Projects funded

Linking innovation with SME performance in Eastern Serbia and Northwest Bulgaria

Project ID: 2007CB16IPO006-2009-1-014
Acronym:
Project title: Linking innovation with SME performance in Eastern Serbia and Northwest Bulgaria
Call: 2007CB16IPO006-2009-1
Priority axis: Priority Axis 2
Action: 2.1 Links and networking on institutional, business and educational levels
Budget: 191356.21 €
EU co-financing: 162652.78 €
Start date: 22.08.2011
End date: 22.08.2012
Status: In implementation
Description: The project envisages promotion of innovation among SMEs from the cross-border region though the internet site; newsletters; leaflets, billboard presentation; participation in TV shows; trainings of companies in order to inform the owners of small and medium sized companies that innovation is important for the prosperity of their business. Innovation is a process supported by many donors and it is important to know if and how to access these funds The project plans to educate 200 companies in the basic concept of innovation, ways to reach the information; sources of funding; patent rights, etc. with a clear vision of main innovation trends in the sector, where the company is working /IT; industry; services; tourism or agriculture/. Innovation is a priority issue number one for the EU. It’s however difficult for the cross-border region as it costs a lot of resources: financial, human, organizational, etc. It’s good that the multiplication of good ideas is usually cheaper than inventing them again and again. The establishment of an information channel that informs companies about the technology transfer can literally open the eyes of many small-scale businessmen and women. The action will train companies where to look for innovation and how to find resources to perform better. The first academic step towards innovation will be done for many companies within this project through the creation of innovation profiles and measurement of capacity to innovate. Increasing level of competitiveness among the target group by increasing their level of innovative activities, and increasing level of cooperation between institution and providing better service to SME, in the field of innovation will answer to a large extent to the identified needs of the communities from both sides of the border for accelerating the economic development.

Partners

  • Regional Center for Sustainable Development and Entrepreneurship Timok ZajecarSerbia, Zajchar