STEP promoted at European SME week in Budapest
From 18 to 20 November 2024, the STEP Taskforce of the European Commission presented the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform to delegates from across the EU at the 2024 annual SME week, organised in Budapest by the Hungarian Presidency of the Council with the support of the European Commission. The event gathered more than 600 participants coming from authorities and industrial networks.
During the event, the Taskforce presented STEP at the SME Envoys’ meeting. SME delegates - appointed in each EU Member State - took part, with also European associations on behalf of SMEs and institutional partners. Contacts were established to ensure that EU funding opportunities arising through STEP re-programming and the STEP Portal are effectively meeting their target: EU research, industry, and businesses.
Then, at the SME Assembly, the STEP Taskforce presented STEP during two ‘Meet the Experts’ sessions. Reallocation of EU funds by seven Member States and regions so far have been promoted with calls for proposals to be launched soon. The audience confirmed high need for clear information on available funding on the ground while their main concerns focused on complexity to access EU funding for SMEs and needed simplification.
Caroline Vandierendonck, Head of Unit, Benoît Esmanne, STEP Taskforce, European Commission- DG BUDG
STEP presented at high-level business event and to EU start-ups in Paris
On 22 November, the European Commission participated in the 6th Trilateral Business Forum co-organised by national business associations MEDEF (France), BDI (Germany) and Confindustria (Italy) in Paris.
Director in charge of Revenue and Multiannual Financial Framework Christiane Canenbley took part in a panel discussion entitled “How can we unlock the massive investments needed to drive innovation and growth?” The main points she raised focused on the innovation and simplification needs identified in the Draghi report and Letta report.
She recalled that existing instruments are already making significant investments to boost competitiveness in the EU, as InvestEU, EIC, RRF and STEP. In the future, the next long-term EU budget will need to be targeted and effective in leveraging private investments.
Later in the day, the STEP Task Force met with eight innovative EU start-ups and one equity fund, thanks to France Digitale association. The presentation of STEP was met with great interest and the companies shared their experience with EU funding. Contacts were also initiated with French Tech, a government body supporting start-ups to grow in France and abroad.
Second to the left: Christiane Canenbley, Director in charge of Revenue and Multiannual Financial Framework – DG BUDG – European Commission