SMEOrigin

Project name: SMEOrigin

"SMEs and European Original Geographical Indications"

PROJECT SUMMARY

  • Policy objective 1: A smarter Europe
  • Specific objective: Competitiveness of SMEs

SMEOrigin addresses the important topic of the food industry in the post-Covid development period, with a focus on European original geographical indications, supporting and promoting the digital transformation of SMEs. 

The project addresses the challenges of the Green Deal when it comes to the food industry and SMEs in the this industry.

It enhances the new policy instruments for the 2021-2027 period, while exploring new ways to engage stakeholders more deeply at national level.

  •  It supports the development of value chains in partner regions to strengthen the agri-food sectors and prepare them for the challenges of the new digital era.

Aim of the Project:

The overall objective of SMEOrigin project is to improve regional development policies and funding programmes to increase the competitiveness of SMEs in the food sector. Specifically, the project is designed to promote Geographical Indication (GI) products in participating regions by strengthening the value chain of food SMEs, better product labelling, supporting and promoting the digital transformation of SMEs while taking sustainability into account.

The project proposes a strategy based on specific objectives which will include

a) analysis and peer review of current policies and practices supporting SMEs in the food sector,

b) exchange knowledge and good practices on key environmental and social challenges for the sustainability and competitiveness of SMEs,

c) a strategic toolkit for action to improve the sustainability of nutritional value.

Activities:

  1. 7 stakeholder group meetings.
  2. 1 Publication to present all project findings and transfer good practice and policy improvements.
  3. 7 interregional workshops and site visits; 1 SWOT analysis.
  4. 1 final event; 1 Interregional online SME collaboration event.
  5. Communication activities: 1 Communication plan; at least 5 social media channels; 1 project website; 2 videos of the project; Social media campaigns: information days.
  6. Capitalization activities: Identify and use appropriate tools for policy learning platform.
  7. Outreach activities: 7 newsletters, 7 press releases, third party events; 2 project videos; 1 final event.

Partners:

7 partners from 7 countries across Europe join forces to make SMEs more digital: Austria (lead partner), Bulgaria, Poland, Finland, Greece, Spain and France.

Expected results:

Change in:

⦁ Regional policies aimed at supporting small and medium-sized food enterprises.

⦁ Better understanding and improvement of the GI food value chain.

⦁ Attitudes, mindsets and market interest in GI foods.

Duration of the project: 1 March 2023 - 31 May 2027