PROJECT DETAILS

The main goal of the project is to increase the capacity for competitiveness and innovation of local businesses and administration in the cross-border region of Northeast Macedonia (6 municipalities) and the Kyustendil area (9 municipalities). The project will be implemented in several phases, starting from the analysis of the current situation in the field of competitiveness and innovation (C & I) of businesses, as well as the analysis of ongoing support (administration, consultants, NGOs and other organizations) for the development of C & I of companies. These analyzes will define the gaps in C&I, as well as the training needs in this area, and will show the best practices of companies / institutions that have a well-developed C&I system. This is the general basis for program development and training methodologies for consultants and company and administration representatives, with a focus on developing C&I capacity. An additional contribution through this project will be the direct support by 10 companies to which a detailed analysis will be performed based on the already adopted and approved European methodology. This will be achieved by identifying the basic elements for improving their work and processes in terms of increasing productivity, exports, developing new products and services, and new ways of innovative entrepreneurial behavior. The results of the project will be a scientific basis for further recommendations and defined activities, through a recognized European methodological approach adapted to the needs of these two cross-border regions, in order to influence the strengthening of cross-border cooperation. The change that will be achieved through this project will affect both regions by developing the capacity of institutions to support entrepreneurship and innovation in order to increase the competitiveness and innovative approach of small and medium enterprises in both regions.