Representatives from European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) met with research institutes and space industry organisations last week to discuss how smaller firms could be given more opportunities in the space business.

The Space Intelligence, Engineering and Quality Network (Sinequanet) was developed by the European Space Industry (ESA) and the European Commission (EC) in 2005 to give support to European SMEs which want to break into the space sector.

Initiatives developed through the network to aid SMEs include training courses, technology funding programmes and market development projects.

Eric Morel, of the ESA, said that SMEs offer innovation and flexibility to the sector.

"On several occasions in recent years we have seen SMEs come up with really innovative ideas; ideas that were not coming from large businesses, which in general build more on their experience," he said.

"Sometimes SMEs have provided breakthrough solutions which have played a very important role in the life of the agency."

A previous conference was held by Sinequanet in February in Darmstadt, Germany.