The Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) strives to bolster the local economy by championing innovation and fostering a modern entrepreneurial culture. As a vital intermediary organization, RCCI promotes knowledge transfer, effective partnerships, and international collaboration. However, many businesses in the region express a readiness to embrace sustainable and green practices, but often lack the specific knowledge and dedication required.
The project's central aim is to introduce sustainable green practices to the Ruse region by transferring Norwegian expertise and enhancing the capabilities of SMEs to implement them effectively. The focus will be on sustainable green solutions, spanning themes like business models, eco-innovation, the circular economy, Corporate Social Responsibility, and Environmental Social & Governance standards. Through training, coaching, self-diagnostic tools, and the exchange of best practices and know-how between Bulgaria and Norway, the project will create opportunities for capacity building and skill development. Additionally, it will explore social innovation policy approaches, promoting interaction among various sectors. Ultimately, the project's primary objective is to empower SME employees, enabling them to become "Green Change Agents."
The project's key activities include:
- Knowledge transfer & establishment of networks
- Capacity Building
- Project Management
- Project Publicity
The bilateral relations between RCCI and Prios has already been established prior to the project. Both organizations have been in close cooperation in order to identify and select the project activities that will suit and enrich the work of the organizations taken as a whole. The project will be just the first step in the establishment of long-term partnership and future collaborations not only for both parties, but also for other Bulgarian and Norwegian policy-makers and stakeholders.