Preparation activities

The preparatory phase of BaSIC started in Nov. 2007. First discussed during the final meeting of BaltMetInno (first idea draft, partners, and roles). The project idea was then positively presented to BaltMet Officials in Vilnius, Jan. 2008. 2 preparatory meetings were held in Berlin (Feb, Apr) - first work package drafts were presented and input from the potential WP leaders and from other partners were received and discussed. April 2-3 the LP, WISTA-MG, participated at the Lead Applicants Seminar including individual consultation, jointly with an official representative of Berlin Senate of Economy and Technology. Several meetings of the partners were organised at the regional level (by WP leaders) i.e. Berlin: 2 preparatory meetings in Jan and April with participants from WISTA-MG, Berlin Senate, Senate Chancellery, Berlin Marketing, Technology Foundation Berlin, Investment Bank Berlin.

It was done in a similar way in Helsinki: meetings of Culminatum, City of Helsinki, Technopolis Venture; and in other regions A 3rd preparatory meeting was held in Stockholm, 12.5.2008 (KISTA) - with discussion of first filled in application form and budget draft. In beginning 2008, Oslo and Sankt Petersburg decided to support and to join the project application. The communication was well supported by BaltMet Officials.

After exchange with Lord Mayor of Copenhagen, also Copenhagen was successfully involved. Of major concern are discussions about linking the BaSIC approach with the JOSEFIN group dealing with developing financial tools for SME in the BSR.
All partners could be actively involved in preparing and writing the application using increased phone and email communication. Regular communication and exchange was given with the participating city administrations and also the JTS.