Abstract
The current critical situation of the world economy pushes the companies to make themselves adaptable and to change their usual rigid behaviour in order to survive globalization of the market, to face the competition of the so called low cost countries (LCCs) and to overcame the current financial crisis. For the western companies, the possible way to face the movement of production to the LCCs, is to invest and increase the technological level of their products by means of effective R&D. This is even more valid for the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and is particular valid for the power generation sector. This paper addresses the policies adopted by the Public Administrations in the different countries in order to support the companies. The Public Administrations have the interest to support the companies not only in order to promote their own growth but, above all, in order to support the development of the territory where the company is located with the growth of the job numbers and the increasing of the subsuppliers activities. A review of the financial instruments available for companies in order to obtain financial help for research and innovation is provided, advantages and disadvantages are discussed. The focus is placed to the energy sector. An industrial case study is shown, related to a thermal spray shop dealing with gas turbine components, where the efficient and effective use of research allows the set up and the development of the company and also contributes to the surrounding market.
