Content
Innovation
Innovation is an element linked to capitalisation and it can be declined into several fields: there can be an innovative product, that is for example technology intensive, or a an innovative methodology, or approach, or again an innovative use of traditional tools, resources and business.
Innovation does not need to be spectacular. Small improvements and better ways of working can have equally important effects, and can be the secret of success for many of Europe’s small businesses – though often such companies are insecure about what steps to take towards change. Cooperation across borders helps these companies take the first steps towards new ideas and finding potential partners and customers abroad. Creative industries require special nurturing and help when it comes to commercialisation and cooperation. The inter-regional cooperation project ECRIV-AV has created Cine-Regio – a Europe-wide platform for audiovisual and film-making industry cooperation. Benefiting from mutual knowledge and resources, 32 regional film funds from 15 countries can now more successfully operate on a European scale. Project ECRIV-AV, Programme INTERREG IIIC.
The average European is a lot less willing to start a new business than many of his or her global counterparts. This is particularly true for women, young people and various socially disadvantaged groups, who may therefore need support in starting and growing their own business - and every successful small business creates further jobs elsewhere in the economy. In rural and remote areas new job opportunities in small businesses are a vital balance for jobs being lost in traditional industries. There are of course risks in a new business – particularly in the current economic climate. But cooperation projects allow entrepreneurs and those who support them to come together and exchange ideas on how to make it through the start-up phase. The FEIW project (Female Entrepreneurship in Ireland and Wales) provides a great example of bringing together female entrepreneurs from both sides of the border to discuss how to take their small businesses to the next level. Project: FEIW (Female Entrepreneurship in Ireland and Wales). Programme: Ireland Wales Programme INTERREG IVA.
