USEANDDIFFUSE · Support of dissemination and exploitation of results obtained in research projects realized with the participation of the SME sector

The Strategic Objective of the USEandDIFFUSE project is to enhance dissemination and exploitation of research results and facilitate the exchange of good practices. The project will focus mostly on RTD projects involving SMEs implemented under the Framework Programmes, and within key industrial sectors (ICT, Energy, Health, Environment and Agro-Food). Based on past experiences and reviews of best practices at EU level, this project will concentrate on the development and implementation of strategies aimed at reinforcing the exploitation of RTD results, as well as clustering of projects on common topics to improve interaction, joint dissemination and exploitation activities. Support of dissemination and practical exploitation of RTD results will be realized via the organization of study visits, exchange of good practices and drawing up of joint plans and strategies for the comprehensive promotion of project results. A central project component will be the creation of a practical, freely available Best Practice Manual entitled “Use & Diffuse: European Excellence”, which will deliver a close look at the most interesting cases, methods and solutions for the road-mapping of an effective strategy for the dissemination and exploitation of RTD results, as well as methodologies for realistically establishing their true market potential. Suggestions on innovative approaches, to be used in various branches of the economy will be delivered. The Guide will be widely disseminated at EU-27 level to key actors and stakeholders, in particular European Technology Platforms, clusters and SME associations. The project will count on the invaluable knowledge and experiences gathered by qualified project partners from Poland, UK, Germany, Spain, Czech Republic and Cyprus, who are all acting as facilitators between the research environment and industry (mainly SMEs).