Specific Call for Proposals - CIP

"Services in support for business and innovation"

The aim of this call is to implement a single network providing
integrated services in support of business and innovation in Europe.
Building on the strengths and achievements of the current Euro Info
Centres and the Innovation Relay Centres, the new network aims to
enhance the competitiveness and innovation capacity of European
companies, in particular SMEs.

A. Proposal submission set

Submission set Annex 1 - Proposal part A: administrative forms:

• Host Organisation Form

• Co-Financing Form

• Estimated Budget

• Exclusion Form

• Financial Statement

Submission set Annex 2 - Proposal part B: full proposal

Submission set Annex 3 - Cooperation of entities in third countries

Submission set Annex 4 - Background information on EIC and IRC. (See also EIC and IRC websites).

Submission set Annex 5 - Guide for electronic submission

Online forms for CVs

B. Financial identification form
The
candidate's attention is drawn to the fact that this document is a
model: a specific form for each Member State is available at the
following Internet address: http://ec.europa.eu/budget/execution/ftiers_fr.htm

C. FEL form
The candidate's
attention is drawn to the fact that this document is a model: a
specific form for each Member State is available at the following
Internet address: http://ec.europa.eu/budget/execution/legal_entities_en.htm

D. Framework partnership agreement with multiple partners

Annex I - Implementation strategy and geographical coverage 1 docs

Annex II - Model specific grant agreement

Annex III - Powers of attorneys

Final date for submission: 2 April 2007, 14H00 (Brussels time)

Access to On-line Submission system: available as from 12 February 2007

Further information:

Look at our FAQs (updated on 05/01/2007) or send us your question: ENTR-CIP-CALL@ec.europa.eu

1. CONTEXT
The Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP) is established to
contribute to the competitiveness and innovative capacity of the Community with
particular attention to the needs of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). It
brings together several existing EU activities that support business and innovation.
As a major component of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (EIP),
one of the three CIP sub-programmes, the European Commission implements a
measure to provide SMEs with integrated services in support of business and
innovation. These services will be delivered through a single network to be
established through this call for proposals. Article 21 (CIP) and Annex III (CIP)
detail the overall framework under which these services shall be delivered.1
The key elements of this call concern:
– The provision of an integrated and performing network of business support
services building on the experience achieved with the currently operating
networks of 270 Euro Info Centres (EIC) and 250 Innovation Relay Centres
(IRC);
– The increase in synergies among all network partners, with the objective of
ensuring the provision of integrated services;
– Improved access and proximity for SMEs to services (‘No wrong door’ concept);
– Lighter administrative procedures;
– Professionalism and quality of services provided.
In this context, will be rejected any proposal directly or indirectly contrary to EU
policy or against public health, human rights, citizen’s security and freedom of
expression.
2. OBJECTIVES
The main objective of this call is to implement, on the basis of Article 21 (CIP), a
single network providing integrated services in support of business and innovation.
The individual objectives are to:

Increase the synergies among network partners through the provision of integrated
services;
– Maintain and continually improve the access, proximity, quality and
professionalism of the integrated services provided by the network;
– Raise awareness – in particular among SMEs – regarding Community policy
issues and the services offered by the network, including the improvement of
environmental awareness and eco-efficiency of SMEs and the Cohesion policy
and Structural funds;
– Consult businesses and obtain their opinions on Community policy options;
– Ensure that the network offers complementarities with other relevant services
providers;
– Reduce the administrative burden for all parties.
To implement these objectives, proposals will include the following services:
– Information, feedback, business co-operation and internationalisation services
(Art. 21.2 (CIP), Module a)
– Services for innovation and for the transfer of both technology and knowledge
(Art. 21.2 (CIP), Module b)
– Services encouraging the participation of SMEs in the Community framework
programme for RTD (Art. 21.2 (CIP), Module c)
To ensure services of highest quality for SMEs and to implement a single network,
the following general provisions apply for the whole network and for each network
partner:
– Implementing the ‘No wrong door’ concept;
– Excellence, proximity and professionalism of network partners.
The Commission expects that proposals from single organisations or consortia
will provide integrated services of all service modules. It is also expected that
proposals show a balance of activities between services as described in Module a
and b of Article 21.2 (CIP). Services related to Module c of Article 21.2 (CIP)
must be covered in each proposal. The priority for integrated services will be
reflected in the evaluation process and respective awarding decision.
Scheduled start date for the action: January 2008
3. BUDGET
The estimated budget available for the call is € 320 million for the period 2008-
2013. The Commission will provide a co-financing of up to 60% of eligible costs.

Indicative Budget Overview for 2007 - 2013:

For further information

European Commission
Enterprise & Industry DG
B-1049 Brussels
Belgium
Fax: +32 (0)2 298 79 50
E-mail: entr-cip@ec.europa.eu