Supporting Innovation Ecosystems and SMEs
The global economy is on a path to recovery, but uncertainty looms ahead. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs are critical for ensuring a strong, inclusive, and sustainable rebound. Despite their importance, SMEs have faced disproportionate challenges and require support to unlock their full potential. With SMEs representing 99% of firms and contributing 60% of the business sector's value added, their role in driving green and digital transitions cannot be underestimated. However, barriers like limited financial resources, innovation management gaps, and weak networking impede their competitiveness.
To foster innovation and growth, addressing these challenges is paramount. Research and innovation are essential for enhancing SMEs' competitiveness, boosting economic growth, and creating jobs, particularly in Europe. Governments have stepped in to provide significant short-term support, but long-term solutions are needed for sustained progress.
One of the key solutions is building effective networks. These networks can address challenges related to disruptions in global production and supply chains, promote the role of women-led businesses in international trade, enhance knowledge and innovation ecosystems, and strengthen skills development.
Innovation is the driving force behind long-term growth and productivity. Though SMEs may face more obstacles than larger enterprises, some can still become highly innovative and achieve remarkable productivity levels. To foster inclusive growth, authorities can support SMEs by creating a conducive business environment, assisting in funding, and helping them leverage their internal strategic resources effectively. Building an innovation system with inclusive support services and a focus on commercializing research will further bolster SME innovation.
News
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POLICY ANSWERS participated in a UN-ECE Transformative Innovation Network meeting
The network was introduced by UN-ECE and the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) to stakeholders on 20-21 September 2023 in Przno, Montenegro. It aims to create value through supporting evidence-based...
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EBRD Youth in Business programme has been launched in Albania
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is launching its Youth in Business Programme in Albania. It will support the financial inclusion of young entrepreneurs by helping them overcome...
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The results of the 1st assessment phase for the 2nd call for thematic projects have been published in June 2023. The selected project proposals will now enter the 2nd phase of assessment (June-November...
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Events
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Horizon Europe Info Day in Albania (supported by POLICY ANSWERS)
POLICY ANSWERS through its partner NASRI supports capacity building in Albania with a Horizon Europe Info Day in Elbasan on 25 October 2023. More information about the event will be available soon.
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2nd International Danube Cup - Conference on Entrepreneurship Education
Danube Cup is an international network of universities along the Danube to enhance entrepreneurship education and support student startups by bringing together student startups with educators, startup...
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Matchmaking Event for the territories interested to become Regional Innovation Valleys (RIVs)
The European Commission organises next 12 September 2023 the online matchmaking event for the territories interested in becoming RIVs. Programme 09:30-09:40 Welcome ...
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Organisations
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NanoAlb - Albanian NanoScience and Nanotechnology Unit
NanoAlb, is the Albanian NanoScience and Nanotechnology Unit created next to the Academy of Sciences of Albania. It is a virtual center that coordinates the activities in the area of nanoscience and nanotechnology...
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Innovation and Training Park Prizren
The Innovation and Training Park (ITP) Prizren is the most unique location in the region, that fosters collaboration in a vibrant community, aiming to become the regional hub for entrepreneurship innovation...
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Digital Serbia Initiative is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation with the strategic goal of developing a strong, globally competitive digital economy in Serbia. The initiative aims...
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Calls
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Slovak Challenge Fund has been established under Partnership Project with the aim to facilitate the transfer of Slovak know-how and innovative solutions that address development challenges identified ...
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CEI Cooperation Fund Call for Proposals 2023
Public and private institutions registered in a CEI Member State, NGOs/CSOs as well as international organisations, are invited to apply to the CEI Cooperation Fund which is financed by annual...
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GIZ BiH, as part of the "EU4Business Recovery" project, which is co-financed by the European Union and the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany, invites trades/independent entrepreneurs and companies...
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Documents
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[FOCUS ARTICLE] Innovation Voucher Schemes in the Western Balkans
Innovation Vouchers (IVs) are simple, fast and efficient financial incentives designed for micro, small and medium enterprises to raise the innovation level of their products and improve their competitiveness...
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"Western Balkans: unleashing the potential of innovative start-ups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Western Balkans: investment readiness program 2.0" is a project aimed to increase investment...
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In this document you find information about the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans and about the Western Balkans Investment Framework, and in particular the EIP Flagship Investments ...
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Links
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EBRD Youth in Business Programme
The Youth in Business programme of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development helps SMEs owned or managed by youth in the economies of operations of the programme access know-how, business expertise...
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FINNO - EEN contact point for companies in South-East Europe
FINNO is the solution to make the right choice between various types of SME financial and innovation support by different EU programmes and institutions. It offers all relevant and available financing...
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Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs
Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs is a cross-border exchange programme which gives new or aspiring entrepreneurs the chance to learn from experienced entrepreneurs running small businesses in other Participating...
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Projects
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WORTH Partnership Project is funded by the European Commission under COSME, the EU Programme for the competitiveness of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises. WORTH is the sole European project where...
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COVID-19 Investment Response – EU4BusinessRecovery
The EU4Bussiness Recovery project aims to reduce the consequences caused by the Covid-19 pandemic on agricultural and tourism enterprises, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the ...
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The Alliance of Boundary Crossing for Deep Tech
The ABCD Project aims to be a leading platform for innovation and deep tech entrepreneurship in the Western Balkans. It will foster an entrepreneurial mindset and support deep tech start-ups to thrive...
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