The project ESTEEM 'Equipping SMEs with Technology for Environmentally-friendly Manufacture' is one of seven Regional Technology Transfer (RTT) pilot projects funded by the European Commission through Article 10 of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). These projects represent a new approach by the ERDF recognising that developing regions need help to import skills and technology as well as support to improve their infrastructure. If the pilot projects are successful then more funding is likely to be available through the ERDF for further technology transfer projects