Two SMEs brought together by the Enterprise Europe Network cooperate across borders to develop a computer-controlled automatic timer.
In the central Hungarian town of Székesfehérvár, István Nagy runs Nagy és Társa, an SME that makes computer parts and accessories, measuring devices and communications equipment. When the SME set out to develop a computer-controlled automatic timer, it contacted the Enterprise Europe Network in order to find a software developer in neighbouring Romania.
Csilla Buda of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Fejér County, one of 4,500 Network experts worldwide, contacted colleague Simona Barsan at the CENT Technology Centre in Romania’s Transylvania region, with whom she collaborates frequently. Simona Barsan produced a list of six potential matches, with short descriptions of each so the Hungarian SME could decide quickly. Nagy was most impressed with Televox SA, an SME that sought the Network’s help for expanding internationally.
After introducing the companies, the Network experts helped arrange meetings and gave advice on intellectual property and other issues throughout the negotiations. Six months later, the companies agreed to jointly develop an automatic timer.
“The Enterprise Europe Network brought together the right companies at the right time,” says István Nagy of Nagy és Társa. His new partner, Arpad Demeter of Televox, was equally enthusiastic, saying: “I would recommend that all SMEs use the Network for raising their competitiveness and innovation level.”