On 13 October 2003 the European Bioinformatics Institute (EBI) will launch a new bioinformatics support network that is tailor-made for small companies.
It is widely acknowledged that Europe's economic development is becoming increasingly dependent on small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs; ie companies with fewer than 250 employees and an annual turnover not exceeding €50 million or an annual balance-sheet total not exceeding €43 million). However, these companies lack many of the support networks that are taken for granted by larger companies.
For example, notes the EBI, practically every small biotechnology company relies on bioinformatics for its research, and effective bioinformatics tools are often a key part of business strategy. Yet many SMEs have only a single member of staff responsible for this important aspect of their business, and these key people often have to multitask.
"Staff in this situation have nowhere to turn within their company if they need to solve a bioinformatics-related problem," notes the EBI.
When it launches in October, the forum will offer a biannual networking meeting, hands-on training, access to technical expertise, and consultancy.
The meetings will allow staff from SMEs to network openly with staff from other companies and the EBI, providing bioinformaticians from SMEs with a ready-made community.
"The intention is to create an open forum for members to contribute ideas and discuss issues directly with the most appropriate staff within the EBI," explained Paul Matthews, the EBI's Industry Programme Coordinator.
When asked what they would like to see included in a support forum, nearly every SME employee requested a training programme, so educational workshops will therefore form a core part of the forum. The forum will also provide opportunities for technical development through collaboration with the EBI, as well as expert technical help on an ad hoc basis. Other benefits of membership, including a new series of workshops tailored to the needs of SMEs and a dedicated helpdesk, are planned for the future - funding permitting.