Study: Capitalization of transnational cooperation (INTERREG B and EU macro strategies) for SMEs in the field of innovation

The Project

Within the framework of transnational cooperation (for example in the INTERREG B programs), innovative solutions for common spatial challenges are being developed and examined all over Europe. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are an important target group in all programs. Baden-Württemberg participates in four INTERREG program areas (Alpine Space, Danube Area, Central Europe and North West Europe) as well as two EU Macro-Strategies (Danube and Alpine Space). Commissioned by the Baden-Wuerttemberg Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour and Housing as the lead management in Baden-Wuerttemberg in the field of transnational cooperation, aconium investigated how the results of such cooperations can be sustainably capitalized for SMEs. „Capitalization“ is understood as the stabilization of project results as well as unintended positive cooperation effects. In addition to SMEs, the target groups are multipliers and intermediaries who participate in INTERREG projects as partners. Their capitalization strategies, activities and needs were examined and systematically presented. With the results of a survey of relevant Interreg players, an interactive workshop and desk research, proposals for the further support of the capitalization of the project results for SMEs in Baden-Wuerttemberg were developed and presented.

Goals & activities

Objectives of the project were
The aim of the study was to categorise the effects of transnational cooperation in the field of innovation and to identify indicators for measuring the effects. To this end, proposals were developed for increasing the benefits and visibility of project results and success stories.

aconium responsibilities

aconium GmbH was responsible for literature and specialist research, conduct-ing expert interviews, as well as for preparing, moderating and documenting a workshop.
Interreg data were validated for a quantitative measurement of the results. Fur-thermore, aconium was responsible for the editing of the study, for the prepa-ration and layout of an informative summary as well as for the presentation of the results.