Strengthening smart specialisation by fostering transnational cooperation

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The project aims to boost transnational cooperation among industry, the research & development sector, and authorities in employing smart specialisation strategies in regions in the eastern parts of the Baltic Sea region. It promotes mutual learning, sharing best practices and translating smart specialisation strategies into practical joint actions of small and medium sized enterprises. The idea: The most critical and vulnerable group of actors dealing with Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3) are small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) which largely fall behind other players in terms of innovation activities and investments in research & development (R&D). GoSmart BSR develops a new transnational approach to S3 and introduces a system of fostering SMEs internationalisation. Methods: The project develops a methodology in order to identify and implement transnational smart specialisation strategies. It establishes, tests and develops a sustainable Transnational Innovation Brokerage System that supports the innovativeness of SME groups across the regions and countries. The project also addresses smart strategies at a micro level: a few new innovativeness networks are established, which involve various S3 actors. New methodologies supporting SMEs internationalisation are part of the project’s activities as well. Effects: The project significantly contributes to improving SMEs access to international markets related to innovation by supporting the know-how and technology transfers, sourcing and other kinds of cooperation, especifically in R&D. GoSmart BSR produces so-called “second-hand knowledge” emerging when a business partner combines its own know-how with a knowledge of a new business partner; this kind of knowledge is necessary for internationalisation. GoSmart BSR also improves public authorities’ understanding and effectiveness in supporting innovation and internationalisation of businesses and R&D actors. In this way, the project supports deeper economic and innovation-driven integration in the Baltic Sea region and beyond.

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