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(143)
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In order to promote and protect innovation, it is important that the interests
of SMEs, including start-ups, that are providers or deployers of AI systems are taken into
particular account. To that end, Member States should develop initiatives, which are targeted at
those operators, including on awareness raising and information communication. Member States
should provide SMEs, including start-ups, that have a registered office or a branch in
the Union, with priority access to the AI regulatory sandboxes provided that they fulfil the
eligibility conditions and selection criteria and without precluding other providers and
prospective providers to access the sandboxes provided the same conditions and criteria are
fulfilled. Member States should utilise existing channels and where appropriate, establish new
dedicated channels for communication with SMEs, including start-ups, deployers, other innovators
and, as appropriate, local public authorities, to support SMEs throughout their development path
by providing guidance and responding to queries about the implementation of this Regulation.
Where appropriate, these channels should work together to create synergies and ensure
homogeneity in their guidance to SMEs, including start-ups, and deployers. Additionally, Member
States should facilitate the participation of SMEs and other relevant stakeholders in the
standardisation development processes. Moreover, the specific interests and needs of providers
that are SMEs, including start-ups, should be taken into account when notified bodies set
conformity assessment fees. The Commission should regularly assess the certification and
compliance costs for SMEs, including start-ups, through transparent consultations and should
work with Member States to lower such costs. For example, translation costs related to mandatory
documentation and communication with authorities may constitute a significant cost for
providers and other operators, in particular those of a smaller scale. Member States should
possibly ensure that one of the languages determined and accepted by them for relevant
providers’ documentation and for communication with operators is one which is broadly understood
by the largest possible number of cross-border deployers. In order to address the specific needs
of SMEs, including start-ups, the Commission should provide standardised templates for the areas
covered by this Regulation, upon request of the Board. Additionally, the Commission should
complement Member States’ efforts by providing a single information platform with
easy-to-use information with regards to this Regulation for all providers and deployers, by
organising appropriate communication campaigns to raise awareness about the obligations arising
from this Regulation, and by evaluating and promoting the convergence of best practices in
public procurement procedures in relation to AI systems. Medium-sized enterprises which until
recently qualified as small enterprises within the meaning of the Annex to Commission
Recommendation 2003/361/EC (44)
should have access to those support measures, as those new medium-sized enterprises may
sometimes lack the legal resources and training necessary to ensure proper understanding of, and
compliance with, this Regulation.
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