Advantage West Midlands’ ICT Cluster has unveiled its plans to encourage region wide involvement in business opportunities and collaborative projects in Europe. Central to the ICT Cluster’s plans is a new European section of the website www.wmictcluster.org/europe which will act as an essential source of project listings and advice. It also aims to assist companies to benefit from EU funding and will provide clear guidance on support services available.

The core sections of the European section of the ICT Cluster website are updated frequently and consist of European Programme calls, tender opportunities, events and news. Additional features scheduled for the next few weeks will include regional support services; national contact points for the various programmes; and a “jargon buster” to assist those new to working in the arena of European project opportunities.  

The initiative is aimed at any organisation involved in providing technology services and products, including regional businesses involved in ICT, education, science parks, researchers and Chambers of Commerce. The website has been designed to help organisations new to this activity as well as experienced practitioners.

Mike Musson, ICT Cluster Manager comments: “There are a lot of misconceptions about European projects. The reality is that there are a number of ways that organisations in the West Midlands can benefit which are not currently being taken advantage of. For everyone involved in the ICT Cluster, participation in Europe should be part of an integrated strategy to ensure future success and growth for the West Midlands’ economy.”

The ICT Cluster is primarily focused on supporting collaborative projects funded by the European Commission. The scope of these will include: Research & Development, Knowledge and Technology Transfer, Training & Skills Development, Regional Networking Initiatives, Innovation Support and Curriculum Development. As an example Mobility Projects (Skills transfer) give SMEs the opportunity to offer a work placement to a graduate from a target European market, while academics can benefit from exchange research initiatives.

Carolyn Hall, European Advisor, ICT Cluster explains: “The ultimate goal for the ICT Cluster is to build regional success in the fulfillment, acquisition and realisation of EU projects - both as a pro-active initiator of projects and as a partner joining established consortia led from elsewhere in Europe. To successfully achieve this outcome it is important that the ICT community is not only aware of opportunities from both these perspectives but also appreciates the potential benefits of participation and the range of support services available to assist them. Here the European web service has a key role to play”.

The European facility is just one aspect of the ICT Cluster website which provides a powerful online resource for technology organisations in the region.

Resources on the site include a comprehensive business support section. There is also a list of Initiatives funded to support the ICT industry in the West Midlands including projects like Accredit UK, iCentrum and IT Futures.

The website also carries details of events the ICT Cluster runs or supports, including a significant number that are free or subsidised such as the annual ICT Conference on 10 November. The Library houses a range of resources from research projects to briefing documents on aspects of the ICT Cluster’s key initiatives.

Companies can also register on the http://www.wmictcluster.org site to subscribe to the regular newsletter for link up with potential customers, suppliers, partners and affiliates, to learn about new ICT Cluster and other regional initiatives and for news on current opportunities. 

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Notes to Editors:

About ICT Cluster 

The ICT Cluster is one of thirteen clusters established by Advantage West Midlands as part of its economic development strategy. These clusters have been chosen on the basis of their current strength in the region and their potential to create jobs and economic growth.

Advantage West Midlands is one of nine Regional Development Agencies in England whose role is to provide leadership and action to create more, better jobs and in improve the standard of living for all in the West Midlands.

The ICT Cluster will be hosting the Annual West Midlands ICT Conference and ICT Excellence Awards on 10 November 2009.

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