment Finds business and co-operation partners Brings together enterprises, institutes, stakeholders and public bodies Matches technology supply and demand Advises on funding opportunities available within EU research programmes Identifies and promotes innovative environmental technologies, products and services Assists in EU legislation matters such as directives and regulations Makes eco-innovation visible, attractive and available to all industries
Current technology transfer opportunities (1) Self-contained environment to protect and nurture seedlings in the early growth stage (arid or sub-tropical conditions) (Ref: 09 GB 44O7 3CIU ) A London SME has designed a system which remedies and prevents the effects of desertification and deforestation. The technology is also geared to acting as a fresh water conservation tool to allow for both a small but measured amount of fresh water to guarantee the survival and establishment of crop, grass, bush and tree seedlings in arid areas or on degraded soils. The company are looking for manufacturing companies and materials experts to help develop the technology and take it to market. Technologies and know-how for projects in household wastewater recycling (Ref: 08 FR 37M3 27K0 ) A French SME specialised in rainwater harvesting offers its know-how & experience for projects in household waster recycling systems. These two systems for using water from rain and household are separate and complementary, and can lead to a complete eco-friendly management solution for individual housing or collective buildings. Enterprises, technical centres and public organisations are sought for technical cooperation.
Current technology transfer opportunities (2) Automated filtration system for monitoring microbiological parameters of drinking water (Ref: 09 AT 0105 3CGZ ) A European research consortium is looking for an automated drinking water filtration system for the monitoring of microbiological parameters. The system should be able to filter automatically various kinds of micro-organisms.the main task of the partner is to develop the automated filtrations system. An agreement as supplier or licensee is possible. Water treatment preventing settlement of scale (Ref: 09 LV 58AD 2S5N ) A Latvian organisation has developed a cheap and effective method for treatment of mineralized water to prevent forming of scale in pipelines and water tanks. Cooperation partners are sought for further development and commercialisation of the technology.
Special opportunity for international cooperation ENTSORGA-ENTECO Venue: Cologne, Germany Dates: (27-30 October 2009); Three-year rotation (next event 2012!) Figures: Some 1000 exhibitors from about 30 countries; 43,000 visitors (2006) Topics: Waste management & recycling; health and safety at work & noise protection; research & organisation; local authority & environmental services; air quality control & emissions protection; technology & logistics; incineration / renewable energy; water & liquid waste Large-scale brokerage event organised by ZENIT GmbH 29 30 October 2009
Thank you for your attention! ZENIT GmbH Bismarckstrasse 28 D-45470 Mülheim an der Ruhr Tel.: ++49-208-30004-0 www.zenit.de