Target Circular - Supporting Sustainable SMEs to Success

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Northern Periphery and Arctic

Date of latest update: 2024-12-18

Description

Description (EN):

Building on the successful SSDM bridging project, Target Circular is a collaboration of circular economy clusters, business support organisations and researchers addressing the following challenges and needs of SMEs and advisors. 1. New circular value chain development is hindered by difficulty accessing knowledge and resources. Target Circular will make these more accessible to SMEs and foster collaboration across value chains. 2a. Supporting SME learning is a core advisor activity. Increased advisor impact can be achieved with digitalisation of this process by, for example, allowing videos, reading and exercises to be assigned to clients before advisor meetings. Clients are thus more prepared for advisor meetings and make more progress increasing the impact of client-advisor time significantly. Target Circular will develop digitalisation how-to guides for advisors, case studies and exchange good practices. 2b. Shared services such as marketing or payroll offered by business support agencies allow SMEs to focus on their core activities. However, offering additional services is a significant investment and assessing its likely value is a challenge. Learning from each other’s experience Target Circular will develop and trial 'how to' guides and case studies assessing demand for and designing effective shared services. 3. Randomized controlled trials with 754 start-ups published by Camuffo et al (2020, 2021) reported increased survival, turnover and employee numbers from advising SMEs to assess their decisions like a scientist may assess a research question. Target Circular will create, demonstrate, and disseminate supporting materials using this novel approach. Training to advisors and policy makers wishing to adopt this approach, and the associated evidence-based policy will also be provided. Addressing these challenges and opportunities all have the collective aim of increasing the success of sustainable SMEs in the NPA area.

Actual Achievements (EN):

The project's first online meeting was on January 25th and began work on all 3 work packages culminating in the first in-person meeting in June 2023 hosted in Kokkola by Centria University and Kosek - the highlight of period 1. At this meeting, all the partners met in person for the first time and delved deeply into the common challenges and opportunities Target Circular is addressing. Work package 1 discussed which new tools for advisors of circular businesses should be developed. In work package 2, creating resources for business advisors regarding shared service provision and digitalising client learning was introduced and discussed with partners and relevant tasks were set for partners for the remainder of 2023. This included survey questions and interviews to gain context on both topics. It became clear during these discussions that partner BSOs faced many common challenges and opportunities that the work package could address. Work package 3 developed and piloted new evidence-based methods of business support. This involved updating the materials created during the SSDM bridging project in light of the lessons learned during SSDM and incorporating new research published in April 2023 which provided even more detail on how to maximise entrepreneurial success from training programs.

Project outputs: Methodology for mapping material flows in circular supply chains (EN)
Best practice example resource and CE economy checklist(EN)
Target Circular Transnational partnership.(EN)
Suite of novel resources to inform business support organisations provision of shared services.(EN)
SMEs supported through shared services(EN)
BSOs delivery of exemplarily digitally enhanced SME development resources.(EN)
SMEs supported through digitally enhanced SME development resources.(EN)
BSOs, Clusters and HEI jointly piloting new approaches to supporting SMEs(EN)
SMEs participating in national pilots(EN)
BSO advisor up-skilling(EN)
Publicly available set of resources for supporting BSOs to implement evidence based SME support.(EN)
Website: https://www.interreg-npa.eu/projects/target-circular/home/

Thematic information

SME and entrepreneurship

Priority: (VI-B_NPaA_1) Strengthening the innovation capacity for resilient and attractive NPA communities

Priority specific objective: RSO1.3. Enhancing sustainable growth and competitiveness of SMEs and job creation in SMEs, including by productive investments

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO1 A more competitive and smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation and regional ICT connectivity

Type of intervention: 024 Advanced support services for SMEs and groups of SMEs (including management, marketing and design services)

Partners (8)

Lead Partner: Munster Technological University

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 892106673

Partner’s ID if not PIC: IE 3714786EH

Department: Hincks Centre for Entrepreneurship Excellence

Address: Rossa Avenue, T12 P928 Cork, Ireland

Department address: Rossa Avenue, T12 P928 Cork, Ireland

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://www.mtu.ie/

Total budget: EUR 396 010.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 257 406.50

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 65.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 138 603.50

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20a

Norinnova

Name: Norinnova

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 881476831

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 957 915 035

Address: Tromsø Science Park, Sykehusveien, N-9294 Tromsø, Norway

Department address: Tromsø Science Park, Sykehusveien, N-9294 Tromsø, Norway

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: http://www.norinnova.no

Total budget: EUR 228 544.80

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 114 272.40

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 50.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 114 272.40

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20a

Kokkolanseudun Kehitys Oy

Name: Kokkolanseudun Kehitys Oy

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 1798904-6

Address: Kauppatori , 67100 Kokkola, Finland

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: https://www.kosek.fi/en/

Total budget: EUR 101 556.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 66 011.40

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 65.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 35 544.60

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20a

Samtök Sveitarfélaga á Norðurlandi Vestra

Name: Samtök Sveitarfélaga á Norðurlandi Vestra

Department: Business development, regional support

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 888801689

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 49526

Address: Höfðabraut, 530 Hvammstangi, Iceland

Department address: Höfðabraut, 530 Hvammstangi, Iceland

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: http://www.ssnv.is

Total budget: EUR 158 890.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 103 278.50

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 65.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 55 611.50

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20a

Biotech North

Name: Biotech North

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 913 732 553

Address: SIVA Innovasjonssenter Tromsø. Sykehusveien, 9294 Tromsø, Norway

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: http://www.biotechnorth.no

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20a

Strukturum i Jokkmokk AB

Name: Strukturum i Jokkmokk AB

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 556490-0883

Address: Berggatan, 96232 Jokkmokk, Sweden

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: http://www.strukturum.se

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20a

Ludgate Operations CLG

Name: Ludgate Operations CLG

Department: Start Up/SME Dept

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 917145768

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 3367757OH

Address: Townshend Street, , P81T324 Skibbereen, Ireland

Department address: Townshend Street, , P81T324 Skibbereen, Ireland

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: https://www.ludgate.ie/

Total budget: EUR 167 514.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 108 884.10

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 65.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 58 629.90

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20

Centria-ammattikorkeakoulu Oy

Name: Centria-ammattikorkeakoulu Oy

Department: Centria RDI

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 997172708

Partner’s ID if not PIC: FI10978053

Address: Talonpojankatu, 67100 Kokkola, Finland

Department address: Talonpojankatu, 67100 Kokkola, Finland

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.centria.fi

Total budget: EUR 359 315.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 233 554.75

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 65.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 125 760.25

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20a

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Norinnova

Target Circular - Supporting Sustainable SMEs to Success

Partners and Projects info

Kokkolanseudun Kehitys Ltd

Target Circular - Supporting Sustainable SMEs to Success

Partners and Projects info

Federation of Regional Authorities NW Iceland

Target Circular - Supporting Sustainable SMEs to Success

Partners and Projects info

Biotech North

Target Circular - Supporting Sustainable SMEs to Success

Partners and Projects info

Strukturum i Jokkmokk AB

Target Circular - Supporting Sustainable SMEs to Success

Partners and Projects info

Ludgate Operations CLG

Target Circular - Supporting Sustainable SMEs to Success

Partners and Projects info

Centria University of Applied Sciences

Target Circular - Supporting Sustainable SMEs to Success

Partners and Projects info

Munster Technological University

Target Circular - Supporting Sustainable SMEs to Success

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Target Circular - Supporting Sustainable SMEs to Success

Project acronym: Target Circular

Project ID: NPA0100009

Project start date: 2023-01-01

Project end date: 2025-12-31

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

ECOLABNET- RDI Network for Sustainable Value Chain of Developing and Manufacturing Industrial Products, 2019-2021 Interreg BSR. 3D printing using regionally available biobased materials, recycling of biocomposites. (EN) | The experience of this project will inform the bioeconomy aspects of Target Circular, in particular in work package 1. (EN), SYMBIOMA – Technology Innovations and Business Models for Valorisation of Industrial Waste. (2020-2022) Interreg NPA. Knowledge on new possibilities to utilise secondary resources from the food and beverage industries. (EN) | The experience of this project will inform the bioeconomy aspects of Target Circular, in particular in work package 1. (EN), ADDED VALUE – Added Value from Logging Residues (2021-2022) Interreg Botnia Atlantika. The project develops innovative methods to produce valuable biochemicals and ingredients from logging residues. (EN) | The experience of this project will inform the bioeconomy aspects of Target Circular, in particular in work package 1. (EN), New Skills for New Artists (NS4NA) was a Erasmus+ KA2 program that taught entrepreneurial skills to musicians informed by evidence based insights from randomised controlled trials published in 2020 and 2021 by Camuffo et al. (EN) | Target Circular will build on the experience materials developed delivering delivering the evidence based 'scientific approach' to entrepreneurship with musicians. (EN), Success for SMEs and Start-ups Through Better Decision Making was an NPA bridging project from January 2022 to June 2022 focused on demonstrating and supporting the implementation of a scientific approach to decision making among circular economy start-ups in Ireland and Finland. It demonstrated the feasibility of business support organisations using an innovative approach to improve the decision-making of start-ups, SMEs, and spin-offs in the circular economy. (EN) | Target Circular arose directly from this bridging project and work package 3 continues the focus on the evidence / 'scientific approach' to improving entrepreneurial success. (EN), COOL Route - MTU led NPA award winning project. Developed a new maritime tourism route between Cork and Arctic Circle. Research of the logistical, business and marketing for the route, supporting complimentary maritime and shore-based business in all of the intervening regions along the route. (EN) | Building on the extensive experience of leading this transnational project across the NPA region will provide Target Circular the best of project management practices, financial controls and efficiencies in the delivery of outputs. (EN), GreenMentor – Erasmus+ (2015-2017) – MTU partner. Development of training material for Green Mentors, i.e. those who mentor and provide practical support to entrepreneurs in starting up a green business or in greening an existing business by the introduction of green or eco-friendly processes and practices. (EN) | Target Circular supporting SMEs in the circular economy will benefit from the comprehensive training material, networks and knowledge developed b the GreenMentor project. (EN), SilverSME – Interreg Europe – MTU partner. Improves the implementation of Regional Policies for SMEs competitiveness by taking better advantage of opportunities derived from the Silver Economy. (EN) | The success of impacting regional policy, the publication of several reports and academic papers and gathering information from diverse stakeholders (e.g, SMEs, policymakers, business advisors) provides the Target Circular partnership will exemplar knowhow in delivering excellence. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 1 411 829.80

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 665 856.75

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 65.00%

Co-financing sources:

ERDF: Amount, EUR 665 856.75. Co-financing rate, 65.00%.
ERDF equivalent: Amount, EUR 114 272.40. Co-financing rate, 50.00%. Sources, NO.
ERDF equivalent: Amount, EUR 103 278.50. Co-financing rate, 65.00%. Sources, IS.
Others: Amount, EUR 114 272.40.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

Methodology to map material flows tested in marine, agri-food, and forestry sectors.
A document highlighting value
networks and the use of a CE opportunity identification methodology.
Circular economy checklist.
Inventory of circular economy related services
Trained SME advisors to deliver CE advice.
Review of available methodologies and resources for SME Training by BSOs and SME clusters.
Assessment of technical options and platforms for digitalisation of SME learning
Digitialised content for SME development
Best practice and how to guide for BSOs digitalising how they facilitate SME development
Review of shared service methodologies and inventory of consortium offerings
Report on exchange of shared services
Case studies and guidance for BSOs assessing and designing new shared services
Advisor training in the use of technology-enhanced SME development and shared service provision
10 minutes of animated explainer videos in 5 NPA langauges
Animated videos, guides, course materials and other resources translated in 5 NPA languages.
Report on demonstration in each country.
Report on training of advisors
Policy analysis of the benefits of widespread adoption of the tools developed in Target Circular.

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EuropeanGreenDeal Target Circular supports the European Green deal by creating tools and methodologies for advisors and clusters working with SMEs in the circular, bio-economy and green sectors.
Other The European Commission adopted the new circular economy action plan in March 2020. It is one of the main building blocks of the European Green Deal, Europe’s new agenda for sustainable growth.
Target Circular supports the Europe Circular Action Plan by creating tools and methodologies for advisors and clusters working with SMEs in the circular, bio-economy and green sectors. Target Circular will also provide evidence-based input and insight to inform future EU plans.
Other Europe Updated Bioeconomy Strategy 2018: Bioeconomy aims to accelerate the deployment of a sustainable European bioeconomy so as to maximise its contribution toward the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as well as the Paris Agreement.
Target Circular supports this strategy by creating tools and methodologies for advisors and clusters working with SMEs in the circular, bio-economy and green sectors.
Other Ireland South-West Regional Enterprise Plan. One of the key objectives of this plan is to embrace the opportunities of climate action in the marine and circular bioeconomy.
Target Circular supports the goals of this regional enterprise plan by creating tools and methodologies for advisors and clusters working with SMEs in the circular, bioeconomy and green sectors.
Target Circular will also provide evidence-based input and insight to inform future regional plans.
Other Ireland’s National Policy Statement on the Bioeconomy sets out a vision, common principles, strategic objectives, and a framework for implementation to deliver on this vision for the sustainable circular bioeconomy in Ireland.
Target Circular supports the goals of this national plan by creating tools and methodologies for advisors and clusters working with SMEs in the circular, bioeconomy and green sectors.
Target Circular will also provide input and insight to inform future national plans.
Other Ireland’s The Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy is Ireland’s new roadmap for waste planning and management. This Plan shifts focus away from waste disposal and looks instead to how we can preserve resources by creating a circular economy. Target Circular supports the goals of this national plan by creating tools and methodologies for advisors and clusters working with SMEs in the circular, bioeconomy and green sectors.
Other The OECD SME and Entrepreneurship Strategy is an influential policy document that structures its recommendations into 3 pillars: 1. Policy coordination and governance, 2. transitions and resilience and accessing resources.
Target Circular’s work can inform aspects of each of these pillars, in particular those in pillar 1 regarding creating more coherent SME policy based on high-quality evidence of efficacy in supporting SME success and 2 regarding the transition to sustainable business models.
Other One of the 3 pillars of The EU SME Strategy advocates for actions: Capacity-building and support for the transition to sustainability and digitalisation. Target Circular directly supports this pillar by building the capacity of SME advisors, in particular regarding supporting businesses to transition to more sustainable and circular business models (WP1). Further, the digitalisation of advisor-led SME development and learning is specifically supported (WP2).
EUStrategyBalticSeaRegion Activities of project are performed in BSR area country - Finland and therefore contribute to the implementation of a number of Policy areas in the EUSBSR, especially PA Bioeonomy, PA Innovation.
Other The project activities advance the vision of Central Ostrobothnia Regional Strategy 2040 as a prosperous region of sustainable growth and impacts on the implementation of Programme 2022–2025 by enhancing region's knowledge base, stimulating cooperation between various stakeholders to support SMEs, bringing international perspective and good practises to the region.
Other Norways strategy for developing green circular economy. It includes specific action points for the sectors that have been identified as having the greatest potential for circularity and green competitiveness, one of them being the bio-based sectors (incl aquaculture and fisheries). The Target Circular will be a tool for the agencies in innovation and technology development system when they are tasked with further developing the circular economy as a cross-cutting focus of their activities.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:
RCO 004 - Enterprises with non-financial support, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 004 - SMEs introducing marketing or organisational innovation, Measurement unit:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSBSR

EUSBSR Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSBSR Degree of compliance:

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

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Northern Periphery and Arctic

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

2024-12-18

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

50 / 50 (100%)

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

229 / 229 (100%)

Notes on the data

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Target Circular - Supporting Sustainable SMEs to Success

Description

Thematic information

Partners (8)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

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

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