ABOUT THE PORTAL

The NBCC Portal
The portal works to connect Baltic SME's, University RTD partners and research groups wishing to participate in EU research projects. Participants can :
1) find partners and emerging research projects,
2) announce and promote their own projects,
3) exchange information on best practices,
4) get advice on methods of application for FP6, and
5) engage in on-line discussions leading to the formation of new projects, new consortia and improved FP6 applications.

For Whom
The Portal is open to all interested SME's, RTD groups and research organisations in the 5 participating states, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Germany.

Aim
The specific objective of the NBCC Portal is to engage Baltic SME's in EU research projects, and to connect them with university and other RTD research partners. The broad aim is to improve R&D productivity through direct contact and through the exchange of practical, relevant information leading to improved project applications.

How the Portal Works:
The portal offers a simple and easy to use lists of
1) SME's, Universitiy RTD providers (contacts, areas of interest )
2) Researchers (names , contacts, interests, background)
3) Research themes, project descriptions, abstracts.)
4) Key Word Information Searches, ( FP6 Calls, Finance, Consortia, etc.)
5) Discussion Forums, key issues, new projects forming, consortia, finance
6) and information on FP6 applications (methods and procedures)

How to Use Portal
First enter your own contact data and write an abstract or short description of your company, project, concept or research project or information request. After entering your contact data, you will be free to seek partners and join discussions etc.

The Cost of the portal is free to all users.

Benefits:
This portal provides a fast and efficient method of identifying relevant project Groups and finding new research partners. It also mediates the exchange of practical information on application methods and processes, on issues of finance and guidelines for forming research consortia. the portal gives users some insights into how the FP6 decision process works. Effective use of the portal can help to reduce weeks of preparation time to hours or days.

Management of the Portal
The NBCC Portal is managed by a team of professional workers from the EU FP6 National Contact Points of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Germany.

Our Principles
Open Communication, Cross Cultural Co-operation, Business Ethics The portal is designed to be an effective communications vehicle, helping to make direct contacts between researchers, for the exchange of best research practices and useful, practical information.

Background: The NBCC Project
The NBCC project is a Specific Support Action (SSA) financed by the European Commission under the Sixth Framework Program, formed to create synergy for virtual networking and strengthening of the European Research Area (ERA). The NBCC project will assist to connect SME's, universities and research organisations from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Germany.
Proposal/Contract no.: SSA- 510463
Sixth Framework Programme
Integrating and strengthening the ERA (INCO)
Coordination of research activities

Rationale
Researchers in Baltic countries tend to work in local groups and communicate centrally with EU organisations in Brussels, for administrative reasons. There is not much lateral or horizontal communication between groups working in different countries. This NBCC portal can help to mobilise the collective intelligence of research groups operating. Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania or Poland. Innovation and new product development can emerge from the lateral exchange of ideas, methods, practices and people.

Note: the portal is under construction and will be ready in the New Year.