The Network at 15 : Showing the way forward for SMEs

The Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) team at Cork Chamber attended the EEN Annual Conference in the beautiful city of Bilbao, Spain. This event marked a significant milestone, as it celebrated the 15-year anniversary of the network. With the theme of “The Network at 15: Showing the way forward for SMEs”, the conference highlighted the achievements of the past and discussed the future path for SMEs.

The conference brought together EEN Advisors from all over the world. It was an opportunity for EEN Cork Chamber to discuss collaboration opportunities for clients, as well as key challenges and opportunities faced by SMEs. A major focus of the discussions was the twin transition, referring to the green and digital transformations that SMEs need to embrace to thrive in the changing business landscape. The conference explored strategies and best practices to help SMEs navigate these changes successfully.

Another important topic discussed during the event was the support for Ukrainian SMEs. With ongoing geopolitical challenges, Ukrainian SMEs face unique obstacles. The conference provided a platform for sharing experiences, insights, and potential solutions to strengthen the support network for Ukrainian SMEs.

The conference also highlighted the significance of SME feedback in shaping policies and initiatives. SMEs are often at the forefront of innovation and entrepreneurship, and their insights can immensely benefit policymakers. The event emphasised the need for effective mechanisms to receive and utilise SME feedback, to inform European-level decision-making processes.

In addition, discussions centred around combating skills shortages, which continue to be a major concern for SMEs across Europe. Strategies to address this issue, such as promoting apprenticeships, encouraging engagement with international internship programmes, and collaborating with educational institutions were explored. The conference underscored the importance of upskilling our clients to enable SMEs to thrive in the digital age. As SMEs play a crucial role in Europe’s economy, it is vital to continue empowering them to contribute to sustainable international growth and innovation. EEN looks forward to the next 15 years of supporting SMEs. #EENCanHelp