The European Commission has recognised that the internationalization of SMEs is of key importance in boosting Europe’s competitiveness, economic growth, and innovation. However, as mentioned in the Green Action Plan for SMEs (EU Commission, 2014), only few SMEs provide their innovative green technologies, products, business models and services outside the EU. This GreenEcoNet Thematic Workshop will explore the lack of SME internationalisation and will focus on how green SMEs can better access international markets. The workshop will cover issues such as what are the main challenges faced by SMEs on international markets and how can policies help them integrate into global value chains. The event will feature a panel composed of experts from policy, research and business.
GreenEcoNet is a project financed by the European Commission, which brings businesses and academia together on an EU-wide platform to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the transition to a green economy. This platform allows SMEs in Europe to connect to each other and to share their experiences, innovations and best practices. It thus aims to assist SMEs in optimally reaping the business opportunities of a green economy.
Presentations
- Internationalisation of green SMEs – Eva Maria Revilla, Policy Officer, DG Grow, European Commission
- Internationalisation of SMEs – Carine Van Hove, Manager, Managing Director, Flanders Cleantech Association
- Improving access to international markets for green SMEs – Arthur van Leeuwen, Programme Coordinator, Netherlands Enterprise Agency