SMEs represent 99% of all businesses in the EU. They are often referred to as the backbone of the European economy, providing a potential source for jobs and economic growth. They are often well suited for the Big Science market. Experience shows that SMEs exhibit excellent flexibility to respond and adapt to specific challenging technical requirements of Big Science organisations in advanced technology procurements.

Aligned with the global purpose of BSBF2024 of strengthening collaborations between research organisations and industry, we will organise a specific SME Track with a twofold objective:

• to make a case for how investing in the Big Science market is a means of growth for European SMEs, and can generate knowledge transferable to other market segments. To this end BSBF2024 will invite SMEs who have been successful in the Big Science market to present their success stories as a way to convey the message to the Big Science ecosystem, national authorities and European Commission;
• to give SMEs with proprietary technology and/or capabilities which are deemed applicable for the Big Science market the opportunity to liaise with technical responsible from Big Science organisations to explore collaborations and business opportunities.  These SMEs would benefit from a privileged position to maximise their participation in BSBF2024.