The ERM project aims at helping European SMEs, in particular very small companies, to avoid marginalisation in the process of integration and competition, as a result of the recent enlargement of the European Union. To do so, the project will establish a system for co-operation amongst companies, research organisations, financial & training bodies and local authorities with the aim of stimulating the spread of innovation within SMEs and of further adapting vocational training offers to the developing needs of SMEs. End project results will comprise a printed handbook relating to the use of self-assessment tools; a self-assessment module relating to SME capacity within transnational co-operation and a project website providing all teaching and information materials. All products will be made available in EN, FR, ES & IT. The main beneficiaries of the project are owners, managers and human resources professionals within SMEs, particularly with regard to SMEs involved in international trade activities. Dissemination will be targeted at policy makers at a local level in addition to managers of vocational training organisations, trade unions and entrepreneurial associations and will involve the organisation of technical meetings & seminars and the publication/distribution of developed materials.