The KAPPA-Health study aims to identify the principle performance factors that account for a successful SME participation in FP6 “Life sciences, genomics and biotechnology for health” and FP7 “Health” theme. The success in terms of quantity such as out-licensing/new products on the market but also the longer term quality in respect of the sustainable survival of the companies and the establishment of winning business partnership will be assessed and valorised. Thus SMEs active in EU FP6/7 joint collaboration are more visible, get access to huge networks and more information a special focus will be on the correlation between FP6/7 collaborations and attracting complementary funding investments e.g. financial services, venture capital and/or additional governmental funds. Identifying the key performance factors and analysing them in collaboration with existing support structures will accelerate and enhance the dissemination and exploitation of the project outcome generated by high-technology and research intensive SMEs in FP6/7. This study will lead to develop a methodology of assessment and valorisation of project outcomes for SMEs. It will facilitate the evaluation of projects with more chance for success and help policy makers to define objectives and intermediate performance targets in FP7 for creating a favourable support environment in Europe with regard to the “Life science and biotechnology – a strategy for Europe” and the Lisbon goals.