Enterprise Europe Network Hamburg / Schleswig-Holstein

ended

The proposed Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) regional node serves the neighbouring German Federal States of Schleswig-Holstein and the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg. It builds on an established cooperation, with experienced EEN partners well connected to other SME service partners, while also incorporating a new regional partner in Hamburg to complement the team. Together the four partners Investitionsbank Schleswig-Holstein, Wirtschaftsförderung und Technologietransfer Schleswig-Holstein GmbH, TuTech Innovation GmbH and Hamburgische Investitions- und Förderbank provide a one-stop-shop delivering services with a European dimension to complement those offered through regional and national programmes. Over 99% of regional companies are SMEs and many of these are aware of a need for greater internationalization as a means to innovate. Over the years EEN has become a recognized brand and its services much appreciated by a broad range of SMEs. The EEN intends to provide continuity in many of the services offered including advice on European funding and finance and significant brokerage events in the renewable and maritime sector. The EEN also intends to introduce support for new aspects of smart specialization, e.g. in the cooperation between SME and research organisations. The EEN anticipates a role in the effects on regional economic development of the proposed Fehmarn link which will form a hugely significant transport link between Schleswig-Holstein and the Öresund Region. The EEN already will continue to act as a valued interlocutor between SME, the region and European initiatives and will play a full role in promoting relevant Horizon 2020 instruments. The proposed structure ensures that all services required in the call for proposals can be offered and thus the call objectives will be reached.