Institution building on Investment in High-technology Business Incubators, Provision of Technical assistance for the launching and monitoring of R&D grant scheme

Client: Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works
Country: Bulgaria
Period: 2003-2004

The overall objective of the project is to contribute to the increased role of R&D and technology based SMEs in the Bulgarian economy.

The purpose of the project is to contribute to the strengthening of technology oriented SMEs by providing financial services that take a great part of the risk in R&D investments. Two grant schemes are to be implemented: one that supports the establishment of six high tech incubators and the other on that targets innovative SMEs to bring technology to the market.

Activities include:

• Ssupport to the Ministry with the management and the implementation of the Grant scheme through the preparation of monitoring and evaluation methodology and training.
• Training is provided to the grant beneficiaries (SMEs) through the organization of seminars and individual advice.
• Training is provided to the Monitoring Unit of the regional departments of the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works through organization of training seminars and training on the job.

Services provided:

• Advising on procedures for grant management.
• PR and awareness campaign to promote and explain the grant scheme.
• Launching, evaluation and awarding of the grants.
• Evaluation of applicants for the High tech Business Incubators.
• Develop monitoring methodology and documentation.
• Monitoring of the execution of the R&D grant scheme.