Situation

The NENA network was formed over the course of the INTERREG IIIB project, NENA, to some extent through the cooperating cluster organisations.  The concept was presented on September 27th, 2007 in Bregenz at the Alpine Space Event.  This is concentrated on networking the many small and medium sized enterprises in the Alpine Space that are faced with many challenges with regards to general globalisation tendencies due to their topographic location and small town structures.  This has to do with the exchange of ideas, intensifying co-operations and qualification, modernisation and innovation.  The small and very small enterprises are the economic foundation of the Alpine Space.  NENA intends to make co-operation between the small enterprises and the transfer of know-how easier.  The network will be run for the benefit of the small enterprises through concrete joint projects.

Contents

Joint projects will be formulated and run by the participating organisations for the development of the NENA network.  Right now a joint Alpine Space project with the title, NENA-BEE is being worked on.

In relation to the programme

Priority 2 - Accessibility and Connectivity
The NENA network renders a central contribution to the improvement of accessibility to know-how.  The network builds an infrastructure for the very small enterprises in the valleys, supports qualitative development and caters to intensive joint work on a national and trans-national basis.  With this, the geographic conditions or hurdles (small scale, small enterprises, regionally scattered structures) should be improved and equal opportunities in relation to innovation, progress and competitiveness guaranteed.  An improvement in the quality of connectivity should be achieved with this project as well as invigorating the expansion of a polycentric territorial model and improving the transfer of knowledge.  Accessibility to trans-regional and global networks will be improved. 

What it means to the Alpine Space

Besides agriculture and tourism, the economic life of the Alpine Space depends on handi-crafts and trade as well as small and in many cases innovative enterprises.  The small structured businesses secure commerce in the valleys of the Alpine Space.  For the most part they don’t have the commuter belt at their command and also don’t have the generous plant facilities and good travel connections that can be found in the transport convenient megalopolis‘.  Despite the less favourable conditions in the Alpine Space these businesses are becoming more and more involved in global competition.  In order for them to be able to stay competitive and prove themselves in global competition, it is necessary to expand the co-operation between the businesses and to intensify the exchange of know-how and to force specializations.  It is also the central goal of the NENA network to give support here and with that make a contribution to the survival of the businesses in the Alpine Space.  Existing local and trans-company structures, associations, and cluster organisations should work together in the NENA network on a trans-national basis. 

When choosing the subjects it was noticed that the areas of high employment and where a large number of companies are involved, are the areas of renewable energy and construction.

What it means on a trans-national basis

It is a central objective of the NENA network to support, and with that to make a contribution to the survival of enterprises, trans-nationally and within the entire Alpine Space.  Existing premises and trans-company structures, organisations, cluster organisations should work together trans-nationally within the NENA network.  When choosing the topics it was ascertained that the subjects of renewable energy and the area of building construction are work intensive areas that a large number of businesses are involved in.  Due to the fact that the conditions in the Alpine countries are similar from a structural and topographic point of view, the trans-national construction of the network is a logical step.

In reference to the Lisbon and Gothenburg objectives

The network of cluster organisations has a central role in the strengthening of competitiveness for small and middle sized enterprises.  Due to the subject matter, the network is aimed at sustainable development in the Alpine Space.  Detailed versions will follow. 

Innovation

Trans-national thematic joint work for the concerns of the SME’s especially in the Alpine Space.

Advantages for SME’s

Support in the exchange of know-how; Support in forming new co-operations; Opening up trans-national campaigns; Opening up new markets.

Participating Organisations

CIPRA, all of the NENA partners, extended circle

Project Results

Direct
At the conclusion of the project a trans-national network organisation has been founded and is operating.  The newly founded organisation has a work programme at its disposal and carries out the designated services.  The network has personnel and the operation is guaranteed for years to come.
Indirect
The participating network organisations are active and make a big contribution to the economic, ecological and social development of the businesses in the Alpine Space.