This project addresses the pressing need for SMEs to transition to more sustainable practices, aligning with the European Green Deal's vision of a climate-neutral economy by 2050. SMEs often face resource limitations and barriers that hinder their progress toward sustainable growth. While funding sources and grant support exist for innovative green solutions, SMEs struggle due to their limited innovation capacity. The project's primary objective is to empower BRCCI to enhance the competence of its member SMEs in the realm of Green Industry Innovation. It aims to achieve this by identifying and presenting practical, ready-to-use solutions applicable to Bulgarian SMEs and facilitating experience exchange between Bulgarian and Norwegian companies. The project team seeks to spotlight exemplary, readily deployable innovative solutions that enhance operational performance while prioritizing environmental sustainability.

The project primarily targets Bulgarian SMEs in the private sector, with BRCCI boasting a network of 85 corporate members, the majority being SMEs. The project's impact extends to an even broader audience of around 800 companies through BRCCI's networking activities. These companies, the majority of which are SMEs, stand to gain valuable insights from the project's outcomes, benefiting from the knowledge and practices shared during its implementation.

This projects includes a variety of key activities:

- Study of Green Industry Innovation solutions

- Study visit for Bulgarian SMEs to Norway

- Project Management

- Project Publicity

BRCCI drives Green Industry transformation, seeking Norwegian expertise to boost SME growth. The project fosters collaboration and knowledge exchange, benefitting SMEs beyond green innovations. Match-making forums and networking functions facilitate valuable business connections.

Summary of bilateral results

The collaboration between the Bulgarian and Norwegian partners under the project proved highly effective, resulting in strong bilateral outcomes that extended beyond the formal project framework.

- Effective Communication and Coordination: The partnership was characterized by regular and transparent communication. Frequent correspondence, joint planning of tasks, and coordination of activities ensured that both parties were aligned at every stage of the project. The cooperation included routine online trilateral meetings and one-on-one consultations that helped clarify roles, streamline responsibilities, and maintain momentum across borders.

- Smooth Cross-Cultural Collaboration: Despite differing organizational cultures and work styles, the Bulgarian and Norwegian teams adapted seamlessly to a shared workflow. Mutual respect and openness facilitated a unified approach, strengthening the partnership and fostering a sense of cohesion among the project participants.

- Mutual Support and Task Sharing: Both partners actively contributed to critical aspects of the project, such as the identification of relevant companies, organization of regional and international events, and preparation of project outputs. The Norwegian partner, SINTEF, played a key role in coordinating the study visit to Norway and in mobilizing Norwegian participants for the Match-making Forum in Sofia.

- Foundation for Future Collaboration: The project created not only immediate results but also a foundation for long-term cooperation. The success of the partnership, built on trust and effective collaboration, has laid the groundwork for continued joint initiatives between BRCCI, SINTEF, and other involved parties even after the project’s conclusion.

The bilateral partnership was a cornerstone of the G4G project’s success, enabling rich knowledge exchange, shared responsibilities, and the establishment of long-lasting international ties that will support further innovation and sustainability efforts.

Project details

Project info
Period
2014-2021
Project Website
https://brcc.bg/bg/proekti/p/g4g
Approval date
Grant financing
92360.00€
Final project cost
100801.16€

Related

Programmes
Countries
  • Bulgaria