SUpporting SMEs innovaTion in Adaptation to EU changINg standards

Project SUSTAIN aims to strengthen joint collaboration between three innovation support agencies through peer learning, and raise their competences to support SMEs in adaptation to EU standards.

Project will exploit the “Twinning advanced” approach to motivate and strengthen a learning process between project partners based on their experiences in working with SMEs improving their processes of adaptation to EU standards.

Peer learning partners will develop practical and innovative procedure in support to successful adaptation of SMEs to EU standards.

Special attention will be dedicated to implementation of regional pilot actions through the following activities: development of self-audit tool in energy, circular economy and digitalization for SMEs; trainings tailored to needs of SMEs; knowledge exchange and transfer of best practices between regions; coaching/mentoring for specific skills related to “standardization” process.

Peer learning partners will specifically focus on EU standards related to energy, circular economy and digitalization. These areas are of critical importance for competitiveness of SMEs.

SMEs should be empowered to better manage energy consumption, increase energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gases emissions and exploit waste recycling whenever possible.

Technological capabilities are constantly improving and to keep up, SMEs must be agile and innovative as they integrate new digital technologies into their business practices.

Impact of SUSTAIN project will be evident in raising awareness and knowledge of SMEs on benefits of adoption and use of EU standards, specially related to absorption of know-how incorporated within standards and resulting potentials for innovation development.

Innovation support agencies will increase their knowledge and capacities to efficiently support SMEs on their path to adoption of EU standards.