Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of the European economy. In the 2014-2020 period, 4 out of 11 thematic objectives of the cohesion policy focused on support to SMEs (increase the competitiveness of SMEs; boost innovation in companies; improve the use of ICT; support the shift towards a low-carbon economy). Many of the Interreg programmes have already taken steps to make it possible for SMEs to participate in projects being not only a ‘traditional’ target group, but also making it possible to act as a project or even lead partner. Acknowledging the significant importance that SMEs have on product, process and technological innovation and the application of these advancements in daily practice, the need of involvement of SMEs in Interreg projects becomes more and more vivid.

In the policy objectives of the new cohesion policy for 2021-2027, SMEs find place as potential beneficiaries in all policy objectives: they are key players in knowledge transfer and one of the cornerstones of the triple/ quadruple helix models (PO1 “Smarter Europe”); SMEs have a role in green job creation, energy-efficiency measures and circular economy (PO2 “Greener Europe”); SMEs as local transport operators or for last mile solutions in tourism (PO3 “More connected Europe”); SMEs as training providers in skills development (PO4 “More social Europe”); and SMEs as tourism and heritage operators (PO5 “Europe closer to citizens”).

The “Fine-tuning 4S: SMEs & small-scale, small projects & Simplification & State aid” aims to disseminate to a broad Interreg community good practices and management models of some Interreg programmes which have been intensively working with SMEs in their projects. We will look into 4 different ways of involving SMEs in Interreg programmes (envisaged for 2021-2027): SME as direct beneficiary, target group, within SPF and open projects model. We will also discuss some of the simplification measures to attract this sensitive group of applicants to Interreg projects. Last but not least, we will discuss State aid and some news on GBER and provide clarifications with a view to Article 24 and 25 Interreg Regulation.

Target group

Interreg programme bodies working/ planning to work with SMEs (by involving them in Interreg projects in different ways).