1. Presentation of results from previous cluster meetings

Philippe Delaerde from the CLIP AM presented main results from the two Cluster meetings hold respectively in Pamplona, June 02 and in Brussels, October 02.

One of the tools developed was presented: the BBF (Black Box Filter tool). This tool enables a classification of all the Ips with regards to various criteria.

Main aim of SMES-IN cluster is to identify and define a strategy around the involvement of SMEs in Innovation.

Two case studies are being done within the cluster:

- facilitation with trust
- impact of virtualcompanies networks

2. Introduction of participants in the SMEs-IN cluster meeting

Each attendee gave a word on his/her IP (running and about to start), his/her expectation from the cluster/ its competences and experiences with SMEs.

The objectives of the clustering activities were mentioned so that all new coming IP in this SMEs-IN cluster are aware of the EC expectations, its contribution and the benefits from such a cluster.

3. Action plan

For the period from December 2002 to march 2003, it was decided that the cluster should work on four ideas:

- a common assessment of outcomes from Ip projects. Think about a better dissemination platform?
- identification of barriers to involvement of SMEs in innovation processes
- report on experience in overcoming barriers in getting SMEs involved
- suggestions for a "legal" accompanying support system to innovation in SMEs

The fourth point lies on of the fact that there is a discrepancy between SMEs situation and approach in/ to innovation and the theoretically approaches "designed" for SMEs: how to make the connexion?

Finally, it was decided that the cluster should on the first place focus on the third issue, namely: Experience in overcoming barriers in getting SMEs involved in innovation processes.

A committee (hereinafter IPC) was chosen to start with the work: volunteers are

- Mrs Külle Tärnov, Estonia
- Mr Markku Kahru, Finland
- Mr Pieter van Broekhuizen, Netherland
- Mr Lothar Lissner, Germany

Timing

- Dec 2002: split this general issue in several subtopics, for instance according to the different barriers identified.
- Dec 2002 - Jan 2003: CLIP will send draft report on advancement/ conclusions of cluster => IPC
- Jan 2003: IPC => CLIP experiences on SMEs involvement
- Jan - Feb 2003: CLIP analysis of inputs
- Feb 2003: CLIP => IPC: slides, reports sent out
- IPC => CLIP: comments