The appropriateness of current intervention policy patterns and delivery mechanisms to address the manufacturing SME needs in Europe

This research paper aims to report the first stage empirical research findings achieved in a comparative research, involving 13 end user SME partners (Small Medium-size Enterprise) and 13 R&D partners (academic institutions, consultancy, and SME support agencies) in seven European countries (i.e. Italy, UK, Turkey, Poland, Ireland and Czech Republic, Slovakia) as part of European Commission funded FP7 'FutureSME' programme. FutureSME is a collaborative platform to develop next generation systems, processes and tools to enable European manufacturing SMEs to compete and prosper globally. This paper addresses the appropriateness of the current intervention policy patterns at a national and regional level along with the delivery mechanisms used in the context of manufacturing SME needs. The findings are based on extensive research through constant consultation to partner SMEs and support agencies. The findings are validated through face-to-face meetings with 13 SMEs and SMAS (Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service). The key message delivered is that a strategic rethink of the SME sector and changing the mindsets of SME managers are required to foster next generation competitive European SMEs through a more innovative intervention process being adopted. The required intervention process should deliver sustainable benefits to support SMEs rather than one-off programs.