EUROPEAN COMMISSION Brussels, 4.6.2018 SWD(2018) 300 final COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT Accompanying the document Report from the Commission to the European parliament and the Council

COSME - Programme for the Competitiveness of Enterprises and SMEs 2014-2020

Monitoring Report 2015 {COM(2018) 388 final}

{SWD(2018) 299 final}



Contents A. Access to finance GRO/SME/15/A/N01 – Financial Instruments – Loan Guarantee Facility including the SME Initiative GRO/SME/15/A/N02 – Financial Instruments – Equity Facility for Growth GRO/SME/15/A/N03 - FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS- ACCOMPANYING ACTIONS B. Access to markets GRO/SME/15/B/N01 Enterprise Europe Network GRO/SME/15/B/N02 - YOUR EUROPE BUSINESS PORTAL GRO/SME/15/B/N03 - SME Internationalisation GRO/SME/15/B/N04 - EU-JAPAN CENTRE FOR INDUSTRIAL COOPERATION GRO/SME/15/B/N05 - INDUSTRIAL POLICY COOPERATION GRO-SME-15-B-N07 - Information Platform on Parcel Delivery Services C. Framework conditions for enterprises GRO/SME/15/C/N011 - SME POLICY (SPR, SBA, outreach) GRO/SME/15/C/N012 - SME POLICY (SPR, SBA, outreach) GRO/SME/15/C/N019 – Statistics for Family Businesses GRO/SME/15/C/N02 - EU Stakeholder Platform for Better Regulation GRO/SME/15/C/N03 - EUROPEAN COMPETITIVENESS REPORT

GRO/SME/15/C/N06 - Fourth European Forum on Social Entrepreneurship in Plovdiv (Bulgaria) GRO/SME/15/C/N07 – Cluster Excellence Programme GRO/SME/15/C/N09 - The European Resource Efficiency Excellence Centre GRO/SME/15/C/N10 - Key Enabling Technologies (KETs) GRO/SME/15/C/N11 - Design-based consumer goods GRO/SME/15/C/N12 – TOURISM GRO/SME/15/C/N131 - European Construction Observatory GRO/SME/15/C/N132 - Follow-up actions on the Communication on Sustainable Competitiveness of the Construction sector. GRO/SME/15/C/N133 - Implementation of the Action Plan “Construction 2020”- WIOD database GRO/SME/15/C/N134 - Participation of DG GROW to the 2016 Marché International des Professionnels de l’Immobilier (MIPIM) exhibition GRO/SME/15/C/N141 - BIO-BASED PRODUCT MARKETS GRO/SME/15/C/N142 - BIO-BASED PRODUCT MARKETS D. Entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial culture GRO/SME/15/D/N01 - ERASMUS FOR YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS GRO/SME/15/D/N02 - Creation of a European wide e-platform for women entrepreneurship GRO/SME/15/D/N03: Digital Entrepreneurship (awareness raising campaign) and digital transformation of enterprises Actions from Work Programme 2014 FACILITATING ACCESS TO LIGHT RPAS[1] REGULATION IPR SME Helpdesks CLUSTER INTERNATIONALISATION PROGRAMME FOR SMES

GRO/SME/14/C/N02: E-SKILLS FOR COMPETITIVENESS AND INNOVATION GRO/SME/14/C/N11 - The European Resource Efficiency Self-Assessment Tool for SMEs - ASME/COSME/2014/005, call for tender GRO/SME/14/D/N03 - DIGITAL Entrepreneurship Monitor GRO/SME/14/D/N05 - Entrepreneurship Education (Pan-European Entrepreneurial Learning Initiative) Support Measures GRO/SME/15/F/114 - Studies on Smart Grids: Smart Grids Lighthouse Projects (Lot 1) GRO/SME/15/F/S115 – Membership fee International Rubber Study Group (SM 2015) GRO/SME/15/F/117 - Studies on Smart Grids: Barriers and Opportunities for Deployment (Lot 2) GRO/SME/15/F/S119 - Composition and drivers of energy prices and costs: Case studies in selected energy intensive industries" GRO/SME/15/F/S120 - Supporting study for the fitness check for the construction sector – second phase on EU environment and occupational health & safety legislation GRO/SME/15/F/S121 - Study international comparison of cumulative costs for the chemicals industry and their impact on competitiveness GRO/SME/15/F/S122 - Competitiveness and climate change, environment, energy and transport policies – EU competitiveness and the 2030 framework: An industry perspective [ENT/SME/14/F/S108, GRO/SME/15/F/S122 and GRO/SME/16/F/S109] GRO/SME/15/F/S123 - Cumulative Costs Assessment of the European Glass and Ceramics industries GRO/SME/15/F/S124 - Study on the review of the list of Critical Raw Materials for 2016 (3rd revision) GRO/SME/15/F/S212 – Side event on EU Food SMEs at EXPO Milano 2015: Feeding the Planet GRO/SME/15/F/S213 – Regional integration workshops in the area of defence GRO/SME/15/F/S214 - Raw Materials Diplomacy Events (RMDE) GRO/SME/15/F/S215 - Follow-up to the HL Forum for a Better Functioning Food Supply Chain GRO/SME/15/F/S217 - Activities related to the work of the Expert Group for Bio-based Products GRO/SME/15/F/S218 – International BIO Convention

GRO/SME/15/F/S219 – Industrial Policy Initiative for the pharmaceutical industry GRO/SME/15/F/S224 - Conference on construction with the Latvian presidency GRO/SME/15/S226 - EBO - European Business Organisations GRO/SME/15/F/S228 - Workshop on the cumulative impact of EU regulations in the chemicals industry GRO/SME/15/F/S229 - High-level Conference on Sustainable and Clean Industries GRO/SME/15/F/S230 - Conference on Social Economy and Social Enterprises under the LU Presidency. GRO/SME/15/F/S234 - European Smart and Living City Conference 2015 Administrative Expenditures GRO/SME/15/F/S015 - Corporate communication campaign on COSME benefits for SMEs



A. Access to finance The first specific objective of COSME, is “to improve access to finance for SMEs in the form of equity and debt” as described in Article 8 of the COSME Regulation. Specific provisions for the financial instruments are provided for in Article 16 – 19, with the Equity Facility for Growth covered by Article 18 and the Loan Guarantee Facility by Article 19. In 2015, there were up to three actions to be financed under this specific objective with a budget of around EUR 162.9 million. GRO/SME/15/A/N01 – Financial Instruments – Loan Guarantee Facility including the SME Initiative 1. Description Of Implemented Measure The Loan Guarantee Facility (LGF) under COSME is the successor of the SME Guarantee Facility established under the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme - CIP (2007 - 2013). In line with the Europe 2020 strategy, the overall policy objective of the COSME Financial Instruments is to improve access to finance for SMEs in the form of equity and debt. Under the LGF, this will be achieved by incentivising financial intermediaries to provide financing to those SMEs which the financial intermediary would under its normal business practices not finance due to the higher risks involved, thereby providing financing to SMEs who otherwise would not be able to obtain financing. The LGF provides:

ocounter-guarantees and other risk sharing arrangements for guarantee schemes; odirect guarantees and other risk sharing arrangements for any other financial intermediaries meeting the eligibility criteria. The LGF consists of: ocapped guarantees for debt financing covering any type of loans, including subordinated and participating loans, bank guarantees, leasing transactions and working capital financing; osecuritisation of SME debt finance portfolios, providing guarantee coverage on a part of the mezzanine tranche of a securitised SME lending portfolio coupled with an undertaking by the originating institutions to build up a new SME loan portfolio. The LGF covers, except for loans in the securitised portfolio, loans up to EUR 150 000 and with a minimum maturity of 12 months. The LGF may also cover loans above EUR 150 000 in cases where SMEs would not meet the innovation criteria specified under the SME window in the Debt Facility of the Horizon 2020 programme (the InnovFin SME Guarantee Facility). Implementation arrangements The LGF is implemented by the EIF on behalf of the Commission, as part of the single EU debt financial instrument for EU enterprises’ growth and research and innovation (R&I), together with the InnovFin SME Guarantee Facility set up under the Horizon 2020 programme. The Delegation Agreement signed with the EIF ensures that the LGF is accessible for a broad range of financial intermediaries (guarantee societies, national promotional institutes, commercial banks, cooperatives, etc.) which are experienced in financial transactions with SMEs or which have the capacity to enter into financial transactions with SMEs. Target final recipients under the capped portfolio guarantees and the securitisation transactions are SMEs without a specific sector focus. The guarantee instrument is planned to last until 31 December 2034 (until last operations are wound down). Individual guarantee agreements to be signed by the entrusted entity will have a maximum duration of 10 years. The LGF is demand-driven meaning that the allocation of funding takes place based on the demand expressed by financial intermediaries also taking into account the need for a broad geographical distribution (e.g. through incentives to be provided from the Commission to the entrusted entity). The EIF is responsible for evaluating and selecting the financial intermediaries by applying selection criteria and processes set out in the Delegation Agreement. The related open call for expression of interest for financial intermediaries published by the EIF is available at http://www.eif.org/what_we_do/guarantees/single_eu_debt_instrument/cosme-loan-facility-growth/index.htm Relationship with Horizon 2020 The LGF is part of the single EU debt financial instrument for EU enterprises’ growth and research and innovation (R&I), together with the InnovFin SME Guarantee facility set up under the Horizon 2020 programme. The InnovFin SME Guarantee facility, which is also entrusted to the EIF for implementation, provides financing to SMEs and small midcaps with significant research, development and innovation (RDI) potential or investments in RDI activities, both with significant technological and financial risk provided that these are eligible under the innovation criteria as set out in the open call for expression of interest published for this facility. Financial intermediaries are free to apply either for one or both facilities under COSME and Horizon 2020 in line with their business objectives and possibilities to reach the potential target group of the different facilities. LGF contribution to the EU SME Initiative The LGF may also contribute to the financial instruments deployed under the SME Initiative, a joint instrument combining EU funds available under COSME LGF and/or the InnovFin SME Guarantee facility under Horizon 2020 and ESIF resources in cooperation with EIF/EIF with a view to generate additional lending to SMEs in specific Member States. This contribution may take the form of uncapped portfolio guarantees or securitisation operations and cover the mezzanine tranche of the portfolio. The SME Initiative is conceived as an anti-crisis measure with budget commitments over 3 years (2014-2016). 3. Results And Impact in 2015-2016 A first amendment to the Delegation Agreement was signed in January 2015 allowing for the implementation of the SME Initiative Uncapped Guarantee Instrument under COSME.

As the resources available under the LGF in 2015 were not sufficient to satisfy market demand (i.e. total of applications received from Financial Intermediaries by the EIF) for the financing of SMEs, a second amendment of the Delegation Agreement was signed in July 2015, allowing for the combination of LGF resources with additional risk-bearing capacity under the European Fund for Strategic Investment (EFSI) so as to avoid disruption of the successful rollout of the LGF. The objective of the so-called LGF Enhancement is to bring forward in time the signature under the LGF of direct and indirect guarantee operations in the Member States. By the end of 2015, 27 guarantee agreements have been signed with 26 financial intermediaries located in 17 countries (16 Member States and 1 participating third country), as further detailed in the graph below. Graph: Geographical distribution of LGF committed budget allocation in participating countries It is expected that under these agreements, more than EUR 7 068 million of financing will be provided to around 110 000 SMEs over the whole availability period of these agreements. As of 31 December 2015, the LGF already provided around EUR 1 292 million of financing to more than 51 000 SMEs, out of which almost EUR 347 million of financing were provided to more than 9 300 SMEs thanks to the support from the EFSI risk-bearing capacity. This shows that the LGF, by providing financing to riskier SMEs that otherwise would not have had access to such financing, has an important impact on the real economy in the EU and other participating countries of the COSME programme. Furthermore, the combination of resources with EFSI allows addressing sub-optimal financing situations in the Member States at a much faster pace than would have been possible under LGF on its own, significantly speeding up the much needed financing of the economy. At the end of 2015, actual financing was already provided to SMEs in 13 countries, as set out in more details in the graph below. Graph: Geographical distribution of SMEs (by number of SMEs having received financing) More than 93% of the SMEs having received financing have less than 10 employees, which illustrates that the LGF effectively targets SMEs having more difficulties to get access to the financing they need. As regards loan sizes, only 0.5% of all SME transactions signed by the end of 2015 are above the threshold of EUR 150,000 (276 transactions out of an overall number of 53 433 transactions signed), representing less than 9% of the overall amount of financing made available to SMEs. SME Initiative: In the course of 2015 two Member States signed up, namely Spain and Malta. As both decided to pool resources with Horizon 2020 in order to focus on the financing of innovative SMEs and small midcaps, there was no LGF contribution to the SME Initiative in 2015. SME Guarantee Facility:

The SME Guarantee Facility (SMEG) under CIP, the predecessor of the LGF, continues to support SMEs as for some of the operations signed under SMEG, the availability period is still open, meaning that financial intermediaries can still include new SME loans or leases in the guaranteed portfolio. In 2015, an additional 13 680 SMEs received almost EUR 1.4 billion of financing supported by SMEG. Since its start, the SMEG has supported the provision of almost EUR 21 billion of financing to more than 381 000 SMEs. 4. OUTLOOK: What remains to be done after 2015/2016? Due to the fact that the availability period under a guarantee agreement typically ranges between two and three years, financial intermediaries who have successfully rolled out new higher risk lending products under the LGF (e.g. dedicated start-up loans) will most probably apply for successor guarantees with the EIF. It is therefore expected that the very strong market demand, as evidenced by the pipeline reports received from the EIF early 2016, will continue in the following years. It is currently foreseen that the LGF will continue to be frontloaded through EFSI until the end of 2017. It is however important to investigate additional ways of financing the LGF, both under COSME and EFSI budget, in order to help those SMEs which without the COSME support would not be able to get the financing they need. SME Initiative: Additional Member States, such as Bulgaria, Romania, Italy, Finland and potentially Greece, expressed interest to participate in the SME Initiative. Bulgaria, Romania and Finland opted for a combination of resources with Horizon 2020, under the uncapped guarantee option. Italy opted for a combination of resources with COSME under the securitisation option. The specific call for expression of interest published by the EIF is open until 30 September 2017 and available at: http://www.eif.org/what_we_do/guarantees/sme_initiative/smei_italy/index.htm . 5. Implementation Calendar The call for expression of interest is open until 30 September 2020. New agreements with financial intermediaries can be signed until 30 June 2021. 6. Financial Implementation Budget available as per revised 2015 work programme: EUR 135 043 088 Budget finally committed: EUR 148 505 599 (remaining within the 20% flexibility provided for in the COSME work programme) The increase of EUR 13 462 511 of the LGF committed amount is mainly the result of the global transfer exercise, with EUR 7.8 million transferred from budget line 02.0303 (European Chemicals Agency – Chemicals Legislation) and EUR 1 million from budget line 26.0201 (Procedures for awarding and advertising public supply, works and service contract). An additional EUR 3 million was reallocated from budget line 02.0201. 7. Indicators For the 24 operations signed with financial intermediaries in 2015, the volume of financing which is expected to be made available to SMEs amounts to more than EUR 6 200 million, with an expected number of around 95 000 SMEs benefitting from financing.

On an aggregate basis, as of 31 December 2015, the LGF already contributed to provide around EUR 1 292 million of financing to more than 51 000 SMEs. Based on the aggregate 2014/2015 budgetary commitments for the LGF (EUR 237.6 million), the expected leverage for the operations signed until the end of 2015 is almost 1 to 30. Based on the amount of financing already provided by financial intermediaries to eligible final recipients at the end of 2015, the leverage achieved at this stage amounts to 1 to 5. This leverage will significantly increase over the next two years as additional financing will be made available to SMEs under the guarantee agreements in place. 8. Beneficiaries/Contractors In line with Article 58.5 of the Financial Regulation, the EIF ensures appropriate annual ex post publication of information on recipients. For the LGF, this information is available on http://www.eif.org/what_we_do/guarantees/single_eu_debt_instrument/cosme-loan-facility-growth/index.htm Recipients (financial intermediaries) as of 31/12/2015: see table below Country Financial Intermediary Address Type of support Budgetary allocation Agreements signed in 2014 Germany LfA Förderbank Bayern on behalf of other Landesbanken Königinstraße 17 80539 Munich Portfolio Guarantee EUR 3,825,000 Spain Nuevo MicroBank S.A.U. Juan Gris 10-18 planta 10, Torre Centro Complejo Torres Cerda 8014 Barcelona Portfolio Guarantee EUR 35,750,000 United Kingdom EZBOB Ltd (ex Orange Money Ltd) The Grove, 248a Marylebone Road, NW1 6JZ London Portfolio Guarantee GBP 2,200,000 Agreements signed in 2015 Austria Austria Wirtschaftsservice GmbH Ungargasse 37, 1030 Vienna Portfolio Counter-guarantee EUR 7,310,000 Belgium Flemish Participation Fund Oude Graanmarkt 63, 1000 Brussels Portfolio Guarantee EUR 3,400,000 Belgium Sowalfin 13 Avenue Maurice Destenay, 4000 Liege Portfolio Counter-guarantee EUR 3,675,000 Bulgaria CIBank 1 Tsar Boris III blvd, 1612 Sofia Portfolio Guarantee BGN 8,000,000 Czech Republic CMZRB Jeruzalémská 964/4, 110 00 Prague Portfolio Counter-guarantee CZK 155,000,000 Denmark The Danish Growth Fund (Vaekstfonden) Langelinie Allé 19, 2100 Copenhagen Portfolio Counter-guarantee DKK 27,000,000 Estonia KREDEX - Credit and Export Guarantee Fund Hobujaama 4, 10151 Tallinn Portfolio Counter-guarantee EUR 4,500,000 France BPCE S.A. (Representing the "SOCAMA") 50 Avenue Pierre Mendes-France, 75201 Paris Cedex 13 Portfolio Counter-guarantee EUR 31,500,000 France France Active Garantie 120/122 Rue Réaumur, 75002 Paris Portfolio Counter-guarantee EUR 8,250,000 France GE Capital Equipement Finance 18 rue Hoche, Tour Facto, 92988 Paris Portfolio Guarantee EUR 11,440,000 Germany Buergschaftsbank Northrhine-Westphalia Hellersbergstraße 18, 41460 Neuss Portfolio Counter-guarantee EUR 18,000,000 Germany KfW (Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau) Palmengartenstrasse 5-9, 60325 Frankfurt Portfolio Guarantee EUR 76,800,000 Hungary K&H Bank Lechner Ödön fasor 9, 1095 Budapest Portfolio Guarantee HUF 750,000,000 Italy Cassa Depositi e Prestiti Via Goito 4, 00185 Rome Portfolio Counter-guarantee EUR 6,000,000 Italy Credito Emiliano S.p.A. Via Emilia San Pietro 4, 42121 Reggio Emilia Portfolio Guarantee EUR 13,750,000 Montenegro Crnogorska Komercijalna Banka AD Moskovska bb, 81000 Podgorica Portfolio Guarantee EUR 1,125,000 Netherlands Qredits Wierdensestraat 27, 7607 GE Almelo Portfolio Guarantee EUR 1,625,000 Poland Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (BGK) Al. Jerozolimskie 7, 00-955 Warszawa Portfolio Counter-guarantee PLN 36,000,000 Poland Idea Bank Przyokopowa 33 Street, 01-208 Warsaw Portfolio Guarantee PLN 19,250,000 Poland Raiffeisen-Leasing Polska S.A. ul. Prosta 51 Portfolio Guarantee PLN 13,520,000 Romania Libra Internet Bank S.A. 4-6 Semilunei Street, Sector 2, Bucharest Portfolio Guarantee RON 13,200,000 Slovenia Slovene Enterprise Fund Trubarjeva 11, 2000 Maribor Portfolio Counter-guarantee EUR 8,100,000 United Kingdom Iwoca 39-45 Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 6LA London Portfolio Guarantee GBP 1,000,000 GRO/SME/15/A/N02 – Financial Instruments – Equity Facility for Growth 1. Description Of Implemented Measure The Equity Facility for Growth (EFG) is one of the successor instruments of the High Growth and Innovative SME Facility (GIF) established under the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme - CIP (2007 - 2013). It succeeds the GIF2 window set up under GIF to cover expansion stage investments into SMEs. In line with the Europe 2020 strategy, the overall policy objective of the COSME Financial Instruments is to improve access to finance for SMEs in the form of equity and debt. More specifically, the EFG provides enhanced access to risk capital for which significant market gaps exist in Europe and supports the development of a pan-European risk capital market. The later will be achieved by focusing predominantly on those risk capital funds which invest cross-border. Through the EFG risk capital funds can be supported which invest into SMEs at the growth stage, predominantly on a cross-border basis, or which help portfolio companies to grow beyond their national markets with a view to supporting the development of a self-sustainable pan-European risk capital market. The characteristics of the EFG are: ·The entrusted entity shall make direct investments in intermediary risk capital funds providing investments for SMEs typically in their expansion and growth stage. These risk capital funds shall provide equity and mezzanine finance, such as subordinated or participating loans;

·Investments shall be long-term, normally involving 5 to 15 year positions, whereby the life of an investment shall not exceed 20 years; ·Investments may also be made into risk capital funds investing at the seed, start-up and early stage in conjunction with the early-stage Equity Facility for R&I (Research and Innovation) under Horizon 2020 whereby the investment from EFG shall not exceed 20% of the total EU investment; ·In the case of multi-stage funds, the COSME EFG and the Horizon 2020 early-stage Equity Facility for R&I will contribute pro rata to the funding of the risk capital funds based on the fund’s investment policy. Implementation arrangements The implementation of the EFG is entrusted to the European Investment Fund (EIF). The Delegation Agreement signed with the EIF ensures that the EFG is accessible for a broad range of financial intermediaries provided that these are professionally and independently managed and that the funds are located in one of COSME participating countries. They must display the capacity to successfully support SMEs in their growth and expansion phase (to be verified by the EIF during the due diligence phase). From a technical point of view, the EIF is instructed to invest on a pari-passu basis with other private and public investors. Target final recipients are SMEs in their growth and expansion stage without a specific sector focus. The equity instrument is planned to last until 31 December 2034 (until last operations are wound down). The EFG is demand-driven, meaning that the allocation of funding will take place based on the demand expressed by financial intermediaries also taking into account the need for a broad geographical distribution (e.g. through fee incentives which the Commission has provided to the entrusted entity). The EIF is responsible for evaluating and selecting the financial intermediaries by applying selection criteria and processes set out in the Delegation Agreement. The related continuous open call for expression of interest for financial intermediaries published by the EIF is available at http://www.eif.org/what_we_do/equity/single_eu_equity_instrument/cosme_efg/index.htm Relationship with Horizon 2020 The EFG is part of the single EU equity financial instrument for EU enterprises’ growth and research and innovation (R&I), together with the Horizon 2020 early-stage equity facility (the ‘InnovFin SME Venture Capital’ facility). The InnovFin SME Venture Capital facility will focus on risk capital funds investing in seed, start-up and early-stage SMEs and small midcaps that are RDI-driven. Financial intermediaries are free to apply either for one of the two facilities under COSME and Horizon 2020 or for both in line with the fund’s investment policy. The InnovFin SME Venture Capital facility succeeds the GIF1 equity facility under the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme. 3. Results And Impact in 2015-2016 Five commitments have been signed by EIF in 2015 under the EFG for the establishment of funds focusing mainly on investments in Italy, France, the Netherlands, Greece and Germany, but being also open to cross-border investments. The expected volume of investments into eligible final recipients amounts to almost EUR 395 million and is expected to provide risk capital to around 53 SMEs. Out of the five operations signed in 2015, two relate to Growth and Expansion Stage funds and three to Multi-Stage funds, in combination with the InnovFin Equity Facility for Early Stage set up under Horizon 2020. At the end of 2015, two of these operations have been unconditionally closed and the respective fund agreement with all investors have been signed. Three further signatures have occurred on a conditional basis, meaning that the EIF committed to invest in these funds provided that the fund managers are able to attract sufficient additional funding commitments from other private and public investors to reach a minimum fund size. In 2015, the GIF (High Growth and Innovative SME Facility) instrument also continued to provide risk capital to SMEs, with equity investments into 68 additional SMEs. Since its start, the GIF has mobilised more than EUR 3.1 billion of equity finance to more than 500 SMEs. This number will continue to rise over the next years as the 5-year investment period is still ongoing for several funds. 4. OUTLOOK: What remains to be done after 2015/2016? According to relevant stakeholders, there is a significant shortage for risk capital investments in the market and lack of equity finance in Europe is a recognised key bottleneck to the provision of further overall SME funding and growth. This is also confirmed by the latest European Small Business Finance Outlook which indicates that despite recent generally positive developments, private equity and venture capital investment and fundraising activity continues to be far below pre-crisis years (2008/2009) level. In this context, EU equity instruments such as the EFG have an important role to play in supporting SMEs and addressing market gaps or sub-optimal market situations, especially with respect to the ‘access to finance’ issue for early-stage enterprises, including in their expansion and growth phase. Based on the pipeline report received early 2016, it is expected that the 2014-2016 aggregate budgetary commitments (net of fees) will be fully used for commitments to EFG operations. It has to be highlighted that, in the case of conditional closings, despite the EIF making a firm commitment of wanting to invest into a fund it may be that fund managers fail to raise the required additional private and public funding to reach the first closing of a fund.

Investments into SMEs under the fund agreements signed towards the end of 2015 started to take place at the beginning of 2016. No single investment has been made into an eligible final recipient in the course of 2015. 5. Implementation Calendar The call for expression of interest is open until 30 September 2020. New agreements with financial intermediaries can be signed until 31 December 2021. 6. Financial Implementation Budget available as per revised 2015 work programme: EUR 50 750 000 Budget finally committed: EUR 50 750 000 7. Indicators For the five operations committed to financial intermediaries in 2015, the maximum investment volume available to SMEs amounts to almost EUR 395 million. It is expected that around 53 SMEs will benefit from these investments. Based on the cumulative 2014-2015 budgetary commitments for the EFG (i.e. EUR 102,4 million), the expected leverage for the operations signed in 2015 is 3,85. However, as the first operations have been signed towards the end of 2015, no achieved leverage effect can be computed for 2015. 8. Beneficiaries/Contractors In line with Article 58.5 of the Financial Regulation, the EIF ensures appropriate annual ex post publication of information on recipients. For the EFG, this information is available on http://www.eif.org/what_we_do/equity/single_eu_equity_instrument/cosme_efg/index.htm Recipients (financial intermediaries) as of 31/12/2015: see table below Financial Intermediary Country of establishment of the fund Geographical focus for investments into eligible final recipients Fund stage Budgetary allocation from EFG Agreements signed in 2015 Caphorn 2, FPCI France France, Multi-country Multi-stage EUR 14,250,000 Diorama Investments SICAR Luxembourg Greece Growth & Expansion stage EUR 19,000,000 EMH Digital Growth Fund GmbH &Co KG Germany Germany, Multi-country Growth & Expansion stage EUR 9,500,000 Panakes Fund I Italy Italy, Multi-country Multi-stage EUR 6,175,000 SET Fund II Netherlands Netherlands, Multi-country Multi-stage EUR 6,650,000 GRO/SME/15/A/N03 - FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS- ACCOMPANYING ACTIONS

2. Description Of Implemented Measure 1. Survey on SMEs’ access to finance Timely information on the financial situation of SMEs is necessary for evidence based policymaking. Taking into account our obligation to limit the burden that data collection places on SMEs, the Commission and the European Central Bank (ECB) designed a joint survey on the financial situation of SMEs. The Commission waves (the survey that is co-financed by ECB and Commission) is conducted once a year. The survey provides comparable results across EU Member States and other participating countries. Previous Commission waves of the survey were conducted in 2009, 2011, 2013 and 2014. The objectives are - To address a substantial lack of available information on the financial situation of SMEs especially with respect to timely information, - To increase availability and quality of data on SMEs access to finance for policy-making purposes, particularly concerning the start-up and growth of SMEs, - To limit the statistical burden imposed on enterprises by the data collection requirements imposed by the Commission and the ECB and by conducting only one comprehensive survey, - To allow both institutions to fulfil their individual data collection task in a very cost-efficient manner by sharing. 2. Disseminating information to SMEs about access to EU sources of financing The Access to Finance multilingual web portal ( www.access2finance.eu ), to be accessed through Your Business Europe, is a single information point for SMEs looking for EU financing in EU Member States and beyond. It provides regularly updated contact details of around 1,300 intermediaries, covering all financial instruments for more than €120 billion over a seven year period. In line with the objective of providing easy access to reliable information on EU sources of SME financing, the Commission continued in 2015 updating and promoting the single web portal on EU finance. 3. Workshops Workshops with SMEs, banks and other financial institutions are organised to monitor the market situation and to facilitate SMEs’ access to finance. These workshops take place on an ad-hoc basis depending on interest/needs expressed by stakeholders, SME financing trends and political priorities. The objectives of such workshops are: - To bring together all stakeholders (SME representatives, banks and other organizations), - To improve policies on financing innovation and SMEs,

- To follow, discuss and make proposals concerning SME financing in the European Union, - To monitor the SME financing environment, exchange good practices and communicate about European Union actions. 3. Results And Impact in 2015-2016 1. Survey on SMEs’ access to finance The 2015 survey on the access to finance of enterprises (SAFE) provides information on the financial situation, financing needs, access to financing and expectations of SMEs in the six preceding months and comprises a sample of 18,000 firms across 33 countries. At EU level, access to finance was the most important concern of 10% SMEs in 2015. Bank loans remain the relevant form of external financing for 50% of EU SMEs. Between April 2015 and September 2015, 28% of EU SMEs actually applied for a bank loan. 6% did not apply because of fear of rejection. Out of those who applied, 8% of EU SMEs bank loan applications were rejected. In addition to the problem of loan applications being rejected, 12% of successfully applying companies received less than they applied for and 2% declined the loan offer from the bank because they found the cost unacceptable. It means that in total 21% of the EU SMEs surveyed did not manage to get the full bank loan financing they had planned for during 2015. The results are published on the website and could be used by interested parties, including Member States, analysts, academia ( http://ec.europa.eu/growth/access-to-finance/data-surveys/index_en.htm ). 2. Disseminating information to SMEs about access to EU sources of financing In 2015 the website was extended to include financial instruments under the new EU programmes 2014-2020: COSME, EaSI, InnovFin (Horizon 2020), Life and the EU Investment Plan (EFSI). The website was also updated on new financial instruments supported by European Structural and Investment Funds. During 2015-2016, the Access to Finance website was updated and extended to provide simple information how to access financial instruments from 12 different EU programmes in 39 countries. The website also provides specific information on EU financial instruments with a cleantech investment focus for climate-change objectives. 3. Workshops The topics in 2015 were Supply Chain Finance, the European Small and Mid-cap awards jury panel meeting and a venture capital expert meeting. As Supply Chain Finance (SCF) is one area where the financing potential seems not be fully utilised, a workshop with industry experts was organised in order to map available SCF practices for SMEs. The key conclusions of the workshop were as follows: 1)Continue work on e-invoicing at European level. More companies need to be brought onto platforms. Swift uploading and approval of invoices on platforms is key to success. Automation (e.g. third parties to have access to see status of invoice) and ease of trading invoices are crucial elements on such a platform. 2)Successful SCF initiatives should be looked at more closely such as those from the Netherlands and UK. 3)A transparent system for the registration of collateral in these transactions is necessary to avoid double assignment. Law of assignments is especially complex if it is cross-border. Certain aspects of national insolvency laws and the ban of assignments are problematic for SCF.

4)Information campaign: spread knowledge about SCF to SMEs. Could be done through various mean such as the Enterprise Europe Network or SME Envoys. 5)Develop electronic signature laws. 6)Short tenor ABS to be given a more favourable regulatory treatment via lower regulatory capital requirements (CRR/Basel III). The results of the workshop fed in particular into the Capital Markets Union (CMU) Action Plan where bankruptcy proceedings were identified as an action to deal with in the near future at European level. The Commission will propose a legislative initiative on business insolvency, including early restructuring and second chance, drawing on the experience of the 2014 Recommendation. The initiative will seek to address the most important barriers to the free flow of capital, building on national regimes that work well. As regards venture capital, following up to a 2014 request by most of the European SME Envoys, which called for the establishment of a temporary technical group of national experts on Venture Capital financing, in early 2015 a questionnaire has been sent to national experts in the field (nominated by national SME Envoys) to gather feedback on various issues related to development of venture capital financing in Europe. The follow up analysis of such responses identified a number of issues. A working group meeting has thus been organised in October 2015 to discuss such issues with national experts, with the aim of sharing good practices among Member States' representatives on various policy measures which could be implemented to encourage the development of a well-functioning risk capital market. The following topics have been identified and discussed: ·Tax incentives policies by Member States This session investigated what tax incentives policies Member States are considering or have been implemented to support equity financing, in particular for innovative companies and start-ups. ·Member States interventions to develop larger venture capital markets This session aimed at analysing specific policies, legislative initiatives or public financing programmes in the area of venture capital financing that Member States are currently considering or that have put in place. ·Financial literacy programmes developed by Member States. This session investigated which programmes have been recently developed in member States to improve SMEs' financial literacy on the availability of alternative sources of finance and the effectiveness of such programmes. Mr. Pieter Waasdorp, the SME Envoy for the Netherlands, rapporteur for 'Access to Finance', reported about these conclusions at the plenary of the SME Envoys Meeting of April 1st 2016 in Amsterdam. 4. OUTLOOK: What remains to be done after 2015/2016? 1. Survey on SMEs’ access to finance The EC continues the survey on SMEs' access to finance on an annual basis, with results of the 2016 survey published in November 2016 and 2017 wave under preparation. 2. Disseminating information to SMEs about access to EU sources of financing The EU will continue to roll-out new EU financial instruments throughout Europe and seek new agreements with local financial institutions. The Commission hence needs to continue to update and promote the Access to Finance website. 3. Workshops In 2017 a follow-up workshop on Supply Chain Finance may be called to discuss the latest developments in the field – both in the supply chain finance sector and relevant legislation at European and national level. Upon request of a follow up by the SME Envoys, further venture capital market analysis could be conducted. 5. Implementation Calendar

1. Survey on SMEs’ access to finance The 2015 survey round specific contract was signed on 22/09/2015. The SAFE survey was published on 2/12/2015. 2. Disseminating information to SMEs about access to EU sources of financing The specific contract was signed on 14/11/2014. The final report was received on 27/11/2015. 3. Workshops The Supply Chain Finance workshop took place on 26/5/2015. The European Small and Mid-cap awards jury panel meeting took place on 14/7/2015. The venture capital workshop took place on 1/10/2015. 6. Financial Implementation Budget available as per revised 2015 work programme: EUR 1 280 000 Budget finally committed: EUR 778 208,26 as detailed below: Title Implementation mode Committed amounts 1. Survey on SMEs access to finance Specific contract under a framework contract EUR 581.792,42 2. Disseminating information to SMEs about access to EU sources of financing Specific contract under a framework contract EUR 159.415,84 3. Workshops Specific contract under a framework contract and expert reimbursements EUR 37.000 EUR 498 602 were reallocated from action GRO/SME/15/A/N03 to action GRO/SME/15/A/N01 (Loan Guarantee Facility). 7. Indicators 1. Survey on SMEs’ access to finance

- Timely carry-out of the survey: All the milestones and final report were delivered on time as agreed with the contractor in the specific contract. Fieldwork started in September and final report was published on 2 December – delivering very timely, up-to-date results. - Level of dissemination of results in media: The results were published on the website and promoted through the social media channels of DG GROW. Infographic was produced to facilitate the dissemination of the result to the general public. The results were then also commentated in the press articles. - Geographical and thematic coverage of the survey: The survey covered all EU countries and additional countries participating in COSME. All aspects of the SME access to finance were covered by the survey. 2. Disseminating information to SMEs about access to EU sources of financing During 2015 the number of monthly page views was increased by 50% to 150 000. 3. Workshops Positive feedback has been received from participants on quality, relevance and added value of workshops. 8. Beneficiaries/Contractors 1. Survey on SMEs’ access to finance A framework contract for the performance of surveys on the access to finance of SMEs was signed by the ECB also on behalf of the European Commission with Panteia B.V. (the Netherlands) on 8 May 2014 for a total duration of 4 years. 2. Disseminating information to SMEs about access to EU sources of financing A specific contract under a framework contract with reopening of competition was signed with Media Consulta on 14/11/2014 for updating and promoting the Access to Finance multilingual web portal in 2015.



B. Access to markets The second specific objective of COSME is “to improve access to markets, particularly inside the Union but also at global level” described in Article 9 of the COSME Regulation. Specific provisions for the Enterprise Europe Network are provided in Article 10. In 2015, there were up to 6 actions financed under this specific objective with a budget of more than EUR57 million.

GRO/SME/15/B/N01 Enterprise Europe Network 1. Description Of Implemented Measure The objective of the Enterprise Europe Network is to ensure the support of business and innovation – in particular for SMEs – by offering information, feedback and business cooperation services, innovation, technology and knowledge transfer services as well as services encouraging the participation of SMEs in the Community framework programmes for R&D. Two measures were implemented in 2015 where the first measure relates to the activities and further development of the Enterprise Europe Network. The second measure relates to the activities put in place to organise the Annual Conference and to animate the Network. It includes services needed to operate the IT tools and to organize trainings, working groups, meetings, communication activities and services to the Network partners. The operational objectives of the Enterprise Europe Network are: (1) help enterprises finding partners outside their own country to develop their business, increase their export and knowledge on other markets, and improve their technology and innovation level; (2) provide services encouraging the participation of SMEs in the Community Framework Programme for RTD and promote EU policies and SMEs access to EU programmes and financial instruments; (3) develop Network recognition and awareness locally; ensure that the Network and its services are known by SMEs in the geographical areas covered; (4) develop an integrated service range, where services towards business development are balanced with services towards technology and knowledge transfer, and synergies among network partners are increased; (5) guide SMEs towards the most appropriate service provider; implement the “no wrong door” concept and build synergies with other relevant service providers within the Network as well as in the region, to offer complementary services; (6) continuously increase the quality and effectiveness of the integrated services provided by the Network; (7) contribute to the SMEs Feedback function by consulting businesses and obtaining their opinion on Community policy options; (8) build an efficient management system in reducing the administrative burden for all parties, for planning, reporting and monitoring. 2. Results And Impact in 2015-2016 The year 2015 has been the first year of the Network in the COSME period with 527 participating organisations from 90 consortia covering all regions of the EU and 8 COSME participating countries, including Serbia and Armenia who joined the Network early 2016. Framework partnership agreements were put in place and specific grants agreements for the first operational period 2015-2016 were signed. The average EU contribution to the eligible costs of Network partners is about 53%. Additionally, there were 30 cooperation agreements signed for Business Cooperation Centres in 29 third countries. They focus their activities on partnership services and have to finance their activities by their own resources. (please refer to een.ec.europa.eu for the current list of partners). Additionally, conditional terms for Associated Membership were signed with 13 organisations. An inception survey was carried after 6 months of operation which showed that over 90% of the activities started activities as planned or with minor deviations. A smooth integration of new partners was reported by 92% of the consortia concerned and 55% reported notable major successes in the first six months of Network activity. A new monitoring and reporting strategy was introduced in 2015 to implementing a renewed focus on quality, efficiency and impact of Network activities. The goal is to foster results-oriented Network activities achieving high numbers of quality outcomes which have the potential to generate a noticeable impact on SME's businesses. The aim is to improve both the quantity and the quality achieved with the resources invested, to reach a higher impact. A questionnaire which monitors the implementation of the Code of Conduct by Network partners was launched. Feedback is being used to simplify and improve it to better monitor the quality and efficiency of processes behind the Network's activities and their results. Advisory Services Outcomes (ASOs) were a particular challenge for Network partners in 2015, especially on its definition as well as on the process leading to achievements. Together with the Network, EASME clarified the ASO definition, leading process, reporting requirements, and provided training and new guidelines.

The contribution of the Network's resources to Climate Action objectives is estimated at 25,4%. 3. OUTLOOK: What remains to be done after 2015/2016? Network partners were consulted on their work programme for the years 2017-2018. The indicative budgets for each consortium for this second operational period are the same as the budgets granted in the first period. The efficiency of the governance structure of the Network needs to be further improved, especially on the role of the Network's Steering and Advisory Group, the sector groups and the thematic contact points which have put in place in 2015. The Network's learning and development should focus more on experience and knowledge sharing using new tools such as e-learning modules and materials. Regional linkages between Network organisations and regional players involved in SME and innovation support will be further developed. 4. Implementation Calendar consultation WP 2017-2018 finished by end of 2016 starting date of the grant agreements: 1/1/2017 END of the project: 31/12/2018 The signature of the specific grant agreements 2017-2018 by EASME was finalised early 2017. The review of the SAG governance, working groups and thematic contact points was finalised by the end of 2016. 5. Financial Implementation It has to be noted that the COSME budget of 2014 together with the budget of 2015 has been used for the commitments of the first operational period covering the years 2015-2016. Total budget available and committed for the Network Grants 2015-2016 is € 100.175.609 and is financed by: -the COSME WP2014: € 46.492.984 -the COSME WP2015: € 53.682.625 -the budget includes the grants for the COSME 6 participating countries ; Serbia and Armenia joined in 2016, their budget comes from the COSME WP2016 -In total 90 consortia and 527 partner organisations are financed In addition, a budget of € 2.937 mio was committed for the annual conference and Network animation activities. 6. Indicators

The reporting of the Network partners on their delivery refers to the intermediate reporting data received for the first year of the operational period 2015-2016. The below indicators are based on data collected from these reports. It gives an impression on the number of SMEs and the variety of services delivered by the about 3.000 staff in the Network. Services range from information on EU matters, company visits and awareness raising campaigns to specialised advisory services, company missions and brokerage events. Actual number of: - Achievements on: -> advisory services outcomes: 1.303 -> business/techn./research partnerships: 2.566 - SME reached via (digital) information services: 10.5 million - SME participating in brokerage events and company missions: 21.676 - Advisory services provided to SME: 56.244 - SME receiving support services (Information, advice, events, IPR business & technology reviews, financing etc.): will be known after final report 2015-2016 - Impact on clients businesses (turnover, jobs created/maintained, new products or services developed, new markets accessed): the survey on EEN client SMEs showed that 54 % of them had an increased market share, 64 reported an increased turn-over and 31 reported that additional jobs were created. - client satisfaction on the services received: survey launched in June 2017. For Network Animation activities: -Number of Network staff trained: 700 from 40+ countries -Number of staff that participated in staff exchange and mentoring: 27 exchanges involving 70 members -Social media impact continued to grow, with the main Network account's Twitter followers up 80 percent to 13,864 and just under 95,000 impressions, while Facebook 'likes' more than doubled to 5,668. New Network launch conference in Brussels: -Number of participants: 800 -Satisfaction of participants: +85% satisfaction rate

Other Network qualitative indicators: -13 'Thematic Contact Points' were created leading to a better structured overview of expertise and more efficient collaboration and synergies -2 working groups were started on Access to Finance and Scaling up services for young innovative companies 7. Beneficiaries/Contractors Typical participating organisations are chambers of commerce, innovation agencies, regional development agencies, SME organisations, technology centres and universities. Most represented are chambers of commerce and chambers of craft (170), followed by national and regional development agencies (166). About 20% of the organisations are new to the Network bringing a wealth of new expertise as well as challenges for integration and creating impact. GRO/SME/15/B/N02 - YOUR EUROPE BUSINESS PORTAL 1. Description Of Implemented Measure The Your Europe Business Portal aims at being the reference public information portal for enterprises interested in cross-border activities within the European Union. Your Europe Business provides a multilingual practical guide that facilitates cross-border transactions. It supports businesses expanding in other EU countries, thus contributing to exploit the full potential of the EU’s single market. Your Europe Business Portal is part of the Your Europe Portal that includes a business and a Citizens section (financed outside the COSME programme). The portal offers all the information citizens and businesses need to exercise their single market rights in Europe. Its unique selling point is that it informs not only about the EU rules, but also how these apply in practice in each Member State. In addition, the information is multilingual (in 23 official languages of the EU (all except Gaelic) and in Norwegian for EU-level pages and in the national language(s) and English for the country pages). Thus Your Europe offers businesses, public administrations and stakeholders a centralised and easy access to practical information on doing business in Europe, and signposts to more specialised information and help services (such as the Enterprise Europe Network and SOLVIT), when relevant. After a complete revamping of the EU content, work in 2015 was focused on ensuring sustainability of national content. This measure is the continuation of the 2014 action and was previously financed in EIP under the objective of creation of an environment favourable to SME co-operation, particularly in the field of cross-border co-operation in 2011-2013. 2. Results And Impact in 2015-2016 The Your Europe Business Portal attracted 1.6 million unique visitors in 2015 which corresponds to an increase of 21% compared to 2014. Due to the suppression of a number of national pages and their replacement by links to national resources, there is a slight decrease in the number of visits (2.45 million compared to 2.49 million) and the number of page views (4.84 million compared to 5.54 millions). The most visited sections are VAT and customs (44%), funding (24%), and start & grow (11%). 16% of the users come to the portal through mobile devices (mobile phone, tablet).

A new functionality allowed users who need more expert advice to send enquiries directly to a member of the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN). From January to December 2015 EEN partners received a total of 2.884 requests for information via the form hosted on the portal. Finance was the top subject followed by Expanding abroad and EU law and research. According to a survey with portal visitors in the beginning of 2016, over 83% of users rate the portal excellent, good or satisfactory. Your Europe Business offers information that helps entrepreneurs to comply with environment-related requirements (EMAS certification, energy labels, eco-design, EU eco label, attracting 2% of visits to the portal). 3. OUTLOOK: What remains to be done after 2015/2016? In line with the 2016 work programme, efforts will focus on further improving EU information, better linking with national business portals and enhancing synergies with relevant assistance services. Furthermore, awareness-raising activities are planned to ensure that entrepreneurs find Your Europe Business when needed. This includes search engine optimisation and online campaigns. Your Europe Business is expected to contribute to the creation of a Single Digital Gateway (SDG), as announced in the Single Market and Digital Single Market strategies. Its exact role will be further defined as the SDG project evolves. 4. Implementation Calendar & Financial Implementation € 400,000 to be implemented through specific contracts under a framework contract. 6. Indicators - number of unique visitors: 1.6 million - number of page views: 4.84 million - feedback on user satisfaction: 83% user satisfaction 7. Beneficiaries/Contractors SMEs and entrepreneurs who want to operate cross-border within the EU’s single market GRO/SME/15/B/N03 - SME Internationalisation

·European Action for Global Trade", acronym EAGLE 1&2 project ·Filling the gap on SME Internationalisation (renamed "Increasing SME readiness to internationalise – Ready2Go") 1. Description Of Implemented Measure This measure will support further the internationalization of European SMEs, as originally proposed in the Commission Communication ‘Small Business, Big World - a new partnership to help SMEs seize global opportunities'. Cooperation with the European Trade Promotion Organisations active in business internationalisation and business missions abroad. Ready2Go will focus on tailored training and coaching and kick-start international activities, via matchmaking and networking events. 2. Results And Impact in 2015-2016 Exchange of expertise and good practice between the project partners Organisation of a joint trade promotion mission to a third market Providing training to the companies in order to prepare them to develop their business in third country markets Following up of the mission in order to evaluate the mission results and capture any partnership agreements (business or technology) resulting from the mission. 3. OUTLOOK: What remains to be done after 2015/2016? Action ends in july 2017 for EAGLE 1&2 projects; Ready2Go started in September 2016 for a period of 28 months with the main coaching and training taking place in Q3/2017 and the matchmaking events scheduled for Q4/2017 – Q2/2018. 4. Implementation Calendar 2015-2018 5. Financial Implementation

EAGLE 1&2 projects: call for proposals grant EUR 265 000 Ready2Go – call for tender EUR 883 000 6. Indicators -The following indicators are not yet available at the date of drafting the report: - Number of participating SMEs in the trainings and events - Staff exchanges between partners - Delivering country focused events - Joint trade promotion mission to a third market - Preparing a guide / toolkit on organising joint trade missions and B2B events - Exchange of best practices between the TPOs in organising the missions - Number of meetings between EU companies and strategic partners in third countries 7. Beneficiaries I EAGLE 1&2 projects: LONDON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE in consortium with: - SYNDESMOS VIOMICHANION VOREIOU ELLADOS (GR), - VIESOJI ISTAIGA LIETUVOS INOVACIJU CENTRAS (LI), - HAJDU-BIHAR MEGYEI KERESKEDELMI ES IPARKAMARA (H) - CONFINDUSTRIA SICILIA ASSOCIAZIONE (IT)

- CHAMBRE DE COMMERCE ET D'INDUSTRIE DE BRUXELLES (BE) Ready2Go contractors are Promos; Eurochambres, Formaper, Innovhub, Birmingham/Croatian/Spanish CCI; Dublin/Estonian/Serbian CCI; Polish/Rhone-Alps CCI. GRO/SME/15/B/N04 - EU-JAPAN CENTRE FOR INDUSTRIAL COOPERATION 1. Description Of Implemented Measure To promote the development of EU-Japan cooperation with a view to improving the access of European businesses into the Japanese market, by providing them with the needed data on local conditions and by acquainting them with commercial and industrial practises which EU businesses are facing in Japan. Also to promote the training on production technologies, quality management and innovation, aiming at improving the competitiveness of EU businesses. 2. Results And Impact in 2015-2016 On the Policy Analysis and Advise, 12 Policy Seminars were organized with a total of 1300 participants, 5 Minerva Policy Reports were delivered, while under the “EU Business in Japan” info web-portal 12 expert reports, 9 case studies, 1 video and 25 webinars were delivered. Also on Policy advise, the Centre organized the 17th EU-Japan Business Round table Annual Meeting and delivered 70 specific recommendations. On business training, the 52 Human Resources Training Program was held with 15 participants from 11 Member States and 2 World Class Manufacturing topical missions were organized with a total of 48 participants from 16 different Member States. The Centre has also organized 3 “LEAN in Europe” training sessions and 13 business training webinars that gathered 1077 participants. On Vulcanus training programme, 45 European (from 20 Member States) and 17 Japanese students participated. On Business Support, the “Enterprise Europe Network Contact Point in Japan” has continued to expand with 422 inquiries being handled, 110 new expressions of interests being received, 461 B2B meetings being arranged in the context of 18 brokerage events and 7 Partnership Agreements being signed . On SMEs Cluster Support 2 missions were organized on Biotech and ICT with a total of 30 SMEs and cluster organizations. The “Step in Japan” on site logistic support services had 17 European users and the “Tax and Public Procurement Helpdesk for SMEs” has continued to evolve answering to 45 specific inquiries and performing quick PP market scan services for a total of 42 European SMEs. Furthermore, the Centre continued to expand its Space and GNSS industries activities. 3. OUTLOOK: What remains to be done after 2015/2016? The services and work provided are foreseen to continue under forthcoming COSME work programmes.

4. Implementation Calendar 1st april 2015 – 31 march 2016 5. Financial Implementation Ad hoc grant without call for proposals, according to legal basis which established the Centre and its role: Council Decision 92/278/EEC of 18 May 1992 – 2.800.000€ 6. Indicators 1. Number of seminars organised and attendance 2. Number of enquiries addressed to the Centre and satisfactory replies provided 3. Number of students participating in Vulcanus and their level of competence See results and impacts section. 7. Beneficiaries II Institute for International Studies and Training, Japan GRO/SME/15/B/N05 - INDUSTRIAL POLICY COOPERATION 1. Description Of Implemented Measure Bilateral regulatory and industrial policy dialogues with key partners with relevant markets for trade and investment is the object of this action. The main objective of the Industrial Policy Cooperation is to reduce barriers to trade and investment. Industrial policy and regulatory dialogues have a clear mutual interest to reduce regulatory disparities and obstacles to investment.

2. Results And Impact in 2015-2016 The scoping exercise has been cancelled because of a change in political priorities. On the Eastern partnership, the Small Business Act Assessment was presented and discussed in all 6 Eastern partner countries in regional workshops. These regional events stressed the peer review component of the project and 'stimulate' the reform willingness of partner countries as well as the exchange of experience among them. In addition an analysis was conducted using econometric techniques on the relationship between policy settings and SME performance in the areas of access to finance, innovation and internationalisation. The project has helped increasing awareness on the results of the SBA assessment and foster exchanges between partners. The report provides further guidance to policy makers when designing their SMEs strategies and action plans. 3. OUTLOOK: What remains to be done after 2015/2016? The Scoping exercise was to be launched in 2016 and was cancelled. The Eastern partnership grant to the OECD terminated in May 2017 4. Implementation Calendar 2016-2017 5. Financial Implementation Scoping exercise: Specific contract 250.000 through framework contract Eastern dialogue: grant to the OECD 150.000 6. Indicators Number of seminars organized and attendance Feasibility study on technical and policy areas with certain countries Number of regional dialogues

7. Beneficiaries scoping exercise: action cancelled Eastern partnership : OECD GRO-SME-15-B-N07 - Information Platform on Parcel Delivery Services 1. Description Of Implemented Measure The information platform on parcel Delivery Services aims at improving the transparency of information on existing delivery solutions, particularly for cross-border parcel delivery, and thus at facilitating cross-border development of e-retailers through the creation of a web information platform presenting and comparing existing service offer. The platform would hence act as an information hub and powerful toolbox for e-retailers wishing to fulfil shipments across Europe and is committed to be a game changer giving SME e-retailers a level-playing field to compete more effectively in the market. The project will be conducted over 23 months. 2. Results And Impact in 2015-2016 The platform was originally planned to be operational in January 2017. However in March of 2017 EASME signed a new grant agreement with the consortium, in which remedial actions necessary for further project continuation were agreed, notably hiring of an experienced independent project manager, replacement of two IT partners which had withdrawn from the consortium and extension of the project duration from 12 to 23 months. In the second trimester of 2017 two versions of the platform have been/will be released: The first version (v0.1) has been released at the beginning of June 2017. As from mid-June delivery operators are able to register and upload general data and data on their services (including prices) on the platform. The second version (v0.2) will be launched at the Deliver 2 event on 27/28 of June 2017 in Berlin with the listing of identified suppliers and the publishing of service details made available via a search engine, to gain market awareness and traction. 3. OUTLOOK: What remains to be done after 2015/2016?

In the coming months it is crucial that many suppliers upload information to make the platform fully operational. Version (v0.3) of the platform with additional functionalities (supplier rating, supplier certification) will be released in September 2017. The platform should be fully operational end 2017 4. Implementation Calendar Publication of the Call: Tuesday, 7 July 2015 Starting date of the grant agreement: 11 January 2016 In September 2016 EASME initiated a review procedure due to the cumulated delays and unsatisfactory performance. The procedure was concluded in March 2017 with the implementation of the remedial actions identified by EASME as necessary for further project continuation (notably hiring of an experienced independent project manager, replacement of two IT partners which had withdrawn from the consortium and extension of the project duration from 12 to 23 months). The amended grant agreement is in force since 3 March 2017. End of the project: December 2017 5. Financial Implementation 360.000 E available budget (300.000 in the Work Programme and increased by 60.000 in the framework of the 20% flexibility rule) 5 proposals were received in total 3 proposals were ineligible 2 proposals were further considered and evaluated 1 proposal was awarded the grant equal to 360.000 6. Indicators The necessary data to complete the indicators as provided by the WP will be acquired after the implementation of the action.

7. Beneficiaries/Contractors The beneficiary of the action is a consortium formed by 1. Deliver – France - (coordinator) 2. European Association of Craft Small and Medium Sized Enterprises UEAPME - Belgium - (participant) 3. Webnet (participant- IT development, functional and technical specifications) replacing former IT partners Converteo and Adveris



C. Framework conditions for enterprises The third specific objective of COSME is “to improve framework conditions for the competitiveness and sustainability of Union enterprises, particularly SMEs, including in the tourism sector” described in Article 11 of the COSME Regulation. In 2015, there were up to 14 actions to be financed under this specific objective with a budget of more than EUR34 million. GRO/SME/15/C/N011 - SME POLICY (SPR, SBA, outreach) 1. Description Of Implemented Measure The objective is to provide communication and information tools to promote the SME policy i.e. Small business act, its implementation in the Member States and inform SMEs, SME stakeholders and relevant public authorities about SME policy, economic developments and available support at EU and Member States level including the quantitative the SME performance review. The measure includes: • Monitoring implementation of SBA and SBA review & promotion (i.e. Business Planet TV magazine 4th season) • Small Business portal • Outreach activities SME policy and SBA implementation - brochures, campaigns

3. Results And Impact in 2015-2016 - Business Planet (Euronews TV magazine), the 4th season was produced from June 2015 to June 2016 with 24 episodes showcasing the best SBA practice (at European and national level) broadcast. The 5th season started in October 2016 and 16 episodes were broadcast so far (the 5th season will continue until October 2017 when the last 24th episode will be broadcast). - Small Business portal: update of the content; publication of 12 success stories in 21 languages (as per the specific contract in place); - Organisation of the SME Assembly 2015 (18-20 Nov, Luxembourg) as the central event of the European SME Week 2015 (with the European Enterprise Promotion Awards ceremony included in the programme) 4. OUTLOOK: What remains to be done after 2015-2016? Business Planet: - The continuation of the 4th season in 2016 (5 more episodes to be produced and broadcast until June 2016); continuation with the 5th season (under the new Framework Partnership Agreement) Small Business portal: -.Contract for editorial maintenance implemented in 2016 with the view of the integration of the portal content on the Europa pages 5. Implementation Calendar Publication of the Call (where relevant): Foreseen starting date of the contract: End of the project: Business Planet (4th season): 12 June 2015 – 12 June 2016 Business Planet (5th season): 10.October 2016 – 10 October 2017

Small Business portal (contract for editorial maintenance): December 2015 - November 2016 6. Financial Implementation Specific grant agreement with Euronews signed in May 2015 (EUR 628,729) and in October 2016 (712.191 EUR) Small Business portal: a new contract for EUR 60,000 signed in December 2015 7. Indicators 1. Business Planet: the estimated audience for the whole 4th season (13.06. 2015 to 11.06.2016 ) 23.7 million; all the Business Planet magazines were produced and broadcast according to schedule by Euronews as well as disseminated via the Small Business portal and EC social media; 2. SME Assembly 2015 (Luxembourg, 18-20 Nov 2015): 673 delegates attended the event; overall satisfaction rate: 95% believed it was definitely/worth attending; 3)- European SME Week: 511 local events associated with the European SME Week brand organised in 2015; 52 projects were participating at the European level of the European Enterprise Promotion Awards competition (with over 300 project competing at national level), 7 winners (6 category winners and 1 Grand Jury Prize winner were selected). - Social media campaign around the key central events of the European SME Week (SME Assembly and European Enterprise Promotion Awards (EEPA) ceremony): the audience for all social media channels reached over 25,000 people; - SME Assembly and EEPA ceremony: 235 mentions by traditional media outlets. 8. Beneficiaries/Contractors SME Policy-makers on the EU as well as national level, press and general public as well as SME stakeholders and researchers. GRO/SME/15/C/N012 - SME POLICY (SPR, SBA, outreach)

1. Description Of Implemented Measure The SME performance review focuses on the implementation of the Small Business Act for Europe and consists of annual reports, the SBA country fact sheets and studies. The 2016 annual report includes an overview of the size, structure and importance of European SMEs, outlines the major trends and provides a summary of recent policy developments. It also includes a specific chapter dedicated to the issue of 'second chance'. The SBA fact sheets (35) provide more in-depth information on the country level. They are structured according to the 10 principles of the SBA and are based on core indicators which relate the individual Member States to the Union average. The production of the fact sheets also involves cooperation with the Joint Research Centre (JRC) in Ispra on a basis of a dedicated inter-institutional agreement running for 2 years to the tune of €150000. JRC provides crucial input into the calculation of the SPR database. A tender was launched in August 2015 for the next cycle of the SBA country fact sheets and the annual EU-SME report 2015/2016. Three tenderers submitted offers which had been evaluated in the meantime. The contract was signed with the Consortium CARSA in November 2015. Works started immediately thereafter with the final delivery date of the outputs being the SME assembly in Bratislava on 25 November 2016. 3. Results And Impact in 2015-2016 The final results of the SME Performance Review 2015/2016 were published during the 2016 SME assembly on 25 November in Bratislava. They comprise of the final versions of the Annual report and 35 SBA country fact sheets. Intended impact: Influencing SME policy makers: The report and the fact sheets are directly presented and discussed with the MS delegates in a dedicated working group on "policy-relevant research on entrepreneurship and SMEs"; the nature of the discussion with delegates during the working group as well as during the SPR production process and post-release would establish the impact on policy-making (complemented by additional issues such as the referencing of the SPR in national policy documents, etc.); The fact sheets have become a key source of information and policy analysis for the European Semester (i.e. the country reports and the country specific recommendations) Outreach to the wider public: the SPR 2014/2015 was, as in the years, before launched with a high-profile press conference during the SME assembly; a maximal media coverage reflected in a high number of press articles, social media references as well as his and downloads from the SPR website would be a potential indicator of the outreach impact; Influencing secondary policy research and informing stakeholders by making the complete data set and policy database publicly available to researchers; subsequent third-party articles citing the results of the SPR would be an expected impact in this domain. 4. OUTLOOK: What remains to be done after 2015/2016? The SME Performance Review is repeated every year, so the next cycle for the SPR /2017/2018 has already started. 5. Implementation Calendar This annual exercise has a duration of 12 months. The release of the Annual report and fact sheets coincided with the SME assembly in Estonia 22nd/-24th November 2017.

The 2016/2017 Annual Report on European SMEs and the SBA fact-sheets (start date: November 2016; end date: October 2017); Meeting of the expert group on SME policy research discussing the SME annual report and the SBA country fact sheets: January and September 2017 in Brussels. 6. Financial Implementation SME Performance Review Commitment in 2016: EUR 806.090,00 7. Indicators 1. The annual report on European SMEs; 2. A complete set of SBA fact sheets (35 fact sheets for the individual countries of an average length of some 15 pages each); 3. Publication of the fact-sheets is e accompanied by "satellite" documentation (press releases, technical notes, databases, website, etc.); there will also be a separate summary report summing up the main trends of the data compiled for the 35 individual fact sheets. 4. Qualitative feedback from MS delegates and other SME policy-makers on the annual report and fact sheets (as reflected in the feedback analysis of the COSME programme) 8. Beneficiaries/Contractors SME Policy-makers on the EU as well as national level, press and general public as well as SME stakeholders and researchers (see also 3). This measure contributes to the production of valuable, up-to-date data and analysis on EU-wide- as well as MS-level on latest SME trends and SME policy developments as a basis for evidence-based decision-making in this area, in particular with a view to the SBA implementation. GRO/SME/15/C/N019 – Statistics for Family Businesses 1. Description Of Implemented Measure The aim of this action is to provide policy-makers and relevant stakeholders for credible, comparable and systematic information and indicators on the role of the family businesses in national economies and to offer usable and practical information to stakeholders for their decision making.

2. Results And Impact in 2015-2016 The call for proposals on "Statistics for Family Businesses" was launched in April 2015 to encourage national statistical offices and other organisations that operate in collaboration with the national statistical offices in the EU Member States and in other eligible countries under the COSME Programme, to collect information on the role of family businesses. A priority was given to projects aimed to develop for the first time statistics in those countries, which had not yet statistics on family business. The countries covered by the call are the Netherlands, Denmark, Poland, Italy, Finland, Bulgaria and Malta. The seven projects which all started on 1 February 2016 had different durations (between 12 and 14 months). Three of them (FI, IT, NL) have finished in January 2017, one (PL) has finished in February 2017 and the last three (BG, DK, MT) have finished in March 2017. Statistics Denmark have organized a workshop in Copenhagen on 29 March 2017 as part of their grant deliverables and invited the other 6 participating countries, the Commission and academia to discuss definitions, methods, results and the way forward. NSI’s from Bulgaria, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands and Sweden participated. The agenda was: 1. Key Note Speak, Professor Morten Bennedsen 2. National experiences and results – presentations by each of the NSI’s 3. Wrap-up and the possible road ahead The presentations by the NSI’s made it clear that different methods had been applied by the NSI’s in order to define family businesses. Secondly, the type of data used for the delineation of a population of family businesses varied among the countries. Regarding the definition of a family business, most countries used the definition adopted by the European Commission. Several participants expressed an interest in continued dialogue as regards exchange of methodological issues, ideas and results etc. and indicated interest in participating in possible follow-up projects by the European Commission." The final results of this action (incl. the approved reports) should be available in Q3 2017. The information about family businesses should be used as a basis for further European, national and regional policy development. In the longer term this should lead to improved evidence bases in the area of family businesses and to an increased number of countries where such data is collected. 3. OUTLOOK: What remains to be done after 2015/2016? The Commission has to finalise the assessment of the final reports and disseminate the results (Q3 2017). There are 7 reports in total (1 per project) and 4 have been accepted. The rest should be available by the end of Q3 2017. 4. Implementation Calendar Publication of the Call: April 2015

Foreseen starting date of the contract: 1 february 2016 END of the project: march 2017 5. Financial Implementation Budget in work programme 2015: 300.000 Budget finally committed: 390.817 12 proposals were received and 7 were awarded 6. Indicators 1) Completion on time – all projects completed on time 2) Number of MS statistical offices that will make proposals for the collection of data: 11 proposals made, 7 were awarded 7. Beneficiaries/Contractors Regarding the 7 granted projects, the Statistical Offices were the project leaders (coordinators) in the following: NL, DK, IT, BG while in the rest of the projects (MT, PL and FI) they were the sole partner. GRO/SME/15/C/N02 - EU Stakeholder Platform for Better Regulation 1. Description Of Implemented Measure The EU Stakeholder Platform on Better Regulation (REFIT Platform) bring together Better Regulation experts, Member States experts, stakeholders and support the EU2020 objective to foster smart growth by aiming to improve the regulatory environment.

This involve contracting studies on issues of regulatory fitness, for example, on best methods to measure the impacts, costs and benefits of EU regulation; on testing these methods and on evaluation etc. IT tools are needed to support these actions and stakeholder consultations in particular. 2. Results And Impact in 2015-2016 The REFIT Platform has been settled by Commission decision C(2015)3261 on 19/05/2016 and the members appointed in the Commission decision C(2015)9063 on 16/12/2015. Due to the late nomination of the members of the Platform, the meetings began on January 2016. The implementation of IT tools like the Better Regulation Portal already started in 2015. 3. OUTLOOK: What remains to be done after 2015/2016? The REFIT Platform members will start to meet from January 2016 till the end of their mandate. IT tools like the Better Regulation Portal and REFIT Scoreboard will be developed. Support studies on regulatory issues will be planned using existing framework contracts and according to the REFIT Platform needs. 4. Implementation Calendar Implementation of specific contracts to cover the IT development of specific tools by the use of DIGIT framework contracts. Publication of the Call (where relevant): N/A Foreseen starting date of the contract: 11/2015 END of the project: Ongoing, first specific contracts ended on 03/2016. 5. Financial Implementation Budget available from the programme: 600.000 €

Amount committed: 570.000 € 6. Indicators Due to late implementation of the REFIT platform in 2015, meetings of the members only started in 2016. The Better Regulation Portal has been set up but its development will continue in the coming years. 7. Beneficiaries/Contractors N/A GRO/SME/15/C/N03 - EUROPEAN COMPETITIVENESS REPORT 1. Description Of Implemented Measure Five studies were launched in November-December 2015 to feed into the 2016 report and European Semester: = The European construction value chain: performance, challenges and role in the GVC = The evolving composition of intra-EU trade over time = Single Market transmission mechanisms before, during and after the 2008/2009 crisis = EU wholesale trade: analysis of the sector and value chains = Total factor productivity growth: drivers, components and frontier firms All five studies are in addition intended to inform policymakers when designing and implementing policies in these areas.

2. Results And Impact in 2015-2016 In 2016, all five studies were completed and subsequently approved. The quality of the studies was high. Results of the studies were used in the Single Market Integration and Competitiveness Report 2016 (ec.europa.eu/growth/industry/competitiveness/reports/single-market-integration-competitiveness_en) as well as in the context of the European Semester. 3. OUTLOOK: What remains to be done after 2015/2016? Contracts for a new round of studies have been signed with a view to the 2017 Report. 4. Implementation Calendar Fully implemented 5. Financial Implementation 700.000 available; 610.350 committed 6. Indicators The reports were delivered on time and of a high quality. 7. Contractors WIFO - Österreichisches Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung GRO/SME/15/C/N06 - Fourth European Forum on Social Entrepreneurship in Plovdiv (Bulgaria)

1. Description Of Implemented Measure The European Fair for Social Enterprises is a key event in Bulgaria that provides a large visibility of the sector. The Fair is a yearly event organised by the Bulgarian Government and usually takes place in Plovdiv since 2012. In 2015, it took place from 26-29/03/2015. The event was composed of: - An exhibition with stands of social enterprises (from Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Italy, Romania, Serbia, Norway, Greece and Malta) that presented their products and services. - an international conference organised with speakers from various national services and organisations as well as a round table with academics and directors from various non-profit social enterprises. The conference is attended by around 200 participants from EU Member States and non EU countries. The Commission co-financed the event via an adhoc grant. http://tpkunion.com/efse/ 2. Results And Impact in 2015-2016 - Awareness raising about the role of social enterprises in the EU economy - Exchange of good practices in the area of social enterprises In 2015, the European Fair gathered about 100 social enterprises and cooperatives from Belgium, Bulgaria, Italy, Romania, Spain and Turkey, and the number of visitors amounted to 30, 000. High level speakers participated in the international conference including Commission's responsible to discuss policy issues and best practices in the field of social economy. The exhibitors showed products, household articles and services within the scope of business activities of social enterprises (especially WISE). Considerable exhibition space was also devoted to the enterprises services intended for people with disabilities. In 2016, a new fair took place but without the financial involvement of the Commission. 3. OUTLOOK: What remains to be done after 2015/2016? N/A

4. Implementation Calendar Foreseen starting date of the contract: 23.03.2015 End of the project: 29.03.2015 ( end of the conference) 5. Financial Implementation Commitment: € 30 000 Project closed and final report received. 6. Indicators number of visitors: 30 000 number of enterprises presented: 100 7. Beneficiaries/Contractors Bulgarian Authorities GRO/SME/15/C/N07 – Cluster Excellence Programme 1. Description Of Implemented Measure The overall objective of this call for proposals is to strengthen cluster management excellence in the EU in order to provide more professional business services to European SMEs through clusters, and therefore contribute to the development of more world-class clusters in the EU. In order to pursue cluster management excellence, cluster organisations would provide support services to their members and develop strategic approaches to address the innovation, growth and globalization challenges that SMEs face. This requires to strengthen the value-added encapsulated in the support services provided to cluster firms, to gain further insights into cluster members’ positioning in value-chains (e.g. through value-chain analyses), to take stock of emerging industrial trends and dynamics (e.g. cross-sectoral dynamics and emerging industries)7, to develop a shared vision of their members with regard to collaboration with other clusters in Europe and in global markets, to consistently liaise with public authorities regarding the business support environment and coherence with regional policy, including in the framework of smart specialisation strategies8, and to shape-up strategic plans and roadmaps for sustained cluster development. The action will help cluster organisations deliver innovation and business support services more efficiently and develop strategic plans to generate greater added value for their members, including through cluster collaboration across Europe.

2. Results And Impact in 2015-2016 Undertaking a Cluster Excellence benchmarking assessment (bronze label); Mentoring, coaching and/or training towards following-up and upgrading existing Cluster Excellence assessments; Organisation and delivery of targeted training courses; Bi-lateral/team/group coaching schemes and related reports; Definition, launch and analysis of SME surveys; The kick-off meeting took place in November 2016. The first 6 monthly reports were submitted in June 2017. 3. OUTLOOK: What remains to be done after 2015/2016? The 5 selected projects will complete the activities to be carried out under the grant agreement by November 2018. The expected results concern enhanced insights at cluster management level, translated into concrete recommendations for uptake by cluster managers. This could materialise on (a) learning that should be converted in guidelines for strengthening support services to cluster SMEs to generate additional added-value and facilitate transformative developments for the cluster companies’ growth, innovation and competitiveness. (b) Learning that should be converted in guidelines to develop cluster strategic plans and implementation roadmaps for cluster development. (c) With regard to sharing knowledge on strategic approaches for the clusters, guidelines should likewise be produced with a special emphasis on better positioning SMEs in value-chains and in seeking synergies across the entire consortium. Minimum two joint events at the level of each consortium and one inter-consortia meeting should be organised. Preferably one cluster organisation partner in the consortium should host them. Mutual cluster study visits should be carried out. 4. Implementation Calendar Publication of the call for proposals: 08.02.2016 Signature of grant agreements: October 2016 Start of the action: 16 November 2016 Duration of the projects: 24 months

5. Financial Implementation PLANNED BUDGET: 1.500.000 € COMMITTED BUDGET: 999.565 € 6. Indicators To facilitate the monitoring, evaluation and assessment undertaken by EASME, and in order to get an overview of the progress made, successful applicants will be asked to put in place, from the outset, performance indicators for the on-going monitoring and evaluation of the project. The action will be assessed, against the following performance indicators: Number of new or improved support services to cluster SMEs; Number of first bronze Cluster Excellence benchmarking labels obtained; Number of study visits performed; Number of training actions and trained cluster managers; Number of project-related surveys into cluster members; Number of coaching or mentoring actions; Number and type of added-value tools related to cluster management and skills enhancement; Number of bilateral/multilateral partnership agreements signed (e.g. Memoranda of Understanding); Number of cluster, value-chains and market analyses; Number of SME member's need analyses, surveys and/or alternative feedback from cluster SMEs and other cluster members; Number of cluster organisations and business networks from different EU Member States or COSME participating countries having been involved in the activities of the project; Number of SMEs having benefited from the supported actions, through the provision of more professional services; Number of events (workshops/seminars, trainings, coaching, conferences, working group meetings, etc.) organised; Number and type of participants in the events (workshops/seminars, conferences, working group meetings) organised. Projects must foresee to collect relevant data and reporting on the above-mentioned performance indicators in the reports to be submitted on the implementation of the action. Applicants may also propose and report upon further performance indicators. 7. Beneficiaries 5 projects have been selected out of 13 proposals. 26 cluster organisations and business networks, as well as 44 lead managers are involved in the action from 12 countries. INNO-DROP (Germany, Czeck Republic, Spain, France) – Nano-, plasma- and water technology TRACE-KEI (Italy, Portugal, Serbia, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria)- Agro-Food, ICT, Renewable Energy ECRI (Spain, Italy, Greece, Poland) Life science CLUSGRID (Poland, France, Spain, Bulgaria) Smart grids, Energy efficiency, renewable energy ICT COSMENERG (Hungary, Romania, Germany, Poland and Serbia) Bio-energy, energy efficiency, renewable energy, environment technologies GRO/SME/15/C/N09 - The European Resource Efficiency Excellence Centre 1. Description Of Implemented Measure The Centre provides information services by integrating, maintaining and developing the self-assessment tool for SMEs (from the previous COSME action in 2014), by developing user-friendly technological fiches, by liaising with national and regional resource efficiency services providers and EEN partners, and by providing training through capacity building workshops. The Centre integrates data and encourages data provision from relevant EU initiatives. The Centre also provides data on Return on Investment (RoI) of specific resource efficiency investments to facilitate access to finance in that domain.

2. Results And Impact in 2015-2016 N/A (project start 09/2016) 3. OUTLOOK: What remains to be done after 2014/2015? Project start September 2016, implementation phase is 36 months. 4. Implementation Calendar Publication of the Call (where relevant): 13/12/2015 Foreseen starting date of the contract: September 2016 End of the project: September 2019 5. Financial Implementation Budget available as per the work programme: EUR 2 000 000 Budget committed: 1 785 000 Indicate how many proposals/offers were received: 4 How many were awarded: 1 6. Indicators Data on indicators of the WP will be available later.

7. Beneficiaries/Contractors Technopolis (BE); VDI Zentrum Ressourceneffizienz GmbH (DE); The Waste and Resources Action Programme — WRAP (UK); Enviros s.r.o. (CZ) GRO/SME/15/C/N10 - Key Enabling Technologies (KETs) 1. Description Of Implemented Measure The COSME 2014 and 2015 measures include several actions to support the implementation of the European Strategy for Key Enabling Technologies (KETs) as outlined in the Commission Communication of 26 June 2012. The actions help reversing the trend of de-manufacturing and accelerating the rate of transfer, use and exploitation of KETs by businesses in the EU, in order to stimulate growth and jobs. In 2014, it was planned to sign two specific contracts covering the following domains of activity: 1. Analysis of industrial value chains in strategic areas: Identifying current and future application areas, existing industrial value chains and missing competences in the EU, in the area of additive manufacturing (3D Printing): The aim is to identify current and future application areas as well as existing industrial value chains operating in the area of 3D printing. Based on this information, gaps in existing industrial value chains preventing to develop future application areas will be identified. The results of the study will allow to understand the current and future possible evolution of industrial value chains in the EU. The results will provide information to stakeholders allowing them to identify opportunities for future cooperation in order to develop new innovative products through 3D printing in the next few years. The analysis will help assessing future challenges and identifying cooperation opportunities with partners located in different EU regions to develop joint R&D projects, share demonstration facilities and develop new innovative 3D printed products. 2. Study on the dual-use potential of Key Enabling Technologies: Following a recommendation from the KETs High-Level Group, the study on the dual-use potential of KETs looks at the potential of KETs for dual-use research (i.e. to identify technologies with the greatest potential for applications in the defence sector and on the other hand, identify technologies developed by the EU defence sector that could be further developed for civil use). The study is identifying KETs related innovation areas with a dual use potential and of high relevance to the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base. In addition, the study is analysing possible synergies between the identified innovation areas and previous work done in Framework Program 7 (FP7), by Member States (MS) and the European Defence Agency (EDA). The study is also analysing which of these innovation areas coincide with the EU defence community's future R&I needs and which innovation fields and underlying technologies could potentially be included in future research and innovation programmes. In 2015, it was planned to sign three specific contracts covering the following domains of activity: 3. KETs Observatory: Phase II This action is the continuation and further development of the KETs Observatory launched in 2014 under CIP 2013. The aim is to update, expand, develop and run the KETs Observatory activities ( https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/kets-tools/kets-deployment ) for the time period 2016-2018 in order to provide business stakeholders as well as European and national/regional policy makers with data and analysis on the deployment of KETs in the 28 Member States of the European Union and in other regions of the world. This service contract will build on the results of the Phase I of the KETs Observatory which provided insights on the ability of countries to generate and commercialize new knowledge in KETs, as well as on the impact of KETs in the wider economy (first and second reports available here: https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/kets-tools/library ). 4. Market relevance for Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI) in the area of KETs: Connected & Automated Driving The aim of the study on Connected & Automated Driving is to analyse the existing and planned public support measures offered by third countries (such as US, China, Japan and Korea) in the field of connected and automated driving. Several national, regional and European small and large projects on connected and automated driving are actually running in the EU because of the strong global competition on this issue. The study will enable a better understanding of the evolution of similar projects outside the EU and gaps between EU and its competing countries. The results of the study will also contribute to the identification of financial, technological and regulatory barriers which could impede the competitiveness of European projects related to connected and automated driving. The analysis of public support measures offered by third countries will help assessing future challenges for the European automotive sector as regards automated and connected driving and will provide useful insights in view of a potential important project of common European interest (IPCEI) in this area. 5. Promoting the access of SMEs to KETs technology infrastructures: Phase II

This action is the continuation and further development of the KETs Technology Infrastructures' action launched in 2014 under CIP 2013. Technological service centres active in the area of KETs (also called 'KETs technology infrastructures') can help SMEs to speed up the commercialisation of their innovation ideas. However, SMEs often cannot find technological services simply due to lack of awareness. As part of the action launched in 2014, a web tool has been developed to help SMEs find technological service centres active in the field of KETs ( https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/ketsobservatory/kets-ti-inventory/map ). The centres provide services to enterprises, such as help with prototyping, testing, upscaling, first production and product validation. For each centre, an SME contact person has been identified and contact details are provided. The mapping is being promoted and disseminated through different channels such as social media and the EEN (Enterprise Europe Network) to raise awareness and reach out as many SMEs as possible. As a follow-up of the Phase I recommendations, Phase II aims to (1) update the mapping of KETs technology infrastructures and (2) prepare the setting up of collaboration networks of technology infrastructures in the field of KETs, with easy and pan-European access for SMEs. The objective is to analyse the feasibility and European added-value of such networks and to foster the emergence of new networks. All activities listed above are in line with the Political Guidelines of the Juncker Commission, notably: A Deeper and Fairer Internal Market with a Strengthened Industrial Base: "…This should ensure that Europe maintains its global leadership in strate