With the South Baltic SMEs Advancing Beyond Borders (SMEBeyond) project officially launched, Denmark’s water and environment cluster is ready to empower blue and green businesses around the Baltic Sea to go beyond borders.
SMEBeyond focuses on the blue and green sector and is designed to equip small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with tools, insights and support to enter international markets, drive growth and improve their competitiveness.
Overcoming barriers to internationalization
A major and important challenge for SMEs in the South Baltic region is going beyond borders. Only 34% of SMEs in the region are engaged in international business – and only 7% venture outside the EU market. Challenges such as financial constraints, little market information and complex regulatory frameworks often hinder SMEs’ efforts.
SMEBeyond is an initiative that will provide SMEs in the South Baltic with the necessary support to overcome the barriers to internationalization says Project Manager Lais Valenca, Clean.
By utilizing the strength of collaboration among the partners and innovative methods, we aim to create a robust, competitive business ecosystem.
The primary goal of SMEBeyond is to empower SMEs in areas such as: renewable energy, sustainable urban development, water and waste management, food packaging, plasma technology and maritime industries.
In addition, the project also aims to change the current paradigm by increasing the number of SMEs engaging in business internationally. All to improve the regional economy and global competitiveness.
Project goals and impact
Current engagement: Only 34% of SMEs in the South Baltic region engage in international business and only 7% reach out to markets outside the EU.
Targeted results: The project aims to provide non-financial support to 18,000 companies and facilitate cooperation between 6,000 organizations.
Economic potential: The project is expected to provide a significant boost to the regional economy and improve global competitiveness by increasing the international presence of SMEs.
About SMEBeyond
SMEBeyond is co-financed by the Interreg South Baltic program and has a total budget of €1,662,548.10. The project runs until June 2027 and provides SMEs with innovative methodologies, matchmaking opportunities and policy advocacy to promote successful international ventures.
Clean, the Danish water and environment cluster, is the project’s lead partner. The project is in partnership with BalticNet-PlasmaTec (Germany), Natureef Association (Poland), Mobile Heights (Sweden), Sustainable Business Hub (Sweden) and Klaipeda Science and Technology Park (Lithuania).
