KIS-PIMS
Knowledge Intensive Services in the Planning, Installation, Maintenance and Scrap services (PIMS) for renewable energy production systems
The target of 20% for renewable energy’s share of energy consumption in the EU by 2020 will lead to huge investments in energy generation units using renewable sources, such as solar, wind, hydro, and biomass. This will result in the parallel expansion of service activities, whose productivity will enhance the use of renewable energy sources. They cover Planning, Installation, Maintenance and Scrap (PIMS) services with increased knowledge content as competition in these areas will grow with time.
KIS-PIMS is an initiative to enhance cost driven innovation in such services. Launched on January 2008 for the next three years with the financial support of the European Commission - DG Enterprise, it is carried out by 15 partners from Austria, Finland and France. The Finnish partners are Advansis, Motiva and VTT.
KIS-PIMS aims at testing new funding schemes for innovative SMEs or start-ups located in clusters of excellence in the above three Member states. It relies on:
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an innovation voucher, funded by and through technology agencies in Austria, Finland and France to enable these SMEs calling for consulting services to strengthen their business plans when facing the future development risks;
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links with public and/or private investors, to bring appropriate financing of the development phase of such innovative services;
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an increased European visibility for the most promising KIS companies through the KIS Platform hosted by Europe INNOVA (Club "KIS")
In connection to the KIS-PIMS project, Tekes has launched a call for proposals for SMEs developing innovative services in the renewable energy sector. The call is open until January 31st 2010. The SMEs may apply for funding for the use of external consulting services. Link to the home page of the call (in Finnish only): http://www.motiva.fi/palveluinnovaatio
