greenSME

Project Description

EU Manufacturing industry is among the key driving forces of the European economy, providing about 20% of all jobs in Europe (above 30 million) and generating a turnover of about €7 000 billion in 25 industrial sectors and over 2 million companies. As the European Green Deal aims to make the EU's economy sustainable, resource efficient and climate neutral by 2050, development of manufacturing enterprises should go along with the Green Deal objectives and Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs). Therefore, ​EU manufacturing industry, in particular amall and medium enterprises (SMEs), need to become more sustainable and digitalized, while remaining globally competitive in a challenging market. 

Advanced technologies (ATs) and Social Innovation (SI) will be the driver for the required transformation. Manufacturing SMEs are the project main target group to accelerate the sustainability adoption, but also a public engagement approach will ensure that any development is inclusive and fair within a strong EU manufacturing ecosystem

The vision of greenSME is to strengthen SMEs’ capacity for advanced technologies adoption to become competitive and climate neutral, maximizing the benefits for all parts of society, starting from the upskilling and reskilling of workers toward a sustainable EU manufacturing industry, with greater adaptability and resilience. 

This project vision implies SMEs to develop a strategic approach to sustainability. It handles the following challenges: 

1. Increase SMEs awareness and knowledge about sustainability´s role in their business. 
2. Strengthen manufacturing SMEs capacity for advanced technologies and social innovation uptake for economic, social and environmental sustainability. 
3. Strengthen EU sustainable manufacturing ecosystem, by developing a roadmap for the existing clusters in Europe to develop strategies to support sustainable businesses. 

Within the sustainability pathway towards green transformation, SMEs will undergo Sustainability Assessment, receive tailored consultancy on potential actions and apply for a project funding with the providers of choice.