11/12/2006

Central Macedonia is among the five major European regions whose regional policies and funding of innovative corporate activities is being examined by the project "Development of specific regional policies through the analysis of early-stage financing opportunities for innovative start-ups and spin-offs" (SEED-REG). The project?s objective, which is co-funded by the E.U. programme INTERREG IIIC East, is to utilise knowledge produced by research foundations and boost funding instruments for the initiation and development of innovative corporate activities.

The Centre for Research & Technology Hellas (CERTH) and another five foundations from Brandenburg, Slovenia, Central Bohemia and Central and West Hungary are participating in the project. These actions, among others, include recording the current condition of innovation in European regions, exchanging information, experience and know-how, as well as carrying out a feasibility study for the creation of regional funds for the disbursement of capital and funding mechanisms for the utilisation of research results through spin-off companies.

During the project?s first year of implementation, studies were carried out regarding innovation in the regions involved; 21 good practices were evaluated, at a European level, which are related to innovative ventures during the initial stage of development. The results of this recording will result in suggestions for funding models. The project will be completed in May 2007.

More information:
Centre for Research & Technology Hellas ? CERTH
Katerina Papadopoulou
Tel: +30 2310 498206, e-mail: kpap@thestep.gr
http://seed-reg.innostart.hu

Source: CERTH