Objectives of the First Phase – Survey Methodology – Products and results

Objectives

The First phase has the objective of carrying out a survey of SMEs operating in the technological development sector aimed at:

• Observing and recording the level of perception of the roles of Mentoring in a sample of SMEs at a European level;
• Identifying the tools available to companies to develop the skills of the mentor, concentrating on aspects concerning technological innovation, at a European level, with particular attention to the partner countries (analysis of the literature, identification of existing products and recording of best practices and particularly significant experiences); 
• Recording the training on offer at regional and national level for the development of mentoring skills;
• Recording the needs of companies in terms of skills, tools and methods to activate mentoring functions;
• Recording the level of interest from SMEs in activating network arrangements through which they may activate the exchange of best practice and experience among companies, identify common needs, plan and create multimedia didactic support, and enter into an active relationship with new employment services.

Methodology

The survey will be carried out through the collection and analysis of studies and surveys available and through the despatch of a questionnaire to a sample of businesses belonging to the project partners’ countries.
The survey will also provide an opportunity to launch an awareness raising activity with the companies themselves, in order to promote the importance of having available professional specialist figures who can support and promote the implementation of measures aimed at the professional development of staff.

On the basis of the results of the survey a description of the mentor profile will be finalised, using the skills based approach, with particular attention being paid to skills for the creation and management of local networks.

Products

The final product of this first phase is a Survey report, including:

• review of best practices recorded at a European level and of the national training offer
• description of the professional profile of the mentor, using the skills based approach
• focus on distinctive skills for the construction and management of local networks.