Encouraging technology transfer among SMEs in the northern periphery of Europe

Central to the EU regional development strategy is the idea that cohesion funding will allow lagging regions to develop their capacity so that they can develop their R&D to levels that can be funded by Framework. Using a European funded (ERDF) NPP project – MicrE as a case study, this paper considers how, through a transnational programme, this might work in practice. MicrE's main aim was to provide a service to develop and promote innovative small-scale renewable energy solutions for rural small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the northern periphery of Europe. Concentrating on Northern Ireland, this paper provides a micro and macro-level assessment of the key challenges associated with adopting renewable energy technologies by SMEs; and the future development of public policy aimed at developing SME capacity by encouraging knowledge transfer and supporting their R&D efforts.