The GreenEcoNet project developed the first European-based platform to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in greening their business and helping them take part in a transition towards a green economy. The platform has an online component and an offline component: the online component is a platform of the same name (http://www.greeneconet.eu) which supports a series of offline networking activities. Specifically, the GreenEcoNet platform provides through a user-friendly navigation system:
- Access to best in class green solutions, products and services;
- Access to the economic, financial and planning tools to transform their business into a green business;
- Access to new market opportunities by showcasing solutions, products and services;
- A space to have dialogue with policy makers and the research community involved in the green economy.
On the policy front, based on experiences of SMEs in the GreenEcoNet network and extensive literature review, the GreenEcoNet team published a series of policy dossiers for EU and Member State policy frameworks relevant to the green ambitions of SMEs, and proposals for improving the support provided to green SMEs. Topics covered by these dossiers are: SMEs and the circular economy, how greening of SMEs supports the EU’s long term goals of a decarbonised economy and enhanced energy efficiency, what finance structures can support greening of SME business operations, and what could be the role of on- and offline networking in connecting SMEs for a green economy.
Key publications:
‘’The Circular Economy: Barriers and Opportunities for SMEs’’, by Vasileios Rizos, Arno Behrens (CEPS), Terri Kafyeke, Martin, Hirschnitz Garbers (Ecologic Institute) and Anastasia Ioannou (UPRC).
‘’Implementation of Circular Economy Business Models by SMEs: Barriers and Enablers’’, by Vasileios Rizos, Arno Behrens (CEPS), Wytze van der Gaast, Erwin Hofman (JIN), Anastasia Ioannou (UPRC), Terri Kafyeke (Ecologic Institute), Alexandros Flamos (UPRC), Roberto Rinaldi (University of York), Sotiris Papadelis (UPRC), Martin Hirschnitz-Garbers (Ecologic Institute) and Corrado Topi (University of York).
