Twin Transition as a Source of Innovation for Estonian and Latvian SMEs

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A Estonia-Latvia

Date of latest update: 2025-12-10

Description

Description (EN):

One of the critical challenges for SMEs going through the digital and green transition is having adequate guidance to match their specific challenges. Hence, companies need support in understanding what the digital and green transition means to their businesses, innovative ideas, and how to turn those challenges into their benefit and gain. The state of art in Latvia and Estonia regarding the twin transition is very similar therefore a cross-border approach (experience exchange, peer learning, and business development support by LCCI, ECCI and BIA) will help to ease the transition process. The Twinnovation project activities support SMEs in the programme area in capturing the value and opportunities of new green and digital solutions for their business activities. The Twinnovation project objective is to help SMEs grow by giving them practical tools to take up innovation processes necessary for implementing the Twin Transition and launching innovative solutions in the SMEs' operations, products, or services. The project consists of two parallel activity lines: training and innovation pilots for developing the solutions. Twinnovation is specifically designed to focus on cross-border collaboration between the project partners to deliver tailored experience exchange, trainings, study visits, peer learning, and joint development of innovative solutions. Main output: By the end of the project, 10 partnering SMEs will have adopted a twin transition innovation solution and conducted a related pilot action that supports their growth and contributes significantly to their competitiveness. 13 organizations will be cooperating across the border. The Twinnovation project is novel in its twofold approach of providing a specific twin transition training programme to SMEs and guiding them through the first small-scale pilots to innovate their products, services, or processes. Currently, no other such training programmes on the Twin Transition are offered in Estonia or Latvia.

Actual Achievements (EN):

The first reporting period consisted of activities setting up the necessary structure for smooth project implementation: regular Steering Committee (SC) meetings, file management system, consortium e-mail chain, communication persons’ channels, and so on. The first period included two training sessions, 1-on-1 mentoring sessions with the trainers, two study visits and 10 trilateral meetings between each of the SME partners and BIA, ECCI and LCCI representatives to discuss how the latter could support the SME’s twin transition innovation journey, with a specific focus on cross border innovation. During the first period work was under way to create a template for the SMEs twin transition Action Plans. While SMEs pilots, according to the proposal, formally start on Period 3, most SMEs already took preparatory steps for their pilots. These have been described in more detail under the WP sections, but they ranged from aligning teams/processes internally to already purchasing equipment or services needed for the pilots. The progress on the pilots depends on the SMEs internal workflow and business cycles - for some it made more practical sense to start earlier. The activities above move the project towards its main objective which is to help SMEs grow by giving them practical tools to take up innovation processes necessary for implementing the Twin Transition and launching innovative solutions in the SMEs' operations, products, or services. In order for the project to meet its objectives the following communication activities were carried out: BIA designed a logo, poster, and communication materials for the project's outreach efforts. All partners received a laminated A3 poster. BIA prepared project descriptions in Estonian and English, with translations into Latvian. These descriptions were added to partners’ websites. BIA also issued a press release in Estonian and English, which was distributed to Estonian newspapers, receiving coverage in publications such as Lõuna-Eesti Postimees, Ruut FM, and Uudis.net. Additionally, the project kick-off meeting was promoted through BIA's social media channels on Facebook and LinkedIn, with partners sharing. The second period included two training sessions (one physical and one virtual), 1-on-1 mentoring sessions with the trainers, two study visits and 10 trilateral meetings between each of the SME partners and BIA, ECCI and LCCI representatives to discuss how the latter could support the SME’s twin transition innovation journey, with a specific focus on cross border innovation. This period also saw the finalization of the template for the SMEs twin transition Action Plans and the creation of said plans. Each SME had to take a strategic inward look and plan ahead their ambitions regarding the twin transition. The Action Plans have been attached as part of the individual Partner Reports. SMEs continued to take gradual preparatory steps with their pilots. These have been described in more detail under the WP sections. All in all, the project is on track on its main objective which is to help SMEs grow by giving them practical tools to take up innovation processes necessary for implementing the Twin Transition and launching innovative solutions in their operations, products, or services. In order for the project to meet its objectives the following communication activities were carried out: a joint WhatsApp group was set up to ensure that information flowed as smoothly as possible between SMEs and the steering committee. Three social media posts about the trainings were made as well as about the two study visits. Overall, this reporting period was a bit slower for the project considering it also included July and August as the months where many were on vacations or alternatively had a peak season in their main business activity. September was also in the shadow of people returning to work and tackling the usual obligations that come with September. So the project really picked up again in October. The project had a training „How to innovate sustainably“ by Anu Ruul on 03.10 and the third consortium meeting on 04.10 in Pärnu, Estonia. In parallel, two study visits to Dipperfox and AS JAPS were also organized. A fair share of the consortium meeting was spent to remind everyone of the importance of the cross-border collaboration. Before, during and after the meeting there have been different conversations with the SMEs initiated by BIA, ECCI and LCCI to find the next most relevant areas of support. The business support organisations provided SMEs with not only strategic guidance but also concrete actions, offering targeted support to address specific needs in both digital and sustainable transitions. During the consortium meeting there was also a Progress-Plans-Problems (PPP) session where all SMEs also made brief presentations to the entire group on the progress of their pilots further supporting the peer learning aspect of the project. During the consortium meeting all SMEs were also briefed on the short videos which will be made in 2025 about their pilots. A dedicated guidance document was made for SMEs on how they can tell their story in a short video clip as well as repository was set up to gather other footage. During this period the communication activities were about the training by Anu Ruul and AS JAPS visit. The SMEs have been progressing at various speeds with their pilot activities. Details are provided under specific activities. This period had one virtual training: “Sustainable Storytelling: Communicating Your Company's journey” by Corporate Sustainability Strategist Zane Valujeva on 12.02. There were no study visits this period. BIA, ECCI and LCCI continued to meet online every week to discuss the project progress. BIA guided the consortium through P3 reporting process. The business support organisations BIA, ECCI and LCCI provided SMEs targeted support to address specific needs in both digital and sustainable transitions. The business support partners engaged actively with the SMEs via e-mail exchanges and meetings to assist SMEs in making cross-border and topically relevant connections. Several targeted meetings with relevant businesses, universities and other organizations were set up to strengthen the partnering SMEs innovation efforts. Furthermore, ECCI conducted desk research on Estonian solutions and products, providing Latvian companies with valuable insights to help them identify potential collaboration opportunities and suitable technologies for their needs. BIA also coordinated communication activities of this period, which included a post about the Dipperfox study visits, a post about the period’s training and a blog post about the mid-term progress of the project. The end of the period also saw efforts related to preparatory work for the upcoming consortium meeting / training / study visit in March. This period had two trainings. BIA organized the Microsoft Power Apps training by Reinis Vaivods (ELVA) on 28.03 in Riga as well as the Design Thinking training by Lars-Erik Hion on 23.05 Online and facilitated the follow-up 1on1 sessions between the SMEs and trainers. The period saw the physical consortium meeting in Riga on 27-28.03 as well as two study visits organized by LCCI. BIA, ECCI and LCCI continued to meet regularly to discuss the project progress. BIA guided the consortium through the 4th reporting process. The business support organisations BIA, ECCI and LCCI provided SMEs targeted support to address specific needs in both digital and sustainable transitions. The business support partners engaged actively with the SMEs via e-mail exchanges and meetings to assist SMEs in making cross-border and topically relevant connections. Several targeted meetings with relevant businesses, universities and other organizations were set up to strengthen the partnering SMEs innovation efforts. The SMEs have been progressing at various speeds with their pilot activities. Three SMEs finished their pilots and achieved their respective deliverables. Details are provided under specific activities. BIA also coordinated communication activities of this period, which included posts about the training (shared by LCCI and ECCI) and study visits (shared by all partners). During the reporting period, the first pilot video for the Baltic Satellite Service was completed. A communication plan for the preparation of articles was developed. A meeting was held with the EST-LAT communication specialist to discuss additional opportunities for project dissemination. Furthermore, a new display design for durable billboard or plaque was prepared in line with the updated communication guidelines of the programme. In accordance with the new EstLat visibility guidelines, we used the EstLat template to create posters for the companies. The posters clearly indicate the source of funding, the recipients, the purpose of the funds, and the amounts involved, and they also feature the program logo and the required disclaimer. As od PR5 the new design has been used for companies that had exhausted their equipment budgets - Dipperfox and Ramkalni. The others will be done as soon as all the expenses have been made to avoid confusion with intermediary versions. Therefore, the visibility proof for Afterone’s, Kurzemes Atslēga’s, Peruza’s and Mällona Mõis’ in this period is either based on stickers or the original project poster. The companies will have the plaque meeting the new requirements once the equipment budgets are exhausted and the pilots finished.

Project outputs: Cross-border collaboration(EN)
Twin Transition Innovation in manufacturing SMEs(EN)
Jointly developed solutions in manufacturing SMEs(EN)
Twin Transition Innovation in food&beverage SMEs(EN)
Jointly developed solutions in food&beverage SMEs(EN)

Thematic information

Innovation capacity and awareness-raising Education and training

Priority: (VI-A_EE-Lv_2) Jointly and smartly growing businesses

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: 027 Innovation processes in SMEs (process, organisational, marketing, co-creation, user and demand driven innovation)

Partners (13)

Lead Partner: Baltic Innovation Agency OÜ

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 998243976

Partner’s ID if not PIC: EE100901067

Address: Lai, 51005 Tartu, Estonia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: SME

Website: http://www.bia.ee

Total budget: EUR 161 350.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 129 080.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 32 270.00

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20

Rāmkalni Nordeco SIA

Name: Rāmkalni Nordeco SIA

Department: Food production

Partner’s ID if not PIC: LV40003629003

Address: Krustini, LV2141 Incukalns, Latvia

Department address: Same as main address, Same as main address Same as main address, Latvia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: SME

Website: http://www.ramkalni.lv

Total budget: EUR 30 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 24 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 6 000.00

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20

Baltic Satellite Service SIA

Name: Baltic Satellite Service SIA

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 901221666

Partner’s ID if not PIC: LV40103236845

Address: Miera street, LV-2015 Jurmala, Latvia

Department address: Same as main address, Same as main address Same as main address, Latvia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: SME

Website: http://www.baltsat.lv

Total budget: EUR 30 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 24 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 6 000.00

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20

Valmiermuižas alus SIA

Name: Valmiermuižas alus SIA

Department: NA

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 40003752458

Address: Dzirnavu street, LV 4219 Valmiermuiža, Valmiera region, Latvia

Department address: Same as main address, Same as main address Same as main address, Latvia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: SME

Website: http://www.valmiermuiza.lv

Total budget: EUR 30 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 24 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 6 000.00

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20

“Kurzemes Atslēga” AS

Name: “Kurzemes Atslēga” AS

Department: Administration

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 40003253124

Address: Kalvenes iela, LV-3456 Aizpute, Latvia

Department address: Same as main address, Same as main address Same as main address, Latvia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: SME

Website: http://www.mfr.lv

Total budget: EUR 30 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 24 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 6 000.00

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20

Sakret SIA

Name: Sakret SIA

Department: NA

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 885939413

Partner’s ID if not PIC: LV40003622109

Address: “Ritvari”, Rumbula, LV-2121 Stopiņu region, Ropažu district, Latvia

Department address: Same as main address, Same as main address Same as main address, Latvia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: SME

Website: http://www.sakret.lv

Total budget: EUR 30 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 24 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 6 000.00

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20

Peruza SIA

Name: Peruza SIA

Department: NA

Partner’s ID if not PIC: LV40003039237

Address: NA, LV2137 Mucenieki, Latvia

Department address: Same as main address, Same as main address Same as main address, Latvia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: SME

Website: http://www.peruza.com

Total budget: EUR 36 540.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 29 232.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 7 308.00

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20

Afterone OÜ

Name: Afterone OÜ

Department: NA

Partner’s ID if not PIC: EE100940125

Address: Lembitu, 50406 Tartu, Estonia

Department address: Same as main address, Same as main address Same as main address, Estonia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: SME

Website: http://www.afterone.ee/en

Total budget: EUR 23 460.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 18 768.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 4 692.00

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20

Dipperfox OÜ

Name: Dipperfox OÜ

Department: NA

Partner’s ID if not PIC: EE100992704

Address: Sakala , 80028 Pärnu, Estonia

Department address: Staadioni, 86602 Paikuse, Estonia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: SME

Website: http://www.dipperfox.com

Total budget: EUR 30 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 24 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 6 000.00

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20

Mällona Mõis OÜ

Name: Mällona Mõis OÜ

Department: NA

Partner’s ID if not PIC: EE101198413

Address: Kalme küla, 61002 Elva vald, Estonia

Department address: Same as main address, Same as main address Same as main address, Estonia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: SME

Total budget: EUR 30 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 24 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 6 000.00

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20

Siidrikoda OÜ

Name: Siidrikoda OÜ

Department: NA

Partner’s ID if not PIC: EE101717069

Address: Pirita tee, 10127 Tallinn, Estonia

Department address: Siidrikoda, 63419 Kanepi county, Põlvamaa, Estonia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: SME

Website: http://www.kodas.ee

Total budget: EUR 30 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 24 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 6 000.00

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20

Eesti Kaubandus-Tööstuskoda

Name: Eesti Kaubandus-Tööstuskoda

Department: Services department

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999937111

Partner’s ID if not PIC: EE100559448

Address: Toom-Kooli, 10130 Tallinn, Estonia

Department address: Same as main address, Same as main address Same as main address, Estonia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.koda.ee

Total budget: EUR 62 137.50

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 49 710.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 12 427.50

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20

Latvijas Tirdzniecības un rūpniecības kamera

Name: Latvijas Tirdzniecības un rūpniecības kamera

Department: EU project department

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 942726414

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 40003081501

Address: Kr. Valdemara, LV-1010 Riga, Latvia

Department address: Same as main address, Same as main address Same as main address, Latvia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.ltrk.lv

Total budget: EUR 62 200.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 49 760.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 12 440.00

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Rāmkalni Nordeco SIA

Twin Transition as a Source of Innovation for Estonian and Latvian SMEs

Partners and Projects info

Baltic Satellite Service

Twin Transition as a Source of Innovation for Estonian and Latvian SMEs

Partners and Projects info

“Valmiermuižas alus”, LLC

Twin Transition as a Source of Innovation for Estonian and Latvian SMEs

Partners and Projects info

Joint stock company “Kurzemes atslēga”

Twin Transition as a Source of Innovation for Estonian and Latvian SMEs

Partners and Projects info

Sakret

Twin Transition as a Source of Innovation for Estonian and Latvian SMEs

Partners and Projects info

Peruza

Twin Transition as a Source of Innovation for Estonian and Latvian SMEs

Partners and Projects info

Afterone

Twin Transition as a Source of Innovation for Estonian and Latvian SMEs

Partners and Projects info

Dipperfox

Twin Transition as a Source of Innovation for Estonian and Latvian SMEs

Partners and Projects info

Mällona Mõis

Twin Transition as a Source of Innovation for Estonian and Latvian SMEs

Partners and Projects info

Siidrikoda

Twin Transition as a Source of Innovation for Estonian and Latvian SMEs

Partners and Projects info

Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Twin Transition as a Source of Innovation for Estonian and Latvian SMEs

Partners and Projects info

Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Twin Transition as a Source of Innovation for Estonian and Latvian SMEs

Partners and Projects info

Baltic Innovation Agency

Twin Transition as a Source of Innovation for Estonian and Latvian SMEs

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Twin Transition as a Source of Innovation for Estonian and Latvian SMEs

Project acronym: Twinnovation

Project ID: EE-LV00072

Project start date: 2023-11-01

Project end date: 2026-02-28

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

European Industry 5.0 approach (EN) | The conceptual basis for this project lies in the framework of Industry 5.0, supporting the digital and green "twin" transition in Europe. The project activities help companies from Estonia and Latvia capture the value of new technologies for their business activities and, in the long run, contribute to prosperity in terms of new/more innovative jobs and growth in Europe while respecting planetary boundaries.
The Twinnovation training programme will be designed by also consulting with the direction and materials available from the EC on Industry 5.0. (EN), Taking European Energy Managers to next efficiency levels by implementing energy audit recommendations (EUREMnext) (EN) | ECCI and LCCI role: partners / Project funding: Horizon2020 programme / Project duration: 2018-2021
The project's main goal was to enrich the well-established EUREM European Energy Manager training program, making it available in new countries to allow more persons to become qualified/accredited experts or upgrade their knowledge and skills and add ancillary implementation support activities. During this project, ECCI and LCCI provided training to SMEs to teach them practical aspects of increasing energy efficiency and decreasing costs. The Twinnovation project has synergies with EUREMnext in the context of providing and organising activities and providing knowledge transfer to companies to learn more about circular approaches and sustainability, as well as the digitalisation solutions. ECCI and LCCI will make use of this experience as Key Account Managers for the participating SMEs. (EN), Using innovation procurement and capacity building to promote Circular Economy (Circular PP)
(EN) | LCCI role: partner / Project funding: Interreg Baltic Sea Region / Project duration: 2017-2020
The main focus of this project was to use public procurement in the Baltic Sea Region (BSR) as a catalyst to enhance the market uptake of innovative circular products and services by building capacity among all stakeholders of the value chain (namely procurers, suppliers and policymakers) and introducing the principles of circular economy thinking in a close feedback dialog with SMEs. Synergy with this project is in the context of providing trainings, peer learning between countries, and circular and innovative approaches to boost SME competitiveness. LCCI will make use of this experience as Key Account Manager for the participating manufacturing SMEs. (EN), Efficient construction through digital technologies in the construction and finishing trade (DIGCON) (EN) | LCCI role: partner / Project funding: Erasmus+ / Project duration: 2022-2025
The project aims to help unlock the potential of the construction sector through digitalization and implement changes that can bring significant opportunities for the whole value chain. The goal is to support SMEs by leveraging digital technology and embracing digitalization. Synergy with this project is in the context of providing digital solutions, trainings, and peer learning to SMEs to unlock their potential towards digitalisation and innovation opportunities, which would help them to become more competitive. As both DIGCON and Twinnovation tackle the topic of supporting the digital transition of manufacturing businesses (albeit different sub-sectors) the knowledge will be complementary. The first lessons learned of DIGCON will be applied in planning the Twinnovation training programme as well as when LCCI consults and supports the manufacturing partners’ pilots and solutions. If topically fitting, one of the planned Twinnovation study visits can take place in a construction sector SME involved in the DIGCON project. (EN), Greentech pre-accelerator programme in Saaremaa (EN) | BIA role: Lead partner / Project funding: Environmental Investment Centre, Ministry of Environment and Saaremaa Municipality / Project duration: 2021-2022
The project focused on carrying out the first pre-accelerator programme in Saaremaa (an Estonian island) to identify and develop novel business ideas in GreenTech. The programme helped to answer the question of which could be new products and services contributing to the development of the green economy of the Estonian islands. The project focused on renewable energy, agriculture and forestry, and transportation. The programme helped start-ups to develop critical competencies to remove barriers related to the development of GreenTech businesses and increase their quality.
The Twinnovation project will make use of this experience in two aspects. First, the experience of running a business training programme for the green tech sector helps to make informed decisions in designing the Twinnovation training programme. Secondly, within this project, BIA worked closely with green-tech startups which has broadened the team's understanding of what is possible within this sector and this knowledge can be conveyed to the “more traditional” manufacturing and food&beverage businesses seeking to start their own green transition through the Twinnovation project. (EN), Facilitating product development between ICT sector and other economic sectors in Estonia
(EN) | BIA role: Partner / Project funding: Enterprise Estonia / Project duration: 2017-2019
Within the framework of the ITL development project “Facilitating Product Development in the ICT Sector,” one of the goals was to develop a model for facilitating product development for the intelligent application of ICT in other economic areas. Regarding the implementation of the model, it was expected that it would help IT companies to move from selling software development hours to developing and selling products and services in cooperation with other sectors and introducing various new business models.
Baltic Innovation Agency piloted the new cooperation model with other industry experts and ITL representatives within five sectors (wooden house, machinery, plastics, electronics, and woodworking). It was important that ITL could use the model independently in the future and integrate it with the services provided to their cluster´s members.
The Twinnovation project will make use of this experience when running the training programme and working together with the companies on their twin transition journey. This 2017 project sought to support the digital transition of more traditional companies, including those in the forestry, plastic, metal and machine building industries. BIA saw the merits of putting ICT specialists in direct contact with the businesses to think about how they could innovate their processes, services and products. This knowledge will also be used in the Twinnovation training programme where experienced trainers and mentors will also include people from the ICT sector. (EN), Green Manufacturing Accelerator (GreenMA) (EN) | BIA role: Partner / Project funding: EIT Manufacturing, European Union / Project duration: 2022
The project aims to set up an EITM Green Manufacturing Accelerator (GreenMA) that will help identify and develop innovative green manufacturing solutions in Europe to help bring the circular economy and Industry 5.0 vision into life, linked with the concept of impact investments. GreenMA will address the critical challenges for early-stage entrepreneurs related to know-how, financing, and contacts with the EIT and broader manufacturing ecosystem. BIA will use the materials and knowledge gained throughout the project in the training programme for Twinnovation project SMEs.
(EN), Nordic-Baltic universities boosting entrepreneurial and innovation support systems (NOBALIS) (EN) | BIA role: Partner / Project funding: EIT, European Union / Project duration: 2022-2024
In line with regional smart specialisation strategies and research areas of the participating higher education institutions (HEI), the project is set out to develop, share, and expand innovation and entrepreneurship (I&E) support capabilities in the areas of sustainable food production, circular economy, and new green value chains.
NOBALIS will facilitate innovation and entrepreneurship capacity in the universities by mapping and sharing good practices on innovation management, institutional support, innovation, entrepreneurship curricula development and implementation, startup support and mentorship for students, academic and non-academic staff, and the creation of new partnerships. The synergy with the Twinnovation project will be in use and further development of the good practices of innovation management and implementation.
(EN), Accompanying SMEs in implementing energy efficiency measures (EnergyEfficiency4SME) (EN) | ECCI role: partner / Project funding: LIFE programme / Project duration: 2022-2025
Project activities focus on supporting to companies in the implementation of energy efficiency measures. The consortium includes key stakeholders, such as local and regional authorities, energy agencies, foundations and chambers of commerce and industry in the implementation of the project. Project focuses its activities for sectors of accommodation and food service activities, manufacturing agri-food and manufacturing metalwork. Over project lifetime (3 years), 1000 companies will be directly supported in the implementation of energy audits, 140 new of energy audits carried out within project, 1000 company staff provided improved skills/knowledge, 200 energy auditors /other stakeholders with improved skills/knowledge.
Activities also include identifying best practices cost-effective efficiency recommendations for SMEs, develop tools to make the energy transition in SMEs; raise awareness so that the company commits to sustainable energy management and monitoring system and implementation of study/ counselling for energy efficiency financing.
The Twinnovation project will make use of the experience when collaborating with the partnering SMEs. The central topic of the project was also green transformation and energy efficiency, which enables now to share the experience and best practices for SME-s use. This Includes mapping the situation in 10 partner countries, for documenting best practice for energy efficiency measures, for providing motivating data and examples for SME-s. Project also included a large amount of consultations for energy efficiency measures and related investments. As Key Account Manager for the food&beverage sector, ECCI will use these insights in consulting and supporting the SME’s pilot actions and development of their solutions. (EN), Estonian Key Account Management Services (EN) | ECCI role: partner / Project funding: Horizon 2020/ Project duration: 2020-2021. The objective of the project was to enhance the innovation management capacity of Estonian SMEs. The action is aimed at two kinds of SMEs - beneficiaries of the European Innovation Council (EIC) pilot and SMEs with significant innovation activities and a high potential for internationalization. For beneficiaries of the EIC pilot, the Key Account Management service consisted of identifying weaknesses in the innovation capacities of the beneficiary; identifying suitable coaches (based on the assessment in the first step) to addressing the identified weaknesses and moderating the coach-client relationship; and accompanying the beneficiary through the EIC pilot project. The service packages outside the scope of the SME Instrument (current EIC Accelerator), the “Enhancing the innovation management capacity of SME's” service, consisted of carrying out a innovation capability diagnostic audit of the selected SMEs; and developing and implementing a tailored action plan to improve the SME’s capacity to manage innovation processes.
This project experience will be used by ECCI when consulting and supporting the partnering SMEs in their twin transition innovation journey. This project has given ECCI rich experience on how to best support businesses in taking up innovation. (EN), Enterprise Europe Network (EN) | ECCI role: Coordinator and partner / Project funding: COSME / Project duration: 2022-2025 (project start 2008).
The overall objective of the project is to provide European added-value services that help to increase the competitiveness and innovative capacities of Estonian SMEs, complementing to and operating in synergy with the other existing national SME support structures and schemes. Providing value-added advice and support for SMEs on EU policies, legislation and programmes; supporting cross-border partnering activities for business cooperation, technology transfer, innovation and research.
PS: BIA and LCCI (in Latvia) are also EEN members.
The Twinnovation project will make use of this experience and the network that EEN provides primarily during the dissemination and exploitation activities of the project. (EN), KNOWMAN (EN) | ECCI role: partner / Project funding: Erasmus+ / Project duration: 2021-2023
Knowman project is designed to help knowledge-intensive business services (KIBS) of SMEs in gaining skills in the field of knowledge management. As a result of the project, there is a greater prospect of success for the target group to digitally conduct knowledge management training sessions and workshops based on innovative execution, through advanced interactive learning methods. The long-term impact considered on the local, regional, national and European levels is the increase in competitiveness of the target group: KIBS SMEs and their owners, managers, and employees. The project is mapping the knowledge management process considered by KIBS in the partner countries and identifying ways to develop best practices. During the project, an open-access learning platform will be developed, which will comprises various useful components.
The Twinnovation project will make use of this experience when EICC supports and consults the pilots and developed solutions of the food&beverage businesses. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 585 687.50

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 468 550.00

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 80.00%

Co-financing sources:

ERDF: Amount, EUR 468 550.00. Co-financing rate, 80.00%.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

Innovative solution in product, process, service or marketing of Dipperfox
Innovative solution in product, process, service or marketing of Afterone
Innovative solution in product, process, service or marketing of Peruza.
Innovative solution in product, process, service or marketing of Sakret.
Innovative solution in product, process, service or marketing of Kurzemes atslēga.
Innovative solution in product, process, service or marketing of BSS
Innovative solution in product, process, service or marketing of Siidrikoda.
Innovative solution in product, process, service or marketing of Mällona Mõis.
Innovative solution in product, process, service or marketing of Valmiermuižas alus.
Innovative solution in product, process, service or marketing of Rāmkalni.

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyBalticSeaRegion The Twinnovation project contributes to the regional cooperation of the two EUSBSR countries, Estonia and Latvia. Twinnovation contributes to EUSBR's Nutri, bio-economy, energy, culture, and innovation policy areas. More specifically, Twinnovation activities address the EUSBSR objectives, such as improving global competitiveness and adapting to climate change by connecting people in the Baltic Sea region. Since the project aims to support SMEs in Latvia and Estonia with twin transitions, the main contributions to EUSBSR will be digitalization and sustainability. With the increasing use of ICT and green solutions, SMEs can streamline operations, reach new customers, and respond to market changes effectively, which enhances their competitiveness and contributes to the overall economy of the Baltic Sea region. In addition, the increasing focus on environmental protection and the transition to a green economy presents significant opportunities for these businesses. SMEs can tap into growing markets by embracing sustainable practices and developing eco-friendly products and services. The project will contribute to developing new business models and value chains, which can help promote the region's growth and competitiveness and position it as a hub of digital and green innovation and entrepreneurship.
Other Twinnovation contributes to the EU Green Deal. This project’s aims go along with the goals of the EU Green Deal to transform the EU into a modern, resource efficient, and competitive economy, while focusing on environmental challenges, where digitalisation is seen as a key enabler for achieving the core targets.
Other The twinnovation project will contribute to the EU Cohesion Policy and its long-term goals, which aim to strengthen the European Union's economic, social, and territorial cohesion. It delivers on the Union's political priorities, especially the green and digital transition. Twinnovation activities contribute to priorities such as a competitive, greener, and more innovative Europe while enhancing mobility and connectivity of EU member states – Latvia and Estonia.
Other Twinnovation solves Estonia's development needs listed in the "Estonia 2035" strategy. For example, the project will improve the business environment of SMEs and enhance biodiversity and the environment. These challenges will be tackled in Twinnovation training and consulting activities to provide SMEs with the necessary knowledge and help them transition to innovative solutions with a long-term perspective.
Other The twinnovation project contributes to the “Estonian Digital Agenda 2030”, which sets out a vision and action plan for how Estonia's economy, state, and society will be further developed through digital technologies in the next decade. Agenda's primary goal is to ensure that Estonia's economy is innovative and knowledge-based, using new technologies, business models, and a good business environment. This project contributes to this Agenda by allowing SMEs to advance their business goals, day-to-day workings, and innovations through digital technologies. Moreover, to educate SMEs on how to use digital solutions and implement twin transition principles to further their businesses.
Other This project will contribute to implementing the “Greening Estonia Action Plan 2023-2025”, which aims to reduce negative environmental impacts, create a modern and high-quality living environment and contribute to developing competitive and environmentally friendly businesses. In particular, Twinnovation will contribute to a greener and more sustainable economic model, which minimises environmental risks and pressures on natural resources, is low greenhouse gas emitting, resource-efficient, socially inclusive, and improves human well-being and social justice. Twinnovation will help SMEs raise awareness of the proper application of circular economy principles in different sectors, which will contribute to achieving climate neutrality.
Other Twinnovation contributes to Latvia's “National Development plan 2021-2027”, to prioritise competitiveness and material well-being of businesses. The aim of this priority is productivity gains from innovation as the basis for Latvia's growth of companies in the global market and an increase in material well-being. Project will directly contribute to this priority as SME are going to be educated on twin transition, as well as 6 LV SMEs will practically implement innovative twin transition projects within their SMEs.
Other Twinnovation contributes to Latvia's "Sustainable Development Strategy for 2030" while addressing strategic principles such as creative activity and cooperation. Moreover, this project contributes to Strategy's objectives: innovative and eco-efficient economy and nature as a future capital.

Deliverable (other than infrastructural investment) areas:

Eesti (EE), Tartu, Lembitu, 8, 50406
Latvija (LV), Aizpute, Kalvenes iela, 27, LV-3456
Latvija (LV), Mucenieki, NA, “Lejasrandoti”, LV2137
Eesti (EE), Paikuse, Staadioni, 2, 86602
Eesti (EE), Elva vald, Kalme küla, Mällona talu, 61002
Latvija (LV), Incukalns, Krustini, NA, LV2141

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:

Delivered output indicator(s):

(RCO87) Organisations cooperating across borders: 13.0
(RCO84) Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects : 3.0
(RCO116) Jointly developed solutions: 3.0

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 084 - Organisations cooperating across borders after project completion, Measurement unit:
RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, 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-A Estonia-Latvia

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

2025-08-15

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

53 / 53 (100%)

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

240 / 240 (100%)

Notes on the data

Languages

Contact Form

Twin Transition as a Source of Innovation for Estonian and Latvian SMEs

Description

Thematic information

Partners (13)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

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

Disclaimer