Pictured above: Michelle Connors, Karen Ison and Jay Gohil
from the Technology Networks Team
A technology project is offering free study tours and placements
in Europe to eligible West Midlands small and medium enterprises
(SMEs).
The placement is fully funded through the European Regional
Development Fund and can be designed and organised independently,
or facilitated by Coventry University. There will be an information
event in Birmingham on 8 March which will explain what
opportunities are available.
An SME and a researcher from any West Midlands University or
research centre, can travel overseas together and spend a week
investigating research partnerships, gathering information and
identifying good practice.
Two day study tours are also offered, with the next to follow in
May, looking at good practice in research for the Medical sector in
France. Other eligible sectors include digital media and ICT,
energy, transport and advanced materials.
Brian More, a researcher at Coventry University reinforced the
benefits of R&D to an SME:
"In industry that is fast changing, SMEs must continually revise
their design and range of products. Increasing their involvement
and expertise in R&D will improve performance in the global
marketplace."
Brian, who attended an automotive study tour to Sweden,
continued:
"The tour allowed West Midlands SMEs and researchers to learn
together about an area of common interest and to share their own
knowledge and expertise while visiting world class research
centres.
"The visit to Volvo was particularly interesting, with some of
us keen to go back on placement opportunities to learn more and
develop relationships."
Placements and study tours are open to those inexperienced and
experienced in R&D. The projects aim is to increase individuals
knowledge of research from countries which out-perform in these
sectors and to allow West Midlands SMEs and researchers to network
informally.
Anyone interested in finding out more about the opportunities
available should contact Nicole Barraclough by email:
nbarraclough@cad.coventry.ac.uk or call 07974 98 41 28
The free information event takes place on the morning of Tuesday
8 March at Think Tank, Millennium Point, Birmingham.
For more information about Coventry University, please visit
their website here: www.coventry.ac.uk