DRAFT
Some contributions are still under consideration
Proposed topics in WP 2016-2017 (vs. 15 in WP 2014-2015):
19 total.
LEITs – sections
Information and Communication Technologies
Nanotechnologies, Advanced Materials, Biotechnology and
Advanced Manufacturing and Processing
Space
Number of SMEI topics
1
2
1
# SC Title of SC
SC – 1 Health, Demographic Change and Wellbeing
Number of SMEI topics
4
SC – 2 Food Security, Sustainable Agriculture and
Forestry, Marine, Maritime and Inland Water
Research and the Bioeconomy
4
SC – 3 Secure, Clean and Efficient Energy
SC – 4
Smart, Green and Integrated Transport
1
1
SC – 5
SC – 6
SC – 7
Climate action, environment, resource efficiency and raw materials
Europe in a changing world – inclusive, innovative and reflective Societies
Secure societies – Protecting freedom and security of Europe and its citizens
1
2
2
Specific challenge: The specific challenges of the topics which make use of the dedicated SME instrument are described in the respective parts of the work programme. A list
1
of topics and indicative budgets are provided below:
Parts and Topics
H2020-SMEInst-81-2016-2017-ICT
Open Disruptive Innovation Scheme
Specific Challenge:
The challenge is to provide support to a large set of high risk innovative Startups and
SMEs in the ICT sector. Focus will be on companies proposing disruptive ICT concepts,
1 The list reflects all information available at present .

DRAFT
Some contributions are still under consideration products and services applying new sets of rules, values and models which ultimately create new markets (e.g. by tackling non consumption) or disrupt existing markets.
The objective of the ODI is threefold:
1. Nurture promising innovative and disruptive ideas;
2. Support their prototyping, validation and demonstration in real world conditions;
3. Help for wider deployment or market uptake.
Proposed projects should have a potential for disruptive innovation and fast market uptake. In particular it will be interesting for entrepreneurs and young innovative SMEs, including start-ups that are looking for swift support to their innovative ideas.
H2020-SMEInst-82-2016-2017-NMBP
Accelerating the uptake of nanotechnologies advanced materials or advanced manufacturing and processing technologies by SMEs
Specific Challenge: Research results should be taken up by industry, harvesting the hitherto untapped potential of nanotechnologies, advanced materials and advanced manufacturing and processing technologies. The goal is to create added value by creatively combining existing research results with other necessary elements,22 to transfer results across sectors where applicable, to accelerate innovation and eventually create profit or other benefits. The research should bring the technology and production to industrial readiness and maturity for commercialisation after the project.
H2020-SMEInst-83-2016-2017-NMBP
Dedicated support to biotechnology SMEs closing the gap from lab to market
Specific Challenge: The large numbers of SMEs characterising the EU industrial biotechnology sector are playing a crucial role in the move to competitive and sustainable biotechnology-based processes. These SMEs are characterised by their research intensity and long lead times between early technological development and market introduction. They therefore need to be supported to overcome the so-called
“valley of death”. SMEs working in the field of industrial biotechnology and ideas/concepts involving the use of systems and/or synthetic biology are particularly invited to apply for funding.
H2020-SMEInst-84-2016-2017-SME-SPACE
Engaging SMEs in space research and development
Specific challenge: To engage small and medium enterprises in space research and development, especially those not traditionally involved in it and reduce as much as possible the entry barriers to SMEs for Horizon 2020 funding. The actions under this topic could cover any aspect of the Specific Programme for Space (Horizon 2020
Framework programme and Specific programme). However, it is considered that actions in the areas of applications, especially in connection to the flagship programmes
Galileo and Copernicus, spinning-in (i.e. application of terrestrial solutions to challenges in space) and the development of certain critical technologies could be adequately suited for this call.
H2020-SMEInst-11-2016-2017-PHC

DRAFT
Some contributions are still under consideration
Clinical research for the validation of biomarkers and/or diagnostic medical devices
Specific challenge: biomarkers are used in clinical practice to describe both normal and pathological conditions. They can also have a prognostic or a predictive power. They are therefore increasingly used in medicine and many potential biomarkers are proposed every year.
Only a few of them are however validated for use in a clinical research setting. Such validation implies the demonstration of a link to a pertinent clinical endpoint or process, as well as a robust and appropriate analytical method.
The clinical validation of biomarkers will be increasingly important for the development of new diagnostics, and this is a research area where many small European companies are active.
Improved clinical decisions should lead to better health outcomes while contributing to the sustainability of the health care system.
H2020-SMEInst-12-2016-2017-PM12
Cell technologies in medical applications
Specific challenge: Cell-based products and processes are showing increasing potential in medical research, diagnosis and therapy. However, the diversity, complexity and variability of living cells pose challenges for bringing safe, reliable, regulatory compliant and cost-effective products to the market and to the patient. SMEs developing cell-based products and processes have limited financial resources to take the critical steps to move from proof of concept to practical application while at the same time addressing considerations such as scale-up/scale-out, automation, logistics, regulatory pathways and business models.
The challenge overall is to support European SMEs developing products and processes from cell technologies in their efforts to overcome these barriers and to strengthen their business and commercial potential.
H2020-SMEInst-13-2016-2017-PM13
Support for eHealth related European SMEs stimulating innovation, investments and growth, including clinical validation of VPH solutions
Specific challenge: The challenge is delivering new and more effective interventions and healthcare strategies by mobilising various stakeholders including SMEs that are often interlinked with large industry and regulators, patients and national/regional/local authorities. Additionally, Europe is falling behind many regions of the world with regards to eHealth and Health informatics. This topic will provide support for Europe to catch up in consumer health and institutional health markets. The Commission has

DRAFT
Some contributions are still under consideration supported a large spectrum of activities in eHealth including policies, research and innovation in FP7 and Horizon 2020[1]. There has been a challenge to increase the capability of eHealth SMEs to engage in the work programmes.
The European Commission supported under FP7 the Virtual Physiological Model
(VPH)[2] area that funded research on multi-scale computer modelling and disease simulations with clinical applications coupled with developing a set of infrastructures, networking and road-mapping projects. This funding successfully resulted in numerous prototypes that proved the concept. Users trust and commercial exploitation are highly dependent on the clinical assessment of proposed prototypes. Performing extensive clinical validation will allow gathering the evidence for VPH solutions, accelerating the re-use of validated models and obtaining both clinical and European industrial/IT benefits.
H2020-SMEInst-14-2016-2017-PM14
ICT solutions for Active and Healthy Ageing based on open platforms
Specific Challenge: For the ageing society ICT based solutions can offer important support for older citizens to remain autonomous, active and healthy as long as possible.
A key design goal is to achieve easy integration of a range of required services, high user acceptance through service independent, accessible and customisable user interfaces, and flexible adaptation of specific services as individual needs change during the life course. In order to reach this goal, new approaches for application design and delivery are required, which build on open platforms[1] that have the features needed to support the requirements set out in this topic.
The challenge is to support rapid development and market validation of ICT innovative solutions (products, applications and services) addressing the key needs and desires of an ageing population. Focus will be on SMEs which have innovative business models with high potential for market entry, where the use of suitable open platforms is key to success and competiveness.

DRAFT
Some contributions are still under consideration
H2020-SMEInst-21-2016-2017-RUR-9
Creating added value from waste and by-products generated on farm and along the value-chain
Specific challenge: Agriculture and agro-industries
[1]
generate organic waste streams and by-products (e.g. manure, effluents, losses and by-products from plants and livestock production at farm level and down the chain) that are not properly valorised and can bring economic and environmental benefits. A broad range of innovative technical solutions for improved logistics (i.e. collection, storage and transport) and conversion technologies should provide environmentally friendly, secure and profitable business cases for SMEs while contributing to a sustainable circular economy. These innovative solutions include improved existing routes to biogas/bioenergy, high quality feed and fertilizers and also new processes for the production of high added-value products which can be used inside or outside the agricultural sector. A combined use of different waste/by-products and/or a multiple output is also considered. Proposals should analyse the competitive use of selected by-products to compare the environmental benefit of the proposed conversion with existing ones
H2020-SMEInst-22-2016-2017-SFS-43
FOODSMES: Resource-efficient eco-innovative food production and processing
Specific challenge: To remain competitive, limit environmental degradation and optimise the efficient use of resources, the development of more resource-efficient and sustainable food production and processing, throughout the food system, at all scales of business, in a competitive and innovative way is required. Current food production and processing systems, especially in the SME sector, need to be revised and optimised with the aim of achieving a significant reduction in water and energy use, greenhouse gas emissions and waste generation, while at the same time improving the efficiency in the use of raw materials, increasing climate resilience and ensuring or improving shelf life, food safety and quality. New competitive eco-innovative processes should be developed, within the framework of a transition towards a more resource-efficient, sustainable economy.
A priority for 2016 and 2017 is the reduction of food losses and waste along the valuechain.
[1] post-harvest activities involved in the transformation, preservation and preparation of agricultural production for intermediary or final consumption (with emphasis on food)

DRAFT
Some contributions are still under consideration
H2020-SMEInst-23-2016-2017-BE
Intelligent solutions and tools in forest production systems, fostering sustainable supply of quality wood for the growing bio-economy
Specific challenge: : Increasing societal demands and emerging policies relating to forest resources present new challenges for the sector and trigger the need to enhance the multi-functional role of forests in the EU. The quantity and the quality of wood yields depend on forest management objectives, silvicultural regime and measures adopted from the establishment of forest stands to the end of rotation (for even-aged forests) or the selection harvest (for uneven-aged forests). Managing forests' horizontal and vertical structure is crucially important given the long production cycles involved and the demand to adapt, within the production cycle, to the evolving framework of environmental and societal conditions. In this respect, there is opportunity to develop intelligent (i.e. cost-efficient, productive and environment-friendly) and novel solutions and tools to support sustainable wood production from forests managed on a multifunctional basis. To add value to the wood production and enable close-to-market outputs, these tools and solutions can refer to a series of cutting edge technologies in relation to measures including, but not limited to seedling/replanting, non-destructive measurement/analysis, weeding, cleaning, pruning, thinning, harvesting, etc..
H2020-SMEInst-24-2016-2017-BG
Supporting SMEs efforts for the development - deployment and market replication of innovative solutions for blue growth
Specific Challenge: The potential of Europe’s Oceans, seas and coasts is significant for job and growth creation if the appropriate investments in research and innovation are made. SMEs contribution to the development of the 'Blue Growth Strategy' (COM (2012)
494) can be significant in particular in the fields of marine biotechnology (related applications, key tools and technologies including those related to the link between oceans and human health) as well as aquaculture (marine and fresh water) related technologies and services. However, one of the most important barriers for the development of innovative maritime economic activities is the lack of access to finance for SMEs to develop high-potential, but high-risk innovative ideas and to bring them close to market. The SME instrument offers financial support to SMEs with an EU dimension to put forward their most innovative ideas in the previously mentioned maritime and aquaculture sectors with a particular focus on close-to-market solutions and potential for high growth and internationalisation.
H2020-SMEInst-31-2016-2017-SIE
Stimulating the innovation potential of SMEs for a low carbon and efficient energy system
Specific Challenge: SMEs play a crucial role in developing resource-efficient, costeffective and affordable technology solutions to decarbonise and make more efficient the energy system in a sustainable way. They are expected to strongly contribute to one or

DRAFT
Some contributions are still under consideration a combination of more than one of the challenges outlined in the legal base of the
Horizon 2020 Societal Challenge ‘Secure, Clean and Efficient Energy’ [1]
, in particular with regard to:

Reducing energy consumption and carbon footprint by smart and sustainable use
(including energy-efficient products and services as well as ‘Smart Cities and
Communities’),

Low-cost, low-carbon electricity supply (including renewable energy as well as CCS and re-use),

Alternative fuels and mobile energy sources,

A single, smart European electricity grid,

New knowledge and technologies, and

Robust decision making and public engagement.
H2020-SMEInst-41-2016-2017
Small business innovation research for Transport
Specific challenge: The European transport sector must have the capacity to deliver the best products and services, in a time and cost efficient manner, in order to preserve its leadership and create new jobs, as well as to tackle the environmental and mobility defies. The role of SMEs to meet these challenges is critical as they are key players in the supply chains. Enhancing the involvement of weaker players in innovation activities as well as facilitating the start-up and emergence of new high-tech SMEs is of paramount importance.
H2020-SMEInst-51-2016-2017-SC5
Boosting the potential of small businesses in the areas and priorities of SC5
Specific challenge: Innovative SMEs have been recognised as being able to become the engine of the green economy and to facilitate the transition to a resource efficient, climate-smart circular economy. They can play an important role in helping the EU to exit from the economic crises and in job creation. The potential of commercialising innovative solutions from SMEs is however hindered by several barriers including the absence of the proof of concept, the difficulty to access risk finance, the lack of prototyping, insufficient scale-up studies, etc. Growth therefore needs to be stimulated by increasing the levels of innovation in SMEs, covering their different innovation needs over the whole innovation cycle.
Innovative SMEs should be supported and guided to reach and accelerate their full green growth potential. This topic is targeted at all types of eco-innovative
[1]
SMEs in all areas addressing the climate action, environment, resource efficiency and raw materials challenge – including but not restricted to the 2016-2017 strategic priorities of systemic eco-innovation and circular economy, nature-based solutions, climate services, sustainable supply of raw materials, harnessing earth observation data, cultural heritage for sustainable growth, and water – focusing on SMEs showing a
[1] Council decision No 2013/743/EU establishing the Specific Programme implementing Horizon 2020 - The
Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020)
[1] http://ec.europa.eu/environment/eco-innovation/index_en.htm

DRAFT
Some contributions are still under consideration strong ambition to develop, grow and internationalise. All kinds of promising ideas, products, processes, services and business models, notably across sectors and disciplines, for commercialisation both in a business-to-business (B2B) and a businessto-customer (B2C) context, are eligible.
H2020-SMEInst-61-2016-2017-CO-CREATION
Applied co-creation in the public sector
Specific challenge: While efforts have been made to make public services user-friendly and reduce the administrative burden, for example by making them increasingly available online, studies show that service design often does not meet the expectations of citizens and businesses, who require more usability and transparency.
The profound understanding of users, the re-design of services with their approach and preferred delivery channel in mind are important elements for governments to prove their ability to fulfil the needs of citizens and businesses. The ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach no longer works in all spheres of the public sector; historical, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds play an important role in the expectations of interactions with public administrations. Engaging with stakeholders in the design, production and delivery phases is expected to bring about significant improvements.
It is therefore important to demonstrate how collaborative service creation and policymaking really take place on the ground; how stakeholders get engaged and how public administrations gather the necessary customer insight, re-define their operational processes and identify appropriate sustainability models.
H2020-SMEInst-62-2016-2017-CULT-COOP
Innovative business models for collaborative and cultural economy
Specific challenge: SMEs, including social enterprises and cultural actors, can build their growth on business model innovation, taking into account new opportunities arising from a more collaborative economy. A change of paradigm from ownership to access, from individual consumption to shared functionalities can be applied in several sectors benefiting from digital technologies and ensuring more sustainable lifestyles to
EU citizens particularly in cities. New ways of creating, producing, consuming, using, educating, learning, caring, moving and living are emerging in European cities. New ways of exploiting tangible and intangible cultural heritage are made possible. SMEs developing and adapting new business models play a key role in these transformations.
The specific challenge addressed by this topic is to enable SMEs in collaborative economy, in creative sectors, cultural heritage and the social economy to innovate and grow across traditional boundaries, through new business models and organisational change. This SME instrument should explore the potential replicability of these innovative socio-cultural businesses and practices, use and exploit cultural heritage and contemporary culture and arts, implement pilot projects and test cases, especially in EU regions and cities with economic and social difficulties (cf. GDP pro capita and unemployment rate).
H2020-SMEInst-71-2016-2017-
Engaging SMEs in security research and development

DRAFT
Some contributions are still under consideration
Specific challenge: To engage small and medium enterprises in security research and development, especially those not traditionally involved in it, and reduce as much as possible the entry barriers to SMEs for Horizon 2020 funding.
The actions under this topic could cover any aspect of the Specific Programme for
"secure societies - protecting freedom and security of Europe and its citizens" (Horizon
2020 Framework programme and Specific programme), with the exception of point "7.4.
Improving cyber security", which is covered by the SME instrument H2020-SMEInst-
72-2016-2017
H2020-SMEInst-72-2016-2017
Innovative European SMEs in cybersecurity
Specific challenge: To engage small and medium enterprises in cybersecurity research and development, especially those not traditionally involved in it and reduce as much as possible the entry barriers to SMEs for Horizon 2020 funding.
The actions under this topic could cover any aspect of the Digital Security Call of the
Specific Programme for "Secure societies - protecting freedom and security of Europe and its citizens" (Horizon 2020 Framework programme and Specific programme), with the exception of point topics DS2-2016 “Security Economics” and DS3-2016 “EU and
International Coordination in Cybersecurity Research and Innovation” Improving cyber security.