Enhancement of competitiveness of transnational business competence centers and networks – centrikomNET

Project description:

The project “Enhancement of competitiveness of transnational business competence centers and networks” is aimed at solving the challenges of low competitiveness and the generally unfavorable business environment, lack of skilled labor, relevant competencies in product design, export management, financial management, and marketing by improving access to relevant competencies in the software area through the improvement of relevant infrastructure and services, training programs for unemployed companies and the establishment of a transnational networking model, thus raising the overall skill levels and capabilities of the workforce and SMEs.

The main objective of the project is to strengthen business support organizations in Zenica-Doboj Canton (B&H), Vukovar-Srijem County (CRO), and Podgorica (MNE) territory by applying innovative models and approaches in the enhancement of competitiveness of local SMEs.

CentrikomNET main project results are:

• Developed one transnational business cluster,Improved business-related competencies of partners permanent staff and unemployed persons through training and practical mentoring programs,Raised knowledge of MSMEs on introducing new technologies and innovative solutions in business operations through pilot projects, andUpgraded cross-border partnership model of public, private, and research sector for access to and exchange of competencies, experiences, and know-how for the favorable business environment.

Target groups include export-oriented small and medium-sized enterprises, especially in the wood sector, small farmers, tourism workers, unemployed young people, business support institutions and research and scientific institutions, local governments.

The cross-border value of the project is reflected in the triple helix model, ie. joint cluster performance and sharing of access to competencies among all stakeholders in the project area, using webinars, a transnational network of all stakeholders, cooperation with academia, creating a more favorable business environment.

Total project budget: 659.563,58 EUR

The amount of EU co-financing: 560.629,03 EUR

Duration of the project: 1.8.2020.- 31.07.2022.

Programme Priority Axis: PA 4 / Enhancing competitiveness and developing business environment in the programme area.

Lead partner:

The Municipality of Stari Jankovci will provide technical assistance to SMEs and the unemployed working in the fruit growing and processing sector. As part of the institutional support of the Competence Centre established through the previous project, a demonstration-educational field in the field of agriculture will be arranged and equipped. The training program for fruit processing will contribute to the improvement and development of business competencies of young people and employees in the agricultural sector.

The Competence Centre will be equipped with technical equipment that serves in its space for the development of business ideas, meetings, seminars, and conferences.

Partners:

The Municipality of Tovarnik will provide technical assistance to SMEs and the unemployed working in the field of vegetable processing and plant protection. In addition to the training and mentoring program, the necessary thematic equipment for the Competence Centre will be procured so that it can be used through practical trainings and workshops.

Development agency Žepče Ltd. (RAZ) as a recognized business service provider is in charge of providing better working conditions for SMEs operating in areas such as wood processing and fruit production. The project will enable the unemployed to develop their skills and capacities through training and practical mentoring programs.

The demonstration-educational field that will be established and equipped provides the project beneficiaries with practical training on all activities of growing different types of fruit crops. The Agency, in cooperating with other partners, will develop a cross-border cluster strategy.

Montenegrin Employers Federation (MEF) which acts as a business support organization, provides tailored technical assistance to SMEs and the unemployed primarily in the field of tourism: market diversification and destination management, customer relations, brand development, rural tourism, human resource management.

Competence Centre Ltd. for research and development improves the innovation potential of the Vukovar-Srijem County economy by supporting already established clusters. As a business support operator, this Centre is institutionally supported by the procurement of the necessary IT equipment needed for the professional development of SMEs and the unemployed.

The project is co-financed by ERDF and IPA II funds of the European Union.

This publication has been produced with the assistance of the European Union. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of Competence Centre Ltd. for research and development and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union.