Empowering South Baltic SMEs to go global

The South Baltic SMEs Advancing Beyond Borders (SMEBeyond) project has officially been launched, aiming to change the landscape for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the South Baltic Region regarding going international. Focusing on businesses in the green and blue sectors, the project is designed to equip them with the necessary tools, insights, and support to break into international markets, driving economic growth and enhancing global competitiveness.

Overcoming barriers to internationalization

A key challenge faced by SMEs in the South Baltic Region is expanding beyond borders. Currently, only 34% of SMEs in the region are engaged in international business, with a mere 7% venturing into non-EU markets. Obstacles such as financial limitations, limited market intelligence, and complex regulatory frameworks often challenge their efforts.

“SMEBeyond is an initiative that will provide SMEs in the South Baltic Region with the necessary support to overcome the barriers of internationalization. By leveraging the power of collaborative networks and innovative methodologies, we aim to create a robust, competitive business ecosystem” says Lais Valenca, Project Manager, Clean.

The primary objective of SMEBeyond is to empower SMEs in thematic areas such as renewable energy, sustainable urban development, water and waste management, food packaging, plasma technology, and maritime industries.

The project aims to shift the current paradigm by increasing the number of SMEs engaging in international business, thereby enhancing regional economic vitality and global competitiveness.

Project goals and impact

• Current Engagement: Only 34% of SMEs in the South Baltic Region engage in international business, with just 7% reaching non-EU markets.
• Targeted Outcomes: The project aims to provide non-financial support to 18,000 enterprises and facilitate cooperation among 6,000 organizations.
• Economic Potential: The project is expected to significantly boost the regional economy and enhance global competitiveness by increasing the international presence of SMEs.

About SMEBeyond

SMEBeyond is co-funded by the Interreg South Baltic Program and has a total budget of €1,662,548.10. The initiative will run until June 2027 and provide SMEs with innovative methodologies, matchmaking opportunities, and policy advocacy to facilitate successful international ventures. Clean, the Danish water and environmental cluster, is the project lead partner. BalticNet-PlasmaTec, the international cluster for plasma technology is a project partner. The project is in partnership with Natureef Association (Poland), Mobile Heights (Sweden), Sustainable Business Hub (Sweden), and Klaipeda Science and Technology Park (Lithuania).

For more information visit the BNPT SMEBeyond project website or the CLEAN SMEBeyond project website.

Contact

Katherina Ulrich, Project Manager, +49 3834 550105, ku@balticnet-plasmatec.org

Alexander Schwock, Cluster Manager, +49 3834 550102, bnpt@balticnet-plasmatec.org