SIENA

Stimulation Initiative for European Neural Applications

Esprit Project 9811

Summary of the project

The objective of SIENA is to accelerate the take-up of neural network technology in Europe through a programme of activities with a specifically industrial orientation.

SIENA will encourage the strengtening of links between suppliers and users. It will set up awareness activities in order to raise the level of knowledge of the potential business benefits of neural computing in the end-user community

It is recognised that although Europe is strong in research into this area of technology, it lags behind the USA and Japan in its industrialisation.

The objectives of SIENA are therefore:

to survey the existing positioning of neural computing tools and methods accross Europe
to characterise the European demand for NN tools and solutions
to identify any application constraints which are specific to NN
to disseminate NN concepts and benefits to various categories of potential users in a number of industrial sectors (such as manufacturing, food, banking and finance, health care) and to disseminate results and experience from pilot applications
to put into contact suppliers of NN tools and expertise and users

It will particulary help suppliers who are small innovative SMEs, either as supplier or as useers of the technology.

The project is expected to last for 18 months. The total effort is approximately 5 person-years with an overall budget of 600 kecu.