zim, the central innovation programme for smes zentrales … peer... · 2015-11-24 · mahmut kiper...

Document ID: IPF 11-005

VINNOVA Dno: 2009-04589

ZIM, the Central Innovation Programme for SMEs

(Zentrales Innovationsprogramm Mittelstand)

Part of Deliverable D2.2 INNO-Partnering Forum

www.proinno-europe.eu/partnering-forum

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Description of the deliverable

This is a formal delivery under D2.2 Peer review within WP2 of the INNO-Partnering Forum (IPF) project. In the context of the IPF project a total of 12 peer reviews will be conducted and reported upon.

Three peer reviews were conducted in spring 2010. Early May 2010 an invitation to participate in a new round of peer reviews was issued by various channels, including the PRO-INNO EUROPE / IPF website to innovation agencies with a public mission. Innovation agencies were asked to submit successful and suitable innovation programmes for peer review and to express interest in joining review teams.

IPF reviewed and evaluated the submitted programmes and considered their merits in view of the objectives of the IPF project, amongst which the ‘potential for good practices’ stood out as the leading criterion. One of the four programmes selected was:

ZIM (Central Innovation Programme SME), operated by Euronorm (GE)

The review of ZIM was prepared during Ocober – November 2010. The review team visited Berlin 9tht – 10th December. The review report was completed and agreed by all involved in February 2011. It will be made available on the PRO INNO Europe website, under IPF.

Stockholm 2011-03-10

Jenni Nordborg

Project Coordinator

INNO-Partnering Forum

Dissemination level:

The following dissemination level is set for this report/deliverable in accordance with the contract and discussions with the Commission services: PU =Public.


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This report was prepared by:

Jasper Deuten and Matti Hiltunen

Contact details:

Email: [email protected]

The Peer Review team:

Niamh Keon Vainio-Mattila - Enterprise Ireland, Ireland

Richard van der Walle - NL Agency, The Netherlands

Matti Hiltunen – Tekes, Finland (team leader)

Mahmut Kiper – TTGV, Turkey

Didier Chaton – OSEO, France

Jasper Deuten – Technolopolis Group, The Netherlands (external consultant)

Our host was

Claudia Flügel – BMWi (the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology),

Germany

Disclaimer:

The views expressed in this report are those of the author and the Peer Review Team. They do

not necessarily reflect the opinion or position of the European Commission and in no way

commit the involved organisations.

mailto:[email protected]


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ZIM, the Central Innovation Programme

for SMEs (Zentrales Innovationsprogramm

Mittelstand)

Peer review report

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 6 1.1 ZIM as a peer review subject ...................................................................................... 6

2 ZIM – Description of the programme ...................................................................... 7 2.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................ 7 2.2 Policy context .............................................................................................................. 7 2.3 The purpose of ZIM .................................................................................................... 8 2.4 Relation to other programmes, state aid rules ............................................................. 8

3 Service delivery system ............................................................................................ 9 3.1 Programme Design ...................................................................................................... 9 3.2 Programme Delivery and Marketing ......................................................................... 13 3.3 Participant Selection and Contracts .......................................................................... 14 3.4 Participant Monitoring and Impact .......................................................................... 19

4 Programme Results and Impact ............................................................................. 20

5 Critical success factors and good practices ............................................................ 21 5.1 Critical success factors .............................................................................................. 21 5.2 Inventory of good practises ....................................................................................... 21

6 Comments on the review process ........................................................................... 24

Appendix A: Host Agency Self Assessment Questionnaire ............................................ 25

Appendix B: Agenda of the Peer Review visit ................................................................ 31


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1 Introduction The Peer Review as described in the present report is part of the INNO-Partnering Forum

(IPF). The INNO-Partnering Forum (IPF) is an INNO-Net. It was established as a project

under the auspices of the European Commission (DG Enterprise and Industry) for the period

2009–2012.

The aim of IPF is to identify, develop and exploit synergies between public innovation

agencies in Europe and propose new approaches to innovation support for SMEs. The project

will in particular explore and test new ways of service delivery, aiming to accelerate the take-

up of the most advanced innovation mechanisms with proven efficiency and impact. IPF is

carried out by a consortium consisting of the following six partners Vinnova (SE, co-

ordinator), Tekes (FI), Technology Strategy Board (UK), Enterprise Ireland (EI), NL Agency

(NL) and FFG (AT).

For the peer reviews the cases (programmes) are provided by the partner organisations and by

other public innovation agencies. Also the membership of the review teams can come from

outside the project partners.

The review in this report is about the Central Innovation Programme SME (ZIM or Zentrales

Innovationsprogramm Mittelstand in German), the basic programme of the Federal Ministry

of Economics and Technology (BMWi) for market-driven technology support of the

innovative SMEs in Germany.

The review visit took place the 9th

and 10th

of December 2010.

The team members were:

Niamh Keon Vainio-Mattila - Enterprise Ireland, Ireland

Richard van der Walle - NL Agency, The Netherlands

Matti Hiltunen – Tekes, Finland (team leader)

Mahmut Kiper – TTGV, Turkey

Didier Chaton – OSEO, France

Jasper Deuten – Technopolis Group, The Netherlands (external consultant)

The team wishes to express its gratitude to BMWi for the warm welcome given and for the

information and transparency which they provided about the ZIM programme and its

functioning.

1.1 ZIM as a peer review subject ZIM was proposed by BMWi as a peer review subject in the first open call organised by

INNO-Partnering Forum (IPF). It was chosen to be reviewed with three other European

schemes and thus became part of the first actual phase of reviews – following three pilot

exercises. The particular aspects which made ZIM an interesting target were preliminary

identified as:


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Swift and non-bureaucratic procedures;

High customer satisfaction;

Systematic utilisation of the new innovation state aid instrument: aid for advisory

services and innovation support services;

Design factors which enable high probability of funding after applying;

Streamlining of support schemes, by integrating existing programmes into one

programme with three modules;

Open character of the programme: open for applications in all sectors and

technologies.

2 ZIM – Description of the programme

2.1 Introduction The Central Innovation Programme SME (ZIM or Zentrales Innovationsprogramm

Mittelstand in German) is the basic programme of the Federal Ministry of Economics and

Technology (BMWi) for market-driven technology support of the innovative SMEs in

Germany. The ZIM programme was launched on 1 July 2008 and runs until the end of 2013.

It offers funding for R&D cooperation and networking projects and, since 1 January 2009,

through funding of single firm R&D projects, first in Eastern Germany.

ZIM was increased and expanded within the scope of the "Pact for Employment and Stability

in Germany towards Securing Jobs, Strengthening Growth Factors, and Modernising the

Country" (Economic Stimulus Package II). In order to support the increased financing needs

of SMEs for R&D projects during the economic crisis, the funding opportunities were

extended to provide funding also to single projects in Western Germany (one month after

Eastern Germany). In addition, decision was taken to open all ZIM support measures also to

larger companies with up to 1,000 employees everywhere in Germany – this part of the

extension expired at the end of 2010.

2.2 Policy context The ZIM programme is part of the ‘High Tech Strategy’ of the German government that

coordinates and integrates innovation support measures of the different Federal ministries.

The High Tech Strategy aims to connect research and markets of the future. It promotes

innovation, cutting-edge technologies and better framework conditions for research and

innovation. It also aims to orient research and innovation towards societal challenges (e.g.

health/food, energy/climate, security, mobility, communication). Key technologies such as

nano, bio and information technologies are especially stimulated.

ZIM is part of BMWi’s innovation policy. BMWi has four areas of innovation policy, one of

which is SME oriented support programmes.1 ZIM is BMWi’s subsidy programme for R&D

projects of SMEs.2 Raising the R&D intensiveness and innovativeness of SMEs is identified

in German innovation policy as a key means to improve the international competitiveness of

1 The other three areas are: Innovation-friendly policy environment; Technology-specific support programmes; and

Institutional funding / Federal Agencies. 2 Within the policy area of SME oriented support programmes, BMWI also has support measures for young high-tech

companies, for R&D projects of SME research associations, for technology transfer and to increase innovation competencies

of SMEs.


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the German economy. SMEs play an important role in the German economy; therefore, the

government strategy is aimed at promoting the productivity and innovative capacity of SMEs.

In order to meet the challenges of global competition, SMEs are supported to advance their

research and innovation efforts to a high level and to intensify the development of new

products, processes and services. In this manner, ZIM creates impetus for companies to grow,

thus creating and securing jobs.

2.3 The purpose of ZIM The aim of ZIM is to provide sustainable support to the innovative capabilities and

competitiveness of companies.3 Therefore, ZIM funds innovative and challenging projects of

SMEs. The funding is intended to:

Encourage companies to dedicate more efforts to market-driven R&D and innovation;

Reduce the technical and economic risks of technology-based projects involving

R&D;

Rapidly implement the R&D results in the form of market-orientated innovations;

Enhance the level of collaboration of companies and research organisations and to

expand technology transfer;

Increase the commitment of companies towards R&D cooperation;

Improve innovation, cooperation and network management within the enterprise.

ZIM is specifically tailored to SMEs. It is open to all sectors and technologies. SMEs decide

themselves about the content of the projects, the technology and their cooperation and

network partners. It is open for continuous applications (i.e., no calls) and has easy and fast

procedures of application and low administrative burden for SMEs. Moreover, SMEs can

have simultaneous projects, as well as follow-up or complementary projects. International

cooperation is also eligible for support.

The measure was launched in July 2008 and integrates and streamlines several previous

measures into one integral programme with common and easy rules and procedures. ZIM

comprises three support measures or funding modules:4

1. ZIM-KOOP, Funding Module Cooperation Projects;

2. ZIM-SOLO, Funding Module Single Projects;

3. ZIM-NEMO, Funding Module Network Projects.

2.4 Relation to other programmes, state aid rules In some of the Bundesländer there are similar types of measures mostly co-financed by

ERDF. But in those programmes the cooperation is limited to the regional area on the

contrary to ZIM which is a federal scheme.

The state aid basis for ZIM-KOOP and –SOLO is the Community framework for state aid for

research and development and innovation, for ZIM-NEMO the de minimis regulation. The

3 Including the trades and those persons who are independently employed in liberal professions. 4 In July 2008, the programmes PRO INNO II and INNO NET were integrated in ZIM-KOOP and NEMO was restructured

in ZIM-NEMO. Subsequently, in January 2009, INNO-WATT was restructured in ZIM-SOLO.


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same basis is available throughout the European Union, European Economic Area and

Switzerland.

3 Service delivery system

3.1 Programme Design

3.1.1 Programme management

The BMWi is responsible for the conception of the programme, for providing the

means/budget, for implementing the programme in collaboration with the programme

management agencies (Projektträger), and for the political monitoring of the programme

implementation.

The three programme management agencies – AiF5, VDI/VDE-IT

6 and EuroNorm

7 – are

responsible for the project management of the programme. The role of the agencies covers the

following areas:

PR for ZIM;

Help desk for applicants and consultation;

Handling of the applications:

Economic and technical assessment;

Decision about funding or rejection;

Communication towards applicants;

Administrative support:

Project monitoring;

Payments;

Verification check (after projects are finished).

The agencies operate mainly centrally from Berlin, but the AiF has office also in Cologne, the

VDI/VDE-IT in Munich and Dresden and EuroNorm in Neuenhagen. The IT system that is

used for programme management allows the agencies to work from different locations/offices

and still function virtually as one unit. The division of work between the agencies (i.e. which

agency is responsible for which funding module) is communicated to the customers in a clear

manner, for instance in the programme brochures and on the website (www.zim-bmwi.de).

The agencies work as Projektträger for BMWi. This means that BMWi puts out a call for

tender to take up the management of the programme and that private programme management

companies can submit a bid and compete for a contract with BMWi.

5 The AiF is the German Federation of Industrial Research Associations. The AiF acts as an agency for the promotion of

R&D for SMEs in two ways: on the one hand, it lays the foundations for industrial collective research for the benefit of entire

industrial sectors; and on the other hand, the AiF acts as a programme managing executive for governmental R&D support

measures for the benefit of individual companies and Universities of Applied Sciences. (www.aif.de). 6 VDI/VDE Innovation + Technik is a society of VDI (Association of German Engineers) and of VDE (Association for

Electrical, Electronic and Information Technologies). (www.vdivde-it.de). 7 EuroNorm Quality Assurance and Innovation Management is a medium-sized service company. (www.euronorm.de).

http://www.zim-bmwi.de/

http://www.aif.de/

http://www.vdivde-it.de/eng/

http://www.euronorm.de/


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The relation between the Ministry and the agencies is based on a contract, which defines the

tasks and obligations. The current contract runs until 2013 and can be prolonged for the rest

of the time ZIM is active (applications are received till the end of 2013 so projects of ZIM

will be running until about 2016). When in 2014 a new programme starts there will be a new

tender and the present agencies have good chances to get the order again because the

applicants must have experience and qualified personnel. But changes can occur since there

are several qualified agencies on the market.

Additionally, the agency can carry out tasks of public authority (approval or refusal of grants).

For this delegation of public tasks the permission of the Federal Ministry of Finance is

necessary. The ZIM-unit of the BMWi supervises the work of the agencies. That means that

there are regular meetings (every 3-4 months) where problems are talked over and also the

status of the work and the work plan for the next months are discussed. The Ministry has

access to the IT-system which provides all relevant data concerning the scheme. Every agency

which works for the government also goes through once in a while a detailed audit conducted

by the Federal Audit Office.

Good practices

One recognised advantage in using private programme management agencies is that they are

free of several bureaucratic obligations which burden state organisations. This enables the

agencies to fully concentrate to their core task. However, it is not easy to transfer this kind of

structure into environments where programme management is traditionally the task of public

bodies.

The procedures are swift. Speed is gained in the process because no external evaluators are

required for the evaluation and selection of proposals for ZIM SOLO and ZIM KOOP.

(External evaluators are only used in the ZIM NEMO programme.) The agencies not only are

the Project Managers (PM) for the programme, they also act as evaluators and make the

recommendation to fund/not to fund (which is either endorsed or not endorsed by the BMWi).

3.1.2 ZIM offerings

ZIM offers grants for R&D projects of SMEs.8 In addition, ZIM offers support for R&D

networks as well as for innovation advisory services and innovation support services (e.g.

market research or certification).9 ZIM has various options for SME support or funding

modules:

The ZIM-KOOP funding module promotes R&D cooperation projects of companies,

or companies and research organisations, in the development of new products or

processes. They are to be carried out in a balanced partnership in which all the

partners provide innovative input. In order to support the commercial exploitation of

research, SMEs may receive additional funding for services and consultation that

promote innovation.

8 Firms in East Germany can receive max. 175,000 euro (50% of total costs). Firms in West Germany can receive max.

157,500 euro (45% of total costs). Research institutions that cooperate with firms can receive max. 175,000 euro (100% of

total costs). 9 Cost of max. 50,000 euro are subsidised up to 50%.


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In the ZIM-SOLO funding module, single-company R&D projects in firms are funded

for the development of new products and processes. In addition, SMEs may receive

funding for services and consultation that promote innovation to support the

commercial exploitation of research results.

In the ZIM-NEMO funding module, network management services are funded for the

development of innovative networks involving at least six companies with the aim of

harnessing synergies. Among the companies involved, the following institutions

tasked with network management are eligible to submit an application: an external

network management institution or a research institution involved in the network.

The three funding modules are implemented and managed by three agencies. ZIM-KOOP is

managed by AiF; ZIM-SOLO by EuroNorm and VDI/VDE-IT; and ZIM-NEMO by

VDI/VDE-IT. It appears that the programme management is rather efficient, with

administration costs below 4% of the total budget.

The procedures of the programme and the division of work between different actors are

clearly defined and they are supported by an impressive IT-system. This system makes

manual handling of documents redundant. It also allows that the different parties in the

programme management operate as one virtual network. The IT-system is used to gather

information on the programme, the projects and its participants. The IT-system was created

on behalf of the Ministry. It is owned by the Ministry and only used for ZIM.

The number of people involved in directly running the programme is roughly 150 of which 7

in the Ministry. The overall number is an estimate since the agency personnel are not

employed full time on the ZIM programme.

3.1.3 The size of the scheme and the success rate

The annual budget of ZIM is approximately 300 million euro (in 2009 and 2010). The

economic stimulus package II of the Federal government provides an additional 900 million

euro for 2009–2010. Also bigger firms (max. 1,000 employees) may apply for this addition

support. For the period after 2011, the planned annual budget amounts to approximately 500

million euro.

ZIM-KOOP has by far the most applications (12,101 per 3 December 2010), followed by

ZIM-SOLO (4,613) and ZIM-NEMO (209). The success rate of applications is high: 78%.

The average grant amounts to 125,149 euro, and the average project time is 24 months. In

total, 1.4 billion euro was awarded in grants, with SMEs contributing 1.5 billion euro (i.e. 2.9

billion eligible costs).

3.1.4 Customer needs

The design of the scheme takes into account several needs and expectations of the clients. The

following ZIM specific features distinguish it from other German R&D&I programmes:

Reduced bureaucracy;

Swift procedures;

Openness to all technologies;

Availability in all Germany;


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Possibility to accept CEO’s salary costs;

Streamlined accounting requirements;

High success rate.

The high success rate of applications (78%) is partly related to the pre-application support that

applicants can get, but it is also a strategic choice to make the scheme accessible for SMEs.

The selection procedure in ZIM is kept relatively light. The innovation agencies do not

impede the application by undertaking extensive project evaluation once the basic

requirements are met. The agencies rather adhere to the one technical/one commercial

evaluation and therefore have reduced time and bureaucracy in the application procedure.

When verifying the basic requirements in particular following matters are checked:

The company is an SME;

It has the financial and personnel resources to carry out the work and commercialise

the results;

The objective of the project is a clear state-of-the-art novelty;

The market potential is credible;

The project structure fits the programme;

The project is well-planned.

In terms of programme design it is an important choice whether to have an elaborate selection

processes (with a focus on selecting the best proposals with the highest potential) or relatively

light selection (with a focus on fast processes). It is too early to assess what effect the high

success rate of ZIM has had on the economic impact.

Good practices

The innovation agencies do not impede the application by undertaking extensive project

evaluation once the basic requirements are met. The agencies rather adhere to the one

technical/one commercial evaluation and therefore have reduced time and bureaucracy in the

application procedure. This is especially important for SMEs.

The openness of the scheme to all technologies and themes has the advantage that the

companies can carry out projects in the very field of business they normally work in and

therefore know the potential market as well as the market shortcomings or problems which

should be solved. This differs from innovation programmes in which public agencies or

ministries restrict the theme so that the SMEs do not necessarily understand what they are

expected to do and loose interest.

An important factor behind the swift and easy procedures is the strong standardisation of the

scheme. For instance:

The variety of reimbursement rates is limited and they are easily definable according

to few key factors;

Miscellaneous costs are eligible through a simple coefficient;

Project size has clear maximum limits.


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Standardisation enables reduction of administrative work in the customer enterprises as well

as in the project management agencies. The other part of the coin is that some flexibility in

ability to take into account client needs and expectations is lost. This is to say that the

customers have to adapt their projects into pre-set size limits and to settle for standardised

miscellaneous cost coefficient even in the case of a project which requires important material

purchases.

Possible area for improvement

While there is no one correct answer to an optimised balance between standardisation and

flexibility, customer feedback during the peer review visit suggests that there might be some

room to increase the flexibility.

3.1.5 Stakeholder needs

ZIM seems to respond well to the expectations of the policy makers. The scheme has a clearly

defined role as a promoter of innovation activities of the SMEs which are seen as key players

in work place creation and the competitiveness and growth of the German economy. The

confidence of the decision makers towards the scheme is shown in the significant additional

funding allocated to the programme through the German stimulus package and the expected

increase of the base-level of funding from 300 million euro to 500 million euro per year.

Overall, the scheme is a logical part of BMWi’s innovation policy which consists of four

main areas:

Innovation friendly policy environment

Technology-specific support programmes

SME oriented support programmes (ZIM being one of these)

Institutional funding /Federal Agencies.

3.2 Programme Delivery and Marketing When ZIM was launched in July 2008, a range of activities were deployed to publicise the

scheme to target groups. For instance, the BMWi sent a letter to all Chambers of Commerce

in Germany, press releases were published, a website was created, regional information

events were organised, information points on industrial fairs were set up, and a brochure was

published.


Customer feedback during the peer review visit suggests that additional promotion measures

would be welcomed (this seems to be the case in particular in Western Germany where the

scheme is a relatively new opportunity to clients). To this end, the BMWi and the programme

management agencies are already planning to strengthen the presence of ZIM in different

enterprise events.

In connection with the German stimulus package, ZIM has proven its ability to adapt to major

budget increases and to significant growth of customer base.


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3.3 Participant Selection and Contracts

3.3.1 General requirements to qualify for the scheme

In general, ZIM has three main types of funding requirements: for projects, for personnel and

for companies and research institutions.

Projects have to meet several requirements to be eligible for support. New products,

processes or technical services are to be developed, which in their functions,

parameters or characteristics are clearly superior to existing products, processes or

technical services. The product should be oriented towards the international state-of-

the-art and serve to enhance the company's technological level of performance and

innovative expertise. The project should also involve a considerable, yet calculable,

technical risk. The competitiveness of the company has to be sustainably increased,

new market opportunities have to be opened up, and jobs have to be created or

secured. Finally, the project cannot be realised, or only with significant delay, without

the funding. The project is not allowed to be supported within the scope of other

grants, or launched prior to confirmation of receipt of application and carried out on

behalf of a third party.

Persons working on the project may be funded if proper qualification and engagement

can be documented and recognised. They cannot be funded if: their duties are

supported within the scope of other funding programmes of the Federal government,

the German states or the EU; if they are financed through job creation modules,

employment subsidies or comparable labour-market policies; or when personnel

financed through general grants (without substitute personnel) are to be employed in

research organisations.

The companies and institutions should have available sufficiently-qualified scientific

and technical personnel or temporary personnel from research institutions or undertake

to newly hire qualified employees. They should be able to safeguard normal business

operations, minus personnel for the project and with remaining personnel capacity,

including management. In addition, they should have completed previous funding

projects in an orderly manner, have an organised accounting system in place and not

have filed for bankruptcy or opened insolvency proceedings. The companies must

have finalised their incorporation and be able to commit their own adequate financial

contribution.

3.3.2 Funding modules for ZIM-KOOP and ZIM-SOLO

The specific funding depends on the different types of projects that are possible within ZIM’s

funding modules.

ZIM-KOOP: R&D Cooperation Project in Companies. Funding will be provided for

R&D cooperation projects involving at least two companies, among which all the

partners provide innovative input. Collaboration will be based on a balanced

partnership and a shared potential for carrying out the project, not on a contractual

relationship. In bilateral projects, no partner may assume more than 70% and for

projects involving more than two partners not more than 50% of the fundable costs of

the entire project. Each company submits an application for its subproject.


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Cooperation partners may also include companies that are not eligible to apply, e. g.

foreign companies.

ZIM-KOOP: R&D Cooperation Project of Companies and Research Organisations.

Funding is provided to projects involving at least one company and at least one

research organisation. The basis for collaboration includes a balanced partnership and

shared potential for carrying out the project, however with no contractual relationship.

In bilateral projects, no partner may assume more than 70% and for projects involving

more than two partners not more than 50% of the fundable costs of all partners. As a

rule, research organisations may not assume more than 50% of the fundable costs of

the entire project. Each company submits a grant application for its share in the

project. Cooperation partners may also be foreign companies that are not allowed to

submit an application.

ZIM-KOOP: R&D Integrated Project involving Companies and Research

Organisations. Funding is provided to integrated R&D projects bundling several

technologies and involving at least four SMEs and at least two research organisations,

which integrate various technologies in interdisciplinary collaboration. The basis for

collaboration includes a balanced partnership and shared potential for carrying out the

project, however with no contractual relationship. Together the companies must

assume at least 50% of the costs of the entire project. Each company eligible to submit

a grant application does so for its subproject. Cooperation partners may also be

companies that are not eligible to submit an application and / or foreign research

organisations.

ZIM-KOOP: R&D Project of a Company contracting R&D with a Research Partner.

Funding is provided to R&D projects involving companies that are affiliated to a

research partner on the basis of an R&D contract. The basis of collaboration includes a

contractual relationship. The company that pays for the R&D contract submits the

grant application. The share of the research partner(s) must be at least 30% and may

not exceed 70% of the man-months fundable throughout the entire project. The

contractors can also be foreign research partners.

ZIM-SOLO: Single Projects. In ZIM-SOLO, single-company R&D projects are funded

for the development of innovative products, processes or technical services without

restriction to particular technologies and sectors. The objective is the development of

in-house innovative expertise within the enterprise.

ZIM-SOLO and ZIM-KOOP: Services and Consultation promoting Innovation. In

ZIM-KOOP and ZIM-SOLO, funding may also be provided for services by third

parties to support the commercial exploitation of the results of the R&D projects.

Applications may be submitted exclusively by SMEs whose R&D project has been

approved. Applications for funding may be submitted up to six months following

successful completion of the R&D project. Fundable third-party services include, for

example, consultation on running a business; technical support; training; technology

transfer services; consultation in connection with the acquisition and protection, and

trading of IPR as well as licensing agreements; consultation on the use of standards;

office space; use of databases; use of specialised libraries; market research; use of

laboratories; quality labels, tests and certifications.


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The reimbursement rates for R&D projects are:

For companies 25% to 50% of the fundable costs (max. grant per subproject 350,000

euro);

For research organisations 90% to 100% of fundable costs (max. grant per subproject

175,000 euros).

The reimbursement rates for services and consultation promoting innovation are:

50% of the fundable costs for contracts (max. 50,000 euro).

A grant within ZIM-KOOP and ZIM-SOLO is disbursed as a non-repayable subsidy in the

form of proportional funding up to the following reimbursement rates, as they relate to the

fundable costs:

Small companies Medium-sized

companies

Larger companies

(<1,000 employees)

Western

Germany

Eastern

Germany

Western

Germany

Eastern

Germany

Western

Germany

Eastern

Germany

ZIM-KOOP: R&D Cooperation Project in

Companies

ZIM-KOOP: R&D Cooperation Project of

Companies and Research Organisations

ZIM-KOOP: R&D Integrated Project involving

Companies and Research Organisations

45% 50% 40% 45% 30% a

(25%)

35% a,b

(30%)

ZIM-KOOP: R&D Project of a Company

contracting R&D with a Research Partner

ZIM-SOLO: Single Projects 40% 45% 35%

45% c

(35%) 25%

30% b

(25%)

a This reimbursement rate is provided, if at least one SME is a cooperation partner or the R&D activity is carried out in

Germany and at least one other EU country. b This rate is provided if industrial research services comprise at least one quarter of the entire services of the project. c This rate is only provided if the company is documented to render industrial research services.

3.3.2.1 Eligible costs for ZIM-KOOP and ZIM-SOLO

The following project costs are fundable in the ZIM-KOOP and ZIM-SOLO funding

modules:

Direct personnel costs;

Costs for project-related contracts with third parties (max. 25 % of the direct personnel

costs);

Miscellaneous costs (lump-sum supplement, related to direct personnel costs)

o for companies up to 100% (transnational: up to 120 %);

o for research organisations up to 75%

o good for non-material intensive projects.

For R&D Integrated Projects the fundable costs for the entire project are limited to 2 million

euro.


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3.3.2.2 Application process for ZIM-KOOP and ZIM-SOLO

Applications for ZIM-KOOP and ZIM-SOLO can be submitted at any time. The processing

time for the applications depends primarily upon the quality and completeness of documents.

The filing of an application must adhere to certain formalities. Applicants can obtain forms on

the Internet at www.zim-bmwi.de or in hardcopy form free of charge from the project agency.

The funding decision is solely at the discretion of the BMWi upon recommendation of the

agency. The Ministry normally endorses the projects according to the recommendation but

has the obligation to make a deeper examination to 5 % of the applications in order to be sure

that things are running correctly. If there is no objection by the BMWi the agency

approves/disapproves the grants.

There is no legal entitlement to grant approval. Prior to submitting the application, applicants

can consult with the project agency and have a rough draft concept evaluated.

Steps in the application process:

Optional: consultation with the project agency

Optional: rough draft concept to the project agency

Submission of application to the project agency

Application processing by the project agency

Grant recommendation is sent by the project agency to the BMWi

Approval by the BMWi

Various documents need to be submitted:

Documents with a description of the applicant (legal declarations; list of funding

obtained through other programmes in the past three years).10

Documents with a description of the project content (justification and description of

the project objective and its impacts (exploitation plan); planning of the work flows;

draft cooperation agreement).

Supporting documents of the requested grant (personnel and cost planning; details on

credit worthiness and financing of each share of contribution).

A concept for monitoring success.

3.3.3 Funding module for ZIM-NEMO

The ZIM-NEMO funding module supports management and organisational services for

developing innovative networks with at least size companies. It consists of two phases:

10 In addition, companies need to submit a current copy of an excerpt from the Company Registry or business registration.

SMEs have to submit declaration on classification as an SME and larger companies a declaration of the incentive effect of

the funding. Research organisations need to submit an excerpt from the Association Registry, charter, list of members and a

current excerpt from the Company Registry. Non-profit limited liability company (gGmbH) have to submit a proof of non-

profit status.

http://www.zim-bmwi.de/


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Phase 1: Design and establishment of the network;

Phase 2: Implementation and further development of the network design.

Network management may provide various services, including: acquisition and contractual

engagement of the network partners; strengths/weaknesses analysis of the network partners;

identification of important fields of technology; market analysis; marketing concept; public

relations; project controlling; and impact monitoring.

The funding of a network is generally limited to three years.

Applications can be submitted by an external networking institution or by a participating

research institution. The (recipient) companies involved in the network increasingly

contribute their own financial resources. Participating companies benefit indirectly, therefore

the funding represents support according to the EU's de minimis rules. The network partners

receive a de minimis approval of the proportionate funding (max. 200,000 euro in three

years).

The function of network management has to meet several requirements:

Technological competence

Experience in project management and marketing

Experience in the moderation and coaching of innovative processes

Experience in cooperation with companies and research organisations

The network management must not have any own commercial interests in the results of the

network and no affiliate interest in firms associated with the network (neutral intermediary).

3.3.3.1 Eligible costs for ZIM-NEMO

The following project costs are reimbursable within ZIM-NEMO:

Direct Personnel Costs11

Costs of project-related procurement from third parties12

Additional costs13

The reimbursement rates depend on the phase. In Phase 1 it includes up to 90% of

reimbursable costs. The maximum reimbursement rates in Phase 2 are 70% in the first year,

50% in the second year, and 30% in the third year.14

The maximum grant for network projects

is 350,000 euro, and no more than 150,000 euro may be applied to Phase 1.

3.3.3.2 Application process for ZIM-NEMO

Applications are accepted at any time (up until 31 December 2013). The processing time for

the applications depends primarily upon the quality and completeness of the documents. The

11 Basis: Gross salaries and productive yearly working hours, max. 80,000 euro per person and year. 12 I.e., external R&D expenditures, max. 25% of personnel costs. 13 Lump-sum in relation to the personnel costs: for companies up to 100% (transnational: 120%) for research organisations

up to 75%. 14 The increasing own contribution is to be financed by the participating network partners.


PAGE 19

submission of the application must adhere to certain formalities. Applicants can obtain forms

on the Internet at www.zim-bmwi.de or in hardcopy form free of charge from the appropriate

project agency. The BMWi decides on the grant based on a recommendation from an external

jury. There is no legal entitlement to grant approval.

Prior to submitting the application, applicants can consult with the project agency and have a

rough draft concept evaluated.

Steps in the application process:

Optional: consultation with the project agency

Optional: rough draft concept to the project agency

Submission of application to the project agency

Application processing by the project agency

Grant recommendation by an external jury is made to the BMWi

Approval by the BMWi

For Phase 1, the following documents need to be submitted:

Application form with details on the applicant

Detailed concept

Description of the applicant's references

Attachments for the calculation of the personnel and other costs

Letters of intent from the network partners to reach a contractual agreement with the

applicant functioning as network manager

Declarations of the network firms about any previous de minimis grants

A grant application in Phase 2 can only be submitted after Phase 1 has been declared

successfully completed. For Phase 2, application documents need to be submitted that contain

all requested information, including the signed network agreement. Phase 2 should be applied

for and commenced no later than three months after completion of Phase 1.


As previously mentioned, an important factor behind the swift and easy procedures is the

strong standardisation of the scheme. There is no one correct answer to an optimised balance

between standardisation and flexibility but according to customer feed-back there might be

some room to increase the latter aspect for instance by:

Accepting miscellaneous costs on the basis of true costs in material intensive projects,

if the customer wants this;

Increasing the maximum size of the project or removing the size limit.

3.4 Participant Monitoring and Impact The programme management agencies provide the helpdesk and consultation for applicants.

Agencies are also responsible of the project monitoring which they do very closely until the

project is finished. Monitoring is proactive in the sense that should problems arise in the


PAGE 20

implementation of the project the customer is contacted and, if needed, met in order to work

out corrective measures. One aim of this proactive approach is to enable and even encourage

the customer to fail early in cases where unsuccessfulness is becoming evident. ZIM finances

risky and challenging projects and does not exclude companies for honest failures. Of course,

if these seem to become repetitive special attention is given to clarify the reasons.

In the predecessor programme of ZIM-SOLO (INNO-WATT) EuroNorm itself evaluated the

economic impact of the finished projects. Now the economic effects, impact and sustainability

of the projects are measured by external evaluations:

Regular case studies 3 - 4 years after the end of the project. About 30 such studies per

year are carried out by RKW (an institute which gets funding from the Ministry for

this kind of tasks).

Yearly surveys on the economic impact and sustainability 2 - 3 years after the end of

the project also carried out by RKW. The next survey of ZIM will take place in 2013

because two extra evaluations were started in December 2010. These are a

macroeconomic analysis (i.e. the overall effects on the economy) and a

microeconomic analysis (the effects on the individual companies). The contractors

were chosen by tender.

The evidence available from customer feedback is very positive towards ZIM. The scheme is

clearly seen as SME friendly best practise among the German R&D support mechanisms.

Customer feedback also suggests that participation in ZIM raises the profile of companies and

helps them to get access to banks.

Furthermore, one of the major outcomes of ZIM is that R&D personnel hired through ZIM

support are generally retained at the end of the project. In effect, the companies increase their

R&D staffing and capabilities.

4 Programme Results and Impact The ZIM programme was evaluated in 2009-2010 by Fraunhofer ISI in collaboration with

Gesellschaft für Innovationsforschung und Beratung (GIB). The methods included three

online surveys15

, an analysis of monitoring dates, two telephone surveys of not funded

companies, and 84 interviews. The ZIM evaluation showed that the increased programme

volume met a high demand. ZIM was the first programme that offered broad support for

innovation by SMEs. More than half of the SMEs did not receive public support from

preceding programmes (e.g. PRO INNO, INNO WATT, InnoNet). A relatively large share of

the funding goes to Eastern Germany (40%). The evaluation also showed that medium-sized

firms prefer single R&D projects. Small and very small firms prefer cooperation with other

firms. Cooperation with research institutions is highly appreciated by all firms.

The extension of funding for single R&D to the whole of Germany contributed to closing a

‘funding gap’ in Western Germany. There was no replacement of R&D cooperation projects

15 The surveys were sent out to >2000 funding recipients. The response rate was high (76%).


PAGE 21

in favour of single R&D projects. The highest share of funding goes to R&D cooperation

projects between firms and at least one research institution.

Universities, universities for applied sciences and non-profit research institutes are preferred

research partners, rather than Fraunhofer institutes.

The evaluation also showed that a relatively large share of the applicants (68%) did not

consider applying for funding in another programme than ZIM. This indicates that ZIM has a

high added value with the German policy mix.

5 Critical success factors and good practices

5.1 Critical success factors The following critical success factors were identified in the peer review:

A clearly defined role of the scheme and additional value brought by the scheme to the

innovation system (openness to all technologies, easy and fast procedures for close-to-

the-market SME projects, no regional limitations);

Strong political support bringing with it sufficient resources;

Continuous and well-targeted promotion of the programme;

A real effort to make the scheme customer-friendly (e.g. streamlined procedures,

continuous application, integration of three programmes into one programme with three

modules).

5.2 Inventory of good practises ZIM is basically a ‘classical’ R&D support scheme for SMEs. Most European innovation

agencies are running programmes with the same State Aid legislation basis. The scheme is a

tailored part of the German innovation system where, for instance, the division of work

between federal government and Bundesländer is a strongly contextual matter. Also the

involvement of Projektträger, rather than governmental agencies, in the programme

management is not common in most European countries. Thus, identifying good practices

which could be transferred to other environments concentrates on particularly well-

functioning features of the scheme rather than on the programme as a whole. The good

practices include:

5.2.1 Collaboration model between programme owner and programme managers

The close collaboration and clear division of labour between programme owner and

programme management agencies is a good practice. While main rules and conception are

designed and funds are provided by the ministry which owns the programme, modules are run

and implemented technically by specialised agencies which are competent to do this and are

not burdened by extensive state bureaucracy. Private programme management agencies are

free from additional bureaucratic obligations which burden state organisations. This enables

the agencies to fully concentrate on their core tasks.


PAGE 22

The model has enabled reduction in project handling times both in the evaluation phase and

follow-up.

The transferability of this model is not straightforward, because it depends on the governance

structure in other countries (or regions) and the existence of specialised agencies outside the

government structures. It is not easy to transfer the model into environments where programme

management is traditionally the task of public bodies.

5.2.2 Streamlining of various programmes into an integral modular programme

It is a good practice to streamline the mix of policy instruments by integrating several

programmes into one modular programme. This improves the accessibility and transparency

for client firms and allows for more efficient programme implementation.

The concept of streamlining is transferable to other policy contexts that are characterised by

fragmentation in the mix of policy instruments.

5.2.3 Early stage advice before submission of the application

It is a good practice that clients are given the opportunity to seek early stage advice before

submitting the formal application. It improves the quality of applications and is one additional

factor rendering the process more efficient.

This good practice can be transferred without difficulty, because it would not require major

reorganisations or restructuring.

5.2.4 Swift payment method

It is a good practice that ZIM uses a swift payment method to companies which is milestone

based for work completed and invoiced for. The companies return with spend completed

every 2-3 months. Knowing this return and lack of bureaucracy in payment encourages

companies to get involved in the programme at the outset.

This good practice could be transferred relatively easy, depending on the rules for payment

that are in place.

5.2.5 Light and quick selection procedures

The procedures are swift. Speed is gained in the process because no external evaluators are

required for the evaluation and selection of proposals for ZIM SOLO and ZIM KOOP.

(External evaluators are only used in the ZIM NEMO programme.) The agencies not only are

the Project Managers (PM) for the programme, they also act as evaluators and make the

recommendation to fund/not to fund (which is either endorsed or not endorsed by the BMWi).

The innovation agencies do not impede the application by undertaking extensive project

evaluation once the basic requirements are met. The agencies rather adhere to the one

technical/one commercial evaluation and therefore have reduced time and bureaucracy in the

application procedure. This is especially important for SMEs.

This good practice could be transferred to other programmes where speedy procedures are

important and where the programme has sufficient budgets to allow a high success rate of


PAGE 23

proposals. The agencies would not enter into negotiations about adjusting the proposal but

would rather have, or endorse sufficient trust in the applicants at the outset once the base

criteria have been addressed.

5.2.6 Openness to all technologies

The openness of the scheme to all technologies and themes has the advantage that the

companies can carry out projects in the very field of business they normally work in and

therefore know the potential market as well as the market shortcomings or problems which

should be solved. This makes the programme more understandable and attractive to the

SMEs.

Technically this feature is easily transferable to another environment but implementing it

requires political support which is not automatic in countries where the approach traditionally

is strongly thematic.

5.2.7 Standardised features

An important factor behind the swift and easy procedures is the strong standardisation of the

scheme. For instance:

The variety of reimbursement rates is limited and they are easily definable according to

few key factors;

Miscellaneous costs are eligible through a simple coefficient;

Project size has clear maximum limits.

Standardisation enables reduction of administrative work in the customer enterprises as well

as in the project management agencies. The other part of the coin is that some flexibility in

ability to take into account client needs and expectations is lost. This is to say that the

customers have to adapt their projects into pre-set size limits and to settle for a standardised

miscellaneous cost coefficient even in the case of a project which requires important material

purchases.

This good practice could be transferred to other programmes that do not require high

flexibility and deal with a high volume of applications and low material costs.

5.2.8 Connection with Aid for advisory services and innovation support services

Resources for commercialisation are improved by using the instrument Aid for advisory

services and innovation support services in close linkage with an R&D project. This is a good

practice, because support often stops after the R&D phase.16

The commercialisation phase is

at least as important as the R&D phase for an innovation to be successful.

This good practice is relatively easy to transfer.

16 Note that a broader use of Aid for advisory services and innovation support services by ZIM is possible. The state aid

framework allows maximum 200,000 euro per company in any three year period whereas in ZIM a limit for a single decision

is rather timidly 25,000 euro.


PAGE 24

5.2.9 IT system for programme management

The ZIM programme management is supported by a very efficient and effective IT-system,

which also allows the three modules of the programme to be managed by different agencies as

one integral programme.

The transfer of ZIM’s IT system would require embedding it in existing IT systems. This

would, most likely, pose technical challenges. However, lessons could be learnt from the

functional features of the IT system.

6 Comments on the review process The general impression of the peer review team was that a two-day visit offers a good

learning experience, in which much can be learnt on what other agencies are doing.

The meeting was well prepared and well organised by the Host Organisation.

Unfortunately, the visit was hampered by adverse weather conditions. A number of members

of the Peer Review team were not able to travel to Berlin due to heavy snowfall throughout

Europe. To safe guard against late or delayed arrival to the review it might be more fruitful if

members of the review team were to travel the evening prior to day one of the review. This is

not only advisable because of the risks associated with travelling in the winter, but also

because it gives the peer review team the opportunity to get to know each other and to prepare

for the meeting.

In hindsight, the peer review team would have liked to meet with more than one client

organisation and have more emphasis on customer feedback. It is important to be able to talk

to a representative customer group and get a true feel for the client base.

It was extremely helpful to have the IPF documents and a template report prior to the visit. It

assisted members of the Peer Review team in preparing for the meeting and enabled the team

members to streamline some of the questions.

The agenda was well organised. The peer review team felt that it was good to have informal

parts/sessions in the programme agenda. This allowed the team members to digest the

information provided, share their experiences and talk in an informal manner with

representatives of the host organisation. For example, the guided tour through the ministry

was a good element in the agenda. It contributed to a more relaxed atmosphere and

willingness for people to discuss openly.


PAGE 25

Appendix A: Host Agency Self Assessment Questionnaire

July, 2010

The INNO-Partnering Forum for better SME

innovation support services (IPF)

PEER REVIEWS

Self-assessment Questionnaire

Name of Organisation : Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Technologie/ (Federal

Ministry of Economics and Technology)/ EuroNorm (Project Management)

Contact Person : Claudia Flügel/ Marcus Netzel

Name of Measure : ZIM – Zentrales Innovationsprogramm Mittelstand (Central Innovation

Programme for SMEs)

Date of Completion Qu : 20/9/2010


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A) Measure: general information

A1 - Overview of the measure

The Central Innovation Programme for SMEs (ZIM) enhances the capacity of SMEs to

innovate and promote networking and cooperation between industry and research

(knowledge transfer). Under the ZIM programme, SMEs receive grants for application-

oriented R&D&I projects. They can carry out the projects either in-house with their

own personnel or in cooperation with other companies or research institutions. The

programme also promotes the management and organisation of networks of innovative

SMEs.

The Central Innovation Programme for SMEs (ZIM) consists of the modules:

ZIM-KOOP: R&D&I Cooperation projects of companies and research institutions.

ZIM-SOLO: R&D&I Projects of single enterprises.

ZIM-NEMO: Network Projects of innovative SMEs. (SMEs organized in these

networks also can apply for an R&D&I project in ZIM-KOOP).

The funding rate is up to 50%, depending of the size of the SME and its location.

Mostly the companies have to bear most of the costs themselves. Because ZIM is open to

all technologies the SMEs decide for themselves on the content of the projects and the

partners. But funding is provided only if the projects surpass the current state of

technology and lead to new technological products, processes or services.

A2 - Rationale and objectives

- Reduction of technical and economic risks of innovation projects

- Incentives for SMEs to invest more money in research, development and

innovation

- Transfer of technology

- Initiation of long-term cooperation between research institutions and

companies

- Improving the innovation management of SMEs

B) Description of the measure

B1 - Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

SMEs (according to EU-Definition)

B2 - How are the beneficiaries/participants selected?

SMEs can apply. R&D&I projects which fulfil the requirements are funded. The

projects must aim at new products, procedures or technical services with high

innovative potential. Funded projects have also to be additional and would not be

carried out without funding.


PAGE 27

B3 - How is the measure funded?

By national budget.

B4 - What are the supported activities?

R&D&I Projects. Networks of innovative SMEs.

B5 - How do you perceive the results and impact of the measure?

Regular Evaluation

B6 - Which are the performance indicators for assessment of the measure's results?

Economic criteria: Percentage of new products on sales, export; number of new jobs.

Studies of the impact on the overall economic situation.

C) Implementation of the measure

C1 - What is the overall budget? Evolution from year to year?

2009: 300 mio €, 2010: 300 mio €, additional 900 mio € under the Second Stimulus

Package of the German Government

scheduled 2011: 390 Mio €, 2012: 500 Mio €

C2 - What is the maximum and average budget per project ?

The average funding is 125 T per project, about 36 % of the project-costs. The rest is

paid by the company. Research institutes are funded 100 %. Max. funding is 175 T per

project.

C3 - Who do you report to and how? Number of people involved in running the system?

Budget Committee of Parliament, Federal Minister of Economics and Technology.


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C4 - What is the size of the measure in terms of number of projects/activities supported,

number of actors involved?

No. of Projects: 10088

2008 467

2010 4.810

2009 4.811

C5 - State aid and market disturbance. What kind of market failure is addressed by the

measure? Is there any market disturbance induced?

Positive externalities, knowledge spill-overs, coordination and network failures.

C6 - From the start, have there been any changes in the design or implementation?

Under the German government’s second stimulus package, the budget was increased

and the conditions for eligibility were relaxed so that companies up to 1000 employees

can be funded at a rate of max 35% of the costs. This change in the rules expires on

31/12/2010.

D) Monitoring, evaluation and assessment of the measure

D1 - Who did or will do the monitoring and evaluation?

There are public tenders for project management and evaluation. The project

management agency approve and evaluate the applications and is in charge of the

monitoring. The evaluations are carried out by economic research institutes.

D2 - What are the results and impacts of the measure (outcomes, relation with ex ante

situation and the original objectives)?

Greater competitiveness of SMEs.

D3 - Which indicators are used?

Evaluations and Studies of the impact on the business of the funded SMEs and on the

economic in general.

D4 - Main results and conclusions of evaluations / assessments.

75% participation of small enterprises up to 50 employees

cooperation with research institutes the most demanded ZIM-module


PAGE 29

created jobs after the project has been completed: up to 9 employees = 1,5, up to 49

employees = 2,5, up to 249 employees = 7,5

Topics like renewable energies, modern environmental technology, resource efficiency

and materials conservation, environmental protection or alternative fuels account for a

high proportion of the funded projects. Because enterprises can determine the

technology and content of the projects themselves and because they cover the bulk of

the costs, the results of the R&D&I projects are normally quickly developed into

market-ready products.

D5 – Which elements have been recognized as the strong and weak features of the

measure?

easy procedures, fast evaluation of applications

D6 – If you could recommend one (practice) element of your programme to other

agencies, what would it be?

individual payments by enterprises (at least 50% of total cost)

open topics

high probability of funding after applying

E) Regional/local environment

E1 – Are there any regional aspects or implications of the measure?

Because East Germany is a structurally weak area funding is higher there.


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F) Policy context

F1 - Are there similar actions overlapping, duplicating or competing with the measure?

On regional level. In some of the Bundesländer there are similar measures mostly co-

financed by EFRE. But cooperation is limited on the regional area on the contrary to

ZIM.

F2 - Are there other related policies or measures which are complementary (or

conflicting) at the same policy level?

Yes, KMU innovative by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research but only

selective funding in few technological fields.

G) Any additional comments:


PAGE 31

Appendix B: Agenda of the Peer Review visit

Agenda

Peer Review of the ZIM – Central Innovation Programme for SMEs

9-10 December 2010

Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology, Berlin

Thursday 9th December

11.00 Arrival of Review Team and internal preparatory discussion

12.30 Working lunch (the canteen of the Ministry)

13.00 Welcome and introductions

Claudia Flügel , Matti Hiltunen

13.10 Introduction of the IPF: Background, Intention and First Results

Matti Hiltunen

13.25 The German Innovation System and the Innovation Policies by the Federal

Ministry of Economics and Technology

Mathias Marx, VIIA1

13.55 The context of ZIM

the specific role of ZIM in the innovation system

background and need of the programme

Overview of ZIM

general approach to address the need

budget, project volumes, staff

a view to the future developments

Claudia Flügel


PAGE 32

14.25 Coffee break

14.40 BMWi – ZIM-Agencies: Distribution of Tasks

Claudia Flügel, Andreas Berns, VDI/VDE-IT

15.00 ZIM in practise

Claudia Flügel, Andreas Berns, VDI/VDE-IT, Holger Huhn, AiF

Design of the scheme

the ZIM offering and instruments

processes: application, handling, decision-making

Marketing and delivery

how is the scheme marketed/made known to potential customers?

Selection and contracts

the decision-making criteria

contracts with the customers

In this session special attention is given to recognizing transferable best practices.

15.30 Coffee Break

15.45 International Projects in ZIM

Holger Huhn, AiF

16.15 Round up discussion – Day one

17.30 Close and going to the hotel

19.00 Dinner


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Friday 10th December

08.45 Leave the hotel for the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology offices

09.00 Internal session of team

09.15 Success Stories of ZIM

Oilibhe Pabsch, Marcus Netzel, EuroNorm

09.45 Guided Tour through the Ministry of Economics and Technology

Uwe Sukowski, VIIA6

10.15 Follow-up of the scheme

Monitoring of the programme and its projects

ZIM evaluation results

Claudia Flügel

10.45 The customer’s perspective – Experiences

Eckhard SCHULZ, IFV BAHNTECHNIK e.V. /

Interdisciplinary Railway Research Network

11.15 Coffee Break

Internal reflection by the team

preliminary conclusions/SWOT-analysis

drafting the review report

12.40 Closing session with ZIM representatives

13.00 Closing lunch