The project Smart SMEs aims to improve the use of digital solutions to increase the competitiveness of SMEs in natural fibre value chains in the Alpine region (e.g. wood, hemp, organic waste etc). One of the objectives of the project is to assess the potential for the development of a nucleus of a network for interregional exchange of experience and collaboration on this topic, beyond the project lifetime.
A network creates value through the intensity, quality and impact of the interactions between its members. The common interest has to be clear and enabling and nurturing such useful interactions takes time. The golden rule of a network is that you first have to invest in the network (knowledge, time, connections) in order to be able to harvest the results of the effort made.
This concept summarizes the interest and needs of bioeconomy and digital transformation experts in the Alpine Region in such a network and outlines some directions for implementation.