European SME Week: 3-9 October 2011
News
SME
The European Medicines Agency supports European SME Week, which is taking place from 3 to 9 October 2011.
European SME Week promotes enterprise across Europe by supporting the work of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It is co-ordinated by the European Commission.
In 2011, the Week is:
- providing information on what the European Union and national, regional and local authorities are offering as support to micro, small and medium-sized businesses;
- promoting entrepreneurship so that more people seriously consider becoming an entrepreneur as a career option;
- giving recognition to entrepreneurs for their contribution to Europe's welfare, jobs, innovation and competitiveness.
The Agency works closely with SMEs through its SME office. The office, which was established in 2005, is dedicated to addressing the particular needs of smaller companies, in order to promote innovation and the development of new medicines for human and veterinary use by SMEs.
Companies registered as SMEs with the Agency receive a number of incentives, including reduced fees for applications to the Agency, scientific advice and inspections. The Agency also organises workshops and training sessions for SMEs and provides assistance through dedicated personnel in the SME office.
During 2011, the Agency has been reviewing the first five years of operation of its SME initiative. As part of this, it conducted a survey in March to gather feedback. The survey received around 200 responses, mostly from SMEs developing medicines for human use. The Agency is currently discussing the results of the survey with relevant stakeholders, including at a roundtable meeting today. It will publish the full results by the end of the year.