The H2020 SME Innovation Associate: matching SMEs up with talented researchers

Innovation in SMEs is often hampered by a lack of access to specialised skills and knowledge. At the same time, many companies find it difficult to manage innovation processes effectively and struggle to recruit specialised knowledge as they do not tend to have extensive international networks or the well-known brand names of large enterprises.

By developing the SME Associate programme, the EU aims to increase access to talent for SMEs and start-ups by encouraging mobility. The SME Associate programme is accessible to all SMEs and start-ups established in the EU Member States and countries associated to Horizon 2020. The researchers must at least hold a PhD (or equivalent), have demonstrated expertise in line with the job advertisement, and comply with the transnational mobility criteria.

The closing date for applications is 30 June 2016 and the starting date of the placements is 1 September 2017 to coincide with the academic year in most European countries. The intervening period is reserved for selecting the winning SME applicants, advertising the job vacancies and recruiting the Innovation Associates.

Find out more about the recruitment process at https://ec.europa.eu/easme/sites/easme-site/files/h2020_sme_innovation_associate_presentation_final.pdf