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Conceptual Framework for an R&D Cooperation Model in SMEs

Europe’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the largest economic factor both in terms of their frequency and with regard to employment levels. However, when measured in terms of R&D expenditure, they lag well behind large companies. SMEs either have no time for innovation or simply lack the right personnel, infrastructure and financial means. This is often compounded by a lack of contact with research partners within the innovation network or the fact that the risk of innovation is too high.We developed an R&D Cooperation Model based on a number of various R&D projects and the Stage-Gate® model by Robert Cooper. This model can be used to plan, realise and manage SME innovation projects and research partnerships between qualified research partners and SME. We show two examples as a concrete proof how the model is implemented. SME achieve various benefits from such cooperative R&D partnerships. Projects are attractive in pricing terms as the majority of the work is carried out by students, the qualified research partners are well linked to one another, and SME can call upon a one-stop shop for their R&D management. The R&D Cooperation Model is still largely a theoretical conceptual framework which needs to be validated in the form of an international, multi-sector, Europe-wide empirical study.