ELSE 2022-25

ended

In the next few years, the current period will be reminded as the age of “co-“: co-planning, co-llaboration, co-ordination. Countries worldwide realized that struggling against threats (as Covid 19), and for citizens’ safety, security, has no border, and that, to be successful, they need to respond together to crisis and shocks. Despite early uncertainties and positioning, EU member states have chosen the “co-way” not only to face the immediate virus consequences but to bring Europe into its Next Generation, making its citizens, institutions and companies more resilient. The applicant consortium (ELSE - consortium) as “from day one” member of Enterprise Europe Network (EEN – The Network), for over ten years, has represented a practical and successful “co-“ experience for EU Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), based on the co-llaboration, co-planning and co-ordination among more than 600 members offering tailored services to SMEs. ELSE consortium, with its eight partners, since 2015, has implemented the EEN concepts, providing services to Lazio and Sardegna SMEs. Aiming at upgrading the functioning of EEN, for 2022 – 25, in the two regions the consortium will face a new challenge: unleashing the power of local SMEs of all kinds to lead the twin transitions. The challenge firstly aims to considerably increase the number of SMEs engaging in sustainable business practices, as well as the number of SMEs employing digital technologies. Sustainability is not a random process; it requires voluntary actions and the ability to introduce new and ameliorated processes and products in the productive system, to integrate new technologies and innovative models, able to boost the business processes while preserving the natural ecosystem and the equitable development of future generations. The Network can be a key player in educating SMEs and reinforcing a sustainable cultural mindset. Ultimately, the goal is that Lazio and Sardegna become attractive European places.....