Title

Establishing an alpine wide network for knowledge transfer and co-operation

Objectives

The network aims at mobilising synergies and innovation potentials through enhanced co-operation and exchange of knowledge and experiences between the partners involved. This will raise the competitiveness of SMEs in the Alps that are committed to a sustainable development.

Description of main activites

Contacts are made up with SMEs interested in enhancing co-operations and creating a network. The structures for transnational co-ordination (secretariat) and for national network units are built on existing institutions. A network website with an intranet and interactive features are established. The continuity of the network beyond the project end is ensured. Network activities are monitored and assessed. The different network activities like workshops, excursions etc. are part of WP6.

Starting Date

September 2006

Duration in month

18

Expected Costs

102.046.- Euros

Responsible for this WP

CIPRA

Are there any Common Transnational Activities planned within this WP?

no

Tasks of each individual PP in this WP

All PPs: Providing information on enterprises that might be interested in or interesting for the network; Support with PR work on national and regional level
CIPRA-International; Working out criteria for participating enterprises; Defining a group of SMEs that will be the core of the network; Organising a first meeting with these enterprises (presentation of the network idea, excursions; Checking out the needs and interests of the SMEs; Defining first activities and products as well as next steps towards establishing a network; Building up transn. and national network structures (secretariat and national contact points); Supporting the foundation of the network; Making the network known to the public and other potential members (PR work); Organising first network activities: workshops including thematic inputs from experts, working groups and excursions to best practice e.g, providing a workshop documentation.

Expected outputs and results of the WP

Contacts have been made up between innovative and sustainability oriented SMEs. Their competitiveness has been increased due to the advantages they got exchanging knowledge and experiences within the common activities. A co-operation network is founded. The network is able to carry on and to extend its members and activities after the project. Some new business co-operations have been made, enterprises got access to new markets. On a long term jobs in SMEs are maintained and created.