Skills for innovative SMEs
Skills for innovative SMEs supports innovative European small businesses in recruiting and training PhD-level researchers to address skills shortages and strengthen research and innovation capacity.
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Funder: European Commission
Due Dates: December 1, 2026 (Opening) | March 3, 2027 (Submission, 17:00 Brussels time)
Funding Amounts: €30 million topic budget for one expected project; downstream SME grants up to €300,000, supporting 12–24 months of researcher employment
Summary: Supports an Enterprise Europe Network scheme helping innovative SMEs recruit and train PhD-level researchers to address skills shortages.
Key Information: Only Enterprise Europe Network beneficiaries selected under SMP-COSME-2024-EEN may apply directly.
Description
This Horizon Europe Coordination and Support Action funds the organisation and management of an SME support scheme through the Enterprise Europe Network. The scheme combines transnational skills matching, recruitment assistance and innovation management services to help innovative European SMEs address labour and skills shortages. It aims to strengthen companies’ research and innovation capacity while giving PhD-level researchers experience in industrial innovation and business management.
The selected consortium will distribute lump sum grants to SMEs through financial support to third parties (FSTP), manage selection, assist international recruitment and visas, and organise networking and training. The action builds on the European SME Innovation Associate pilot and complements MSCA opportunities. It seeks equal access across EU Member States and Horizon Europe Associated Countries, with balanced coverage of strategic sectors.
