Advanced Communication Technologies

Closed

The ACT project aims to support research & development and knowledge exchange for small, medium and micro-sized enterprises (SMEs & micro-enterprises) that want to capitalise on new internet-related business models and associated communication technologies. ACT will: Work with SMEs & micro-enterprises from key six business sectors, ICT, Energy & Environment, Advanced Materials & Manufacturing, Creative Industries, Life Sciences and Financial & Professional Services. The emphasis will be to create multi-sectoral business networks. Consolidate existing and conduct further research, and integrate research outcomes into the ACT delivery programme. Key areas will include brand creation; word-of-mouth marketing; User Generated Content (UGC) & freemiums. Use a 3-tier approach to help ACT beneficiaries to capitalise on these new forms of business activity: ACT 1 Innovation seminars exploring new communication technologies ACT 2 Specialist workshops giving individually tailored strategies ACT 3 Specialist supports to prototype new products/ process emerging from ACT 1&2 Explore two main themes: Innovative Business Models: how companies can harness new innovations to drive business Media Exchange: using online media to develop test & integrate new business communication techniques. Disseminate project activity and impact through various communications methods. As a result of delivery of ACT activity, the project will produce the following outputs: Create 4 business networks totalling 28 SMEs/micro-enterprises in the cross-border area Develop research in the cross border area Host seminars and specialist workshops with 100 businesses in the cross border area Create and disseminate tailored blueprints to meet the needs of ACT participating businesses Create 5 new products/services and 4 new jobs in the cross border area Ensure SMEs are better prepared to take advantage of advancing communication technologies

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