General
The management of SMEs often lacks a concrete and solid framework which can guide them in their decisions for best technological choice to meet their needs. Critical questions are raised at all levels of production and operation, such as:

· What production process would be the most appropriate?
· What type of technology best supports the given production processes?
· What work methods are best suited for the given production processes?
· Which are the critical factors for value creation in the production process?
· Which key performance indicators are best suited for assessment of efficiency?
· How does the company score against competitors in these key performance indicators?

Aim of the project
Aim of the BENTEX project is to set up and implement a sectoral-targeted benchmarking database with critical information about the management of technology within textile companies as a support tool for decision making in SMEs.

Further Objectives
In addition, the foreseen in depth analysis of benchmarking data will result in the identification of very specific key areas of constraints in management of technology. The correlation and liaison of these key areas with the research topics supported by EU is expected to form a "SMEs roadmap" towards the best-suited actions in European Framework Programmes.

Industry Focus
BenTex will focus on two of the most critical stages - in terms of added value and employment creation - in the European Textile and Clothing value chain,
· commission dyeing / finishing companies and
· subcontracting clothing companies

The BENTEX project will o identify technological drawbacks within SMEs o correlate and link these technological constraints with research actions supported by the 5th FP o motivate and guide textile SMEs to submit RTD proposals (minimum target 16 proposals)

Work Plan
The project will use existing methodological frameworks, sector-specific research competencies and infrastructures across Europe in order to accommodate objectives ranging from technology management to SMEs competitiveness, best practice demonstration, focused intervention into SME specific problems and the encouragement of SMEs to participate in the EU Framework Programme for research and technological development.

Task 1: Formulation of Benchmarking Framework
Task 2: Realisation of 450 Benchmarking audits
Task 3: Development of benchmarking data base Analysis of results
Task 4: Engagement: making benchmarking work
Task 5: Dissemination

Partners
· Eight Textile Technological Centres from European countries CLOTEFI (GR), TECNO TESSILE & CITER (I), AITEX (E), ITV Denkendorf (D), INOTEX (CZ), CITEVE (PT), CERTEX (RO) with long experience in the textile sector and its problems
· the European Apparel and Textile Association (EURATEX), responsible for a European wide dissemination of results along with
· the six Innovation Relay Centres CESVIT (I), CENEMES (E), LIC (LT), SEZ (D), AGENCIA de INNOVACAO (PT) and CADEL (RO) with experience in technology transfer from research to industry
· are cooperating for the realisation of the objectives of the BENTEX project with technical support of BPM (GR), private company with qualified experienced personnel specialised in benchmarking.

Contact
CLOTEFI S.A.
El. Venizelou 4
GR-17676 Kallithea Athens

Tel.:
301-9234932
Fax:
301-9235603
E-mail:
nmalliou@etakei.gr