Some Good Reasons To Become A Member!
Getting heard in Europe
Europe’s ICT markets are driven increasingly by what goes on in Brussels. For ICT SMEs to influence these developments, it’s essential that our voice is heard. Our views must be clear, strong and unanimous.Large, multinational enterprises invest millions of euros in lobbying the European institutions. Intellectual property rights, ICT standards, software patents, financial incentives for digital literacy, and funds for research and innovation are just some of the areas where they have used their muscle to shape the debate.
Yet well over half of the ICT market is accounted for by SMEs. By joining together we can help ensure that future European legislation is favourable to the vast majority of ICT suppliers, not just a minority of multinational enterprises.
Defending YOUR interests
Several industry associations claim to talk on behalf of ICT SMEs and to defend your interests. Look a little deeper, however, and you’ll find that these organisations are bankrolled by multinationals. Not surprisingly, then, they only pay lip service to the real needs of small and medium-sized businesses.PIN-SME is run by SMEs for SMEs. We are the only European Association that exclusively represents SMEs within the ICT sector. We are a member of UEAPME, the European Association of SMEs, which is a recognised social partner of the European Union. UEAPME is the employers’ organisation representing crafts, trades and SMEs from the EU and accession countries at European level. UEAPME has 84 member organisations, which represent crafts and SMEs across Europe, covering over 12 million enterprises with 50 million employees. What’s more, our members are associations from across Europe each representing small and medium-sized ICT enterprises within national or regional markets. So we understand your interests because they’re our interests too!
Accessing European Funds for SMEs
ICT rightfully receives a high priority under European programmes. It is the largest thematic area for research funding and also features in European programmes for innovation, education & training and regional development.In theory millions of euros is available for small ICT businesses. This should be good news for ICT SMEs, except that others - large enterprises, public agencies and universities – are usually first in the queue.
To access more of this EU funding ICT SMEs need to develop wide networks and partnerships. As a European SME association, PIN-SME is in a prime position to access this funding for its members, either directly or in collaboration with other organisations.
As the gateway to Europe’s community of ICT SMEs, PIN-SME is the natural partner for research institutes and universities seeking EU project funding. All PIN-SME members receive first-hand information about EU programmes. They also benefit from mutual exchange of information and the opportunity to build partnerships for project applications.
Building international SME partnerships
In today’s global market, ICT SMEs increasingly have to compete on the European and world stage. PIN-SME offers a perfect environment for companies seeking international partnerships to develop new businesses and initiatives.All PIN-SME members are contact points for SMEs within their countries that are interested in establishing cross-border collaborations. Already we represent over 50,000 ICT companies in eight countries. By joining PIN-SME this massive network will be at your disposal to help your SMEs look for business partners abroad.
Summary
- PIN-SME members benefit from lobbying of the EC, EP and national and international federations and organisations
- Create an access for PIN-SME members to EU-funded projects
- Continuous information transfer regarding ICT relevant developments in Europe
- Ongoing reporting regarding Harmonisation activities of SMEs in Europe
- Collective development of Leadership projects for PIN-SME members
- Representation and positioning of PIN-SME members towards the ICT Industry
- Active representation of PIN-SME members towards press and public
- Continuous dialogue among PIN-SME members via PIN-SME Community
- Positioning of PIN-SME members as a vital factor of success for Modernisation, Harmonisation and Innovation of 25 Mio. SMEs in Europe
- Mouthpiece for PIN-SME members to support important ICT trends
Download PIN-SME leaflet.
