Improving policy instruments supporting innovative SME performance

Programme 2014 - 2020 Interreg Europe

Date of latest update: 2025-12-13

Description

Description (EN):

88,8 million people are working for SMEs in Europe, producing 28% of the total value added. Since 2008 the business growth originated dominantly from export activities, where SMEs are underrepresented. Less than one third of the SMEs are able to export, meanwhile it is an essential element of gaining new know-how and improving competitiveness. Only 13% of SMEs export out of the EU. There is a numerical evidence that exporting activity is in correlation with innovativeness, new employment. There are internal and external reasons for the relatively weak performance of the SMEs. External reason is that large companies are over-represented in export-oriented industries. By the size of the economy, the level of internationalization is growing. Internal reasons are cultural barriers, information shortage, language skills, financing. In each participating country, region, there is a heritage of internationalization support policy instruments. Part of the partners represent innovation-oriented area, while others have more labour-intensive character, providing a mixture of background. What is in common, the focus on internationalization of SMEs. During the implementation partners will receive a mirror for their individual instrument provided by the partnership, when each policy instrument is discussed one-by-one in detail. It is also reinforced by thematic workshops, when certain steps, elements are highlighted following the field experiences. As a result, each partner will be able to gain new insights to improve its internationalization policy instrument. On project level each partner will prepare an improved version of its internationalization policy tool. However, 4 thematic documents will also be elaborated: methodology for how, why these tools are chosen and customized; impact for how to measure the influence on target group performance; communication for the internal and external efficient sharing and information; integration for how to fit to other policy tools.

Achievements (EN):

In terms of activities, the project has organised a total of 83 policy learning events. It has also identified 26 good practices, produced 6 action plans and led to the increased capacity of 76 people. In terms of results, the project has succeeded in improving 5 regional development policies for a total amount of funds influenced of EUR 5,967,700. 00.

Website: https://www.interregeurope.eu/interreg-europe-2014-2020

Expected Results (EN):

Overall objective: Improve the internationalization policy instruments in the partner regions, countries, for the Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises. By the shared learnings of the partnership, and via the structured know-how transfer partners commit themselves to bring added value in the policy instrument of internationalization, achieving progressive change in the SME competitiveness. Sub-objectives: 1. Elaborate improved policy for the internationalization for each participating region/country. 2. Provide valuable input for the Interreg Europe platform to disseminate results of the high-profile partnership. 3. Develop and implement innovative tool for policy instrument change.

Expected Outputs (EN):

As an overall result of UpgradeSME project change in the policy instrument management, or change in the strategic focus is of the policy instrument is expected. There are two ways of focuses – methodological and content-related. The expected results of the methodological work are based on four pillars – methodology, impact, communication and integration, while the content-related part will be elaborated by peer-reviews. Both directions will be accompanied by stakeholder group meetings. Policy instrument management related outputs and results – outputs will be 4 one-day thematic workshops, each of them with a preparatory, a plenary discussion and a summary phase. 4 separate documentations will be prepared, each of them led by various project partners. Every partner will contribute to the preparation of the materials. It will also be integral part of the 6 individual action plans, where these methodological inputs will be incorporated. In order to maximize learning impact and gain as much insight as possible, these methodological sessions will also be supported by the local stakeholder groups, who will be invited for the discussions. The result will be a more advanced understanding of policy instrument application for the entire partnership, ensuring improved quality of instruments. The content related focus will support the change in the strategic focus of the individual instruments. Partners will host international partnership meetings, combined with the local stakeholder groups. There will be 6 meetings, when the given region’s/country’s policy instrument is peer-reviewed by the entire partnerships know-how, sharing views and opinions, relevant experiences, meeting local beneficiaries. As a result of these actions, in-depth analysis of the policy instrument will be achieved, giving a thorough and solid basis for an action plan resulting in an improved instrument. Each partner’s action plan will be written right from the first thematic meeting and peer-reviewed country/region case. Overall 4 thematic materials will be prepared, based on 6 countries experience, 6 country/region peer-review summaries are about to be elaborated, 6 policy instrument action plans will be done, building on 36 stakeholder group meetings (6 meeting in case of 6 partners). It is also important that the results will be transformed into international policy input format, via the 4 methodological documents. It will enable more efficient integration for the Interreg Europe platform. The combination of individual peer-reviews for content development and thematic discussions of the four pillars for the methodological improvement, both of them integrated into the local stakeholder group structure can bring added value on the program level.

Thematic information

Regional planning and development SME and entrepreneurship

Specific Objective: Improve the implementation of regional development policies and programmes, in particular programmes for Investment for Growth and Jobs and, where relevant, ETC programmes, supporting SMEs in all stages of their life cycle to develop and achieve growth and engage in innovation

Thematic Objective: (03) enhancing the competitiveness of SMEs by:

Investment Priority: (03d) supporting the capacity of SMEs to grow in regional, national and international markets, and to engage in innovation processes

Partners (9)

Lead Partner: Pannon Gazdasági Hálózat Egyesület

Address: Gesztenyefa str. 4, 9027 Győr, Hungary

Legal status: public

Website: http://www.pbn.hu

Total budget: EUR 291 709.00

ERDF budget: EUR 247 952.65

Gemeente Leeuwarden

Name: Gemeente Leeuwarden

Department: Economische Zaken / Economic Affairs

Address: Oldehoofsterkerkhof 2., 8911 DH Leeuwarden, Netherlands

Legal status: public

Website: http://www.leeuwarden.nl

Total budget: EUR 61 414.00

ERDF budget: EUR 52 201.90

STICHTING BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT FRIESLAND

Name: STICHTING BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT FRIESLAND

Address: Turfmarkt 11., 8911KS Leeuwarden, Netherlands

Legal status: public

Website: http://www.bdfriesland.nl

Total budget: EUR 316 495.00

ERDF budget: EUR 269 020.75

Agenția pentru Dezvoltare Regională Sud Muntenia

Name: Agenția pentru Dezvoltare Regională Sud Muntenia

Address: General Constantin Pantazi Street, no. 7A, 910164 Calarasi, Romania

Legal status: public

Website: http://www.adrmuntenia.ro

Total budget: EUR 112 052.00

ERDF budget: EUR 95 244.20

Miniszterelnökség

Name: Miniszterelnökség

Department: Deputy State Secretariat Responsible for Economic Development Programmes

Address: Kossuth Lajos tér 2-4., 1055 Budapest, Hungary

Legal status: public

Website: https://kormany.hu/miniszterelnokseg

Total budget: EUR 131 123.00

ERDF budget: EUR 111 454.55

Fomento de San Sebastián S.A.

Name: Fomento de San Sebastián S.A.

Department: Innovation

Address: San Roque Kalea, 120., 20009 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain

Legal status: public

Website: http://www.fomentosansebastian.org

Total budget: EUR 225 468.00

ERDF budget: EUR 191 647.80

Steinbeis Innovation gGmbH

Name: Steinbeis Innovation gGmbH

Department: Steinbeis Europa Zentrum (SEZ)

Address: Willi-Bleicher-Straße 19., 70174 Stuttgart, Germany

Legal status: public

Website: http://www.steinbeis-europa.de

Total budget: EUR 292 318.00

ERDF budget: EUR 248 470.30

ADRAVE – Agência de Desenvolvimento Regional do Vale do Ave (partner until 21/12/2017)

Name: ADRAVE – Agência de Desenvolvimento Regional do Vale do Ave (partner until 21/12/2017)

Department: Direction for Cooperation and International Relations

Address: Av. 25 de Abril, 634 – Casa de Louredo, 4760-101 V.N. de Famalicão, Portugal

Legal status: public

Website: http://www.adrave.pt

Total budget: EUR 36 489.00

ERDF budget: EUR 31 015.65

Comunidade Intermunicipal do Ave – CIM Ave (partner from 01/01/2018)

Name: Comunidade Intermunicipal do Ave – CIM Ave (partner from 01/01/2018)

Address: Rua Capitão Alfredo Guimarães, 1, 4800 - 019 Guimarães, Portugal

Legal status: public

Website: http://www.cim-ave.pt

Total budget: EUR 91 703.00

ERDF budget: EUR 77 947.55

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Municipality of Leeuwarden

Improving policy instruments supporting innovative SME performance

Partners and Projects info

Stichting Business Development Friesland

Improving policy instruments supporting innovative SME performance

Partners and Projects info

AGENȚIA PENTRU DEZVOLTARE REGIONALĂ SUD MUNTENIA

Improving policy instruments supporting innovative SME performance

Partners and Projects info

Prime Minister's Office (until 25/05/2022 Ministry of Finance)

Improving policy instruments supporting innovative SME performance

Partners and Projects info

San Sebastian Socio-Economic Development Agency Ltd.

Improving policy instruments supporting innovative SME performance

Partners and Projects info

Pannon Gazdasági Hálózat Egyesület

Improving policy instruments supporting innovative SME performance

Partners and Projects info

Steinbeis Innovation gGmbH

Improving policy instruments supporting innovative SME performance

Partners and Projects info

ADRAVE – Regional Development Agency of Vale do Ave (partner until 21/12/2017)

Improving policy instruments supporting innovative SME performance

Partners and Projects info

Ave Intermunicipal Community CIM Ave (partner from 01/01/2018)

Improving policy instruments supporting innovative SME performance

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Improving policy instruments supporting innovative SME performance

Project acronym: UpGradeSME

Project start date: 2016-04-01

Project end date: 2021-03-31

Project status: closed

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 1 558 771.00

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 1 324 955.35

Co-financing sources:

ERDF: Amount, EUR 1 324 955.35.

Documents

Documents on this project are listed below, and organised by category. Please note field "Data source", attached to each document. Keep.eu users are free to use these documents as long as they mention the data source and keep.eu.

Reports

Action Plan - Pannon Business Network Association and Ministry of Finance Hungary

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Report

Data source: https://projects2014-2020.interregeurope.eu/upgradesme/

Publication date: 2022-07-12

Document date: 2019-03-31

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

Action Plan - Business Development Friesland (BDF)

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Report

Data source: https://projects2014-2020.interregeurope.eu/upgradesme/

Publication date: 2022-07-12

Document date: 2019-01-30

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

Action Plan - Soulth Muntenia Regional Developlent Agency

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Report

Data source: https://projects2014-2020.interregeurope.eu/upgradesme/

Publication date: 2022-07-12

Document date: 2019-12-02

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

Action Plan - CIM do AVE

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Report

Data source: https://projects2014-2020.interregeurope.eu/upgradesme/

Publication date: 2022-07-12

Document date: 2019-03-31

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

UpGradeSME Action Plan Fomento de San Sebastian

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Report

Data source: https://projects2014-2020.interregeurope.eu/upgradesme/

Publication date: 2022-07-12

Document date: 2019-12-09

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

Regional Action Plan - Steinbeis-Europa-Zentrum

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Report

Data source: https://projects2014-2020.interregeurope.eu/upgradesme/

Publication date: 2022-07-12

Document date: 2021-03-31

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

UpGradeSME - Interregional Analysis of COVID-19 impact on SME internationalization

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Report

Data source: https://projects2014-2020.interregeurope.eu/upgradesme/

Publication date: 2022-07-12

Document date: 2021-03-31

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

Studies / surveys

The internationalization profiles of Portuguese SMEs

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Study / survey

Data source: https://projects2014-2020.interregeurope.eu/upgradesme/

Publication date: 2022-07-12

Document date: 2021-03-31

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

Study on Support Services for SMEs in International Business

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Study / survey

Data source: https://projects2014-2020.interregeurope.eu/upgradesme/

Publication date: 2022-07-12

Document date: 2013-03-22

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

Top Barriers and Drivers to SME Internationalisation

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Study / survey

Data source: https://projects2014-2020.interregeurope.eu/upgradesme/

Publication date: 2022-07-12

Document date: 2021-03-31

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

Brochures / magazines / manuals

Policy Learning Platform on research and innovation - Event brief

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Brochure / magazine / manual

Data source: https://projects2014-2020.interregeurope.eu/upgradesme/

Publication date: 2022-07-12

Document date: 2017-10-19

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

Policy Instrument - Fact Sheet - Romania

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Brochure / magazine / manual

Data source: https://projects2014-2020.interregeurope.eu/upgradesme/

Publication date: 2022-07-12

Document date: 2021-03-31

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

Policy Instrument - Fact Sheet - Germany

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Brochure / magazine / manual

Data source: https://projects2014-2020.interregeurope.eu/upgradesme/

Publication date: 2022-07-12

Document date: 2021-03-31

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

Policy Instrument - Fact Sheet - Portugal - North Region

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Brochure / magazine / manual

Data source: https://projects2014-2020.interregeurope.eu/upgradesme/

Publication date: 2022-07-12

Document date: 2021-03-31

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

Policy Instrument - Fact Sheet - Hungary

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Brochure / magazine / manual

Data source: https://projects2014-2020.interregeurope.eu/upgradesme/

Publication date: 2022-07-12

Document date: 2021-03-31

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

Good Practices Internationalization of SMEs

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Brochure / magazine / manual

Data source: https://projects2014-2020.interregeurope.eu/upgradesme/

Publication date: 2022-07-12

Document date: 2021-03-31

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

UpGradeSME Brochure

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Brochure / magazine / manual

Data source: https://projects2014-2020.interregeurope.eu/upgradesme/

Publication date: 2022-07-12

Document date: 2021-03-31

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

UpGradeSME Brochure 2

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Brochure / magazine / manual

Data source: https://projects2014-2020.interregeurope.eu/upgradesme/

Publication date: 2022-07-12

Document date: 2021-03-31

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

Presentations

SME Internationalisation perspectives in the pandemic - Invited speakers

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Presentation

Data source: https://projects2014-2020.interregeurope.eu/upgradesme/

Publication date: 2022-07-12

Document date: 2022-03-31

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

SME Internationalisation Perspectives in the Pandemic

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Presentation

Data source: https://projects2014-2020.interregeurope.eu/upgradesme/

Publication date: 2022-07-12

Document date: 2022-03-31

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

Regional Report on Covid-19 Impact on SME internationalization

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Presentation

Data source: https://projects2014-2020.interregeurope.eu/upgradesme/

Publication date: 2022-07-12

Document date: 2021-03-31

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

Resilience via Smart Networking

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Presentation

Data source: https://projects2014-2020.interregeurope.eu/upgradesme/

Publication date: 2022-07-12

Document date: 2021-03-31

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

New approaches for SME internationalisation support

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Presentation

Data source: https://projects2014-2020.interregeurope.eu/upgradesme/

Publication date: 2022-07-12

Document date: 2022-03-31

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

Work plan

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Presentation

Data source: https://projects2014-2020.interregeurope.eu/upgradesme/

Publication date: 2022-07-12

Document date: 2021-03-31

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

Media releases / articles

Making SMEs International

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Media release / article

Data source: https://projects2014-2020.interregeurope.eu/upgradesme/

Publication date: 2022-07-12

Document date: 2014-03-31

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

Inspiring cooperation of the UpGradeSME partners

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Media release / article

Data source: https://projects2014-2020.interregeurope.eu/upgradesme/

Publication date: 2022-07-12

Document date: 2016-08-15

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

BDF Newsletter

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Media release / article

Data source: https://projects2014-2020.interregeurope.eu/upgradesme/

Publication date: 2022-07-12

Document date: 2016-07-31

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

Newsletter des Steinbeis-Europa-Zentrums

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Media release / article

Data source: https://projects2014-2020.interregeurope.eu/upgradesme/

Publication date: 2022-07-12

Document date: 2016-12-31

Languages: de

Attachment file: Download

Videos / films

Yesenia Otamendi

Attachment type: link

Type of document: Video / film

Data source: https://projects2014-2020.interregeurope.eu/upgradesme/

Publication date: 2022-07-12

Document date: 2019-06-24

Languages: en

Interview with Dr. Balázs Barta

Attachment type: link

Type of document: Video / film

Data source: https://projects2014-2020.interregeurope.eu/upgradesme/

Publication date: 2022-07-12

Document date: 2019-06-24

Languages: en

Dr. Petra Püchner

Attachment type: link

Type of document: Video / film

Data source: https://projects2014-2020.interregeurope.eu/upgradesme/

Publication date: 2022-07-12

Document date: 2019-06-24

Languages: en

Drei Jahre KMU-Instrument - Europäische Förderung für den innovativen Mittelstand

Attachment type: link

Type of document: Video / film

Data source: https://projects2014-2020.interregeurope.eu/upgradesme/

Publication date: 2022-07-12

Document date: 2017-04-24

Languages: de

UpGradeSME Kick-off meeting

Attachment type: link

Type of document: Video / film

Data source: https://projects2014-2020.interregeurope.eu/upgradesme/

Publication date: 2022-07-12

Document date: 2016-06-15

Languages: en, hu

Semana de la Innovación, Donostia Week INN 2017

Attachment type: link

Type of document: Video / film

Data source: https://projects2014-2020.interregeurope.eu/upgradesme/

Publication date: 2022-07-12

Document date: 2018-02-22

Languages: es, en

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2014 - 2020 Interreg Europe

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2023-10-31

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

258 / 258 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

2 084 / 2 085 (99.95%)

Notes on the data

Information provided by the Programme.

The financial data featured in keep.eu for this programme, it's projects and its partners is not exact and should be taken as a reference only.

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Improving policy instruments supporting innovative SME performance

Description

Thematic information

Partners (9)

Partners map

Summary

Documents

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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