The SME Value Chains project consists only of one work package: WP1 Twinning Advanced. The goal of this WP was the following: “a Twinning partnership brings many benefits to the participating organizations by bringing people together from different parts of Europe, it gives an opportunity to share problems, exchange views and understand different viewpoints on any issue where there is a shared interest or concern.”
The first step in the project was the kick-off meeting on 9 September 2015. This meeting was perceived as an “information exchange workshop”. Each partner presented their region, the policy on supporting SMEs active in global value chains and the challenges doing so. During this meeting the context of the project was established, as all partners presented their objectives and expectations on the project. All partners discovered and learned more about SMEs active in global value chains Europe-wide and their needs. This was an important step in the project as by doing so, all partners shared the same insights and mutual knowledge at the starting point. This meeting was hosted by Flanders Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Brussels.
On 3 and 4 December 2015 a co-creation workshop was held in Göteborg: Milestone 1. During this workshop more was learned about the context of the challenge by listening to the final beneficiaries of our actions. This workshop started with a presentation from a Flemish and a Swedish expert on the topic of Value Chains. Afterwards two SMEs, a Flemish and a Swedish one, gave a presentation on their experiences and the challenges they faced by being active in global value chains. Finally a brainstorm session took place according the appreciative inquiry technique (focus, dream & creation). Swerea hosted and moderated this co-creation workshop.
On the basis of this workshop, the project partners did a modest field research in their own region about the issue, the goal was to get focussed on the needs and relevant sectors. 24 companies have been interviewed: 7 Swedish, 7 Spanish and 10 Flemish. The Swedish project partners have interviewed producers of goods and services. Most Flemish companies are active in the sectors electronics, machinery, processing, automotive, food, life tech. The Spanish companies are particularly involved in ICT-Tourism, agro-food, construction, robotics and consultancy.
The final peer learning session took place in Palma de Mallorca on 21 and 22 March 2016: Milestone 2. The participants discussed novel approaches in relation. Also during this sessions, SMEs and an external expert (from OECD) have been actively present. All partners participated in this workshop. It was hosted by Fundacio Balears d’Innovació Tecnologia.
The lead partner presented all information gathered on the digital platform of Enterprise Europe Network. All interested parties were encouraged to deal their experiences and comments which have been incorporated in the final report.
In the final stage of this project the lead partner summarised the needs of this specific client profile, the problem about the existing instruments, potential good practices that could fit and novel approaches to explore / to recommend. All partners took part in the drafting and review of the Design Option Paper: Milestone 3. Also the comments from external parties (experts and other agencies outside the partnership were taken into account.
