Net Zero SMEs

ISSUE ADDRESSED
Achieving the EU's objective of a carbon-free and resilient economy requires a substantial boost to Europe’s manufacturing capacity for net-zero technologies, such as innovative RES infrastructure and energy storage systems. This urgency is highlighted by the net-zero Industry Act, which also emphasises the role of SMEs in driving the production of clean technologies, stimulating green job creation, and reducing dependencies on imported technologies. Yet, net-zero SMEs in the EU often face significant growth obstacles, including limited access to capital for scaling-up their activities, and difficulties in establishing R&D partnerships to foster innovation.

AIM
The project will enable the participating regions to strengthen and accelerate innovation-driven economic growth, putting net-zero SMEs at the forefront of this endeavour. To this end, the project foresees the implementation of policy mapping activities, mutual capacity building workshops and study visits, and peer assessments of policy interventions, which will all enable partners to:
1. Create new investment opportunities and financial schemes that will boost net-zero industrial growth through innovative and collaborative ventures.
2. Promote the establishment of collaboration schemes between net-zero SMEs, research actors and business ecosystems, thereby boosting innovation and access to new markets.

PARTNERSHIP
The partnership includes 6 public authorities, 1 higher education institution and 1 NGO, representing 6 EU (GR, BE, DK, SE, BG, HU) and 1 IPA (UA) country. This consortium brings together a diverse range of skills and expertise, fostering the exchange of best practices on all pertinent financial, administrative, and skills-related topics addressed by Net Zero SMEs.