New approaches to improve SME internationalisation support policies
Each European region has its own particular characteristics and yet show parallels in their challenges. The policy initiatives carried out by these regions are already helping a large number of SMEs to reach international markets. However, there is still potential to reach a larger number of SMEs and room to improve the internationalisation process. The project aims to foster the internationalisation of SMEs by means of entering the virtuous triangle “collaboration-innovation-internationalisation”. Collaboration among SMEs will help to overcome their size problem and hence will ease and promote their internationalisation and innovation processes. The exchange of experiences among partners and regional key agents will allow to find the best practises in fostering internationalisation. These results will encourage and facilitate collaboration among SMEs –at regional and interregional level- with the aim of providing them the best tools and conditions to access international markets successfully. The proposed interregional cooperation will involve public authorities, Structural Funds Managing Authorities and relevant key agents who will work together to deepen into the aspects to be developed in each region with special emphasis on SME cooperation and new innovative methods. All these actors will not be able to force SMEs to collaborate, however they can help them connect to other SMEs from different regions with their own experiences to share and needs to solve.Through this “connecting process” will arise a shared vision that will create an environment that promotes synergy, flexibility and sustainability. Inside Out EU addresses the barriers SMEs face when going international and will help them overcome these challenges.The output expected is the implementation of Action Plans resulting in an innovative improvement of regional policies addressing the subject which will hence contribute to achieve the objectives and results defined in the Interreg Europe Programme.