Putting all stakeholders together enables SMEs to identify new and existing products they can successfully own and export
- 08 December 2015
What it has meant to me is that I have grown as a business owner. I’ve really learned a lot about how to get help to improve when I get specific input – I’d never have made it alone.
The PEGIN project has developed a model for the commercialisation of products, and has initiated the creation of product ownership in existing companies. It also focused on raising awareness among companies regarding market opportunities to which they could respond.
The project aimed at enhancing cooperation between customers, researchers, financial institutions, regional authorities and local stakeholders. This has enabled the identification and commercialisation of environment-friendly products in the fields of process, mining, forestry and energy that local small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can successfully produce and sell abroad, whilst remaining owners of those products.
A positive impact on rural businesses and communities
The project targeted 85 companies, and 23 products from 20 businesses were identified. Of those products, 15 are ready for export into new markets. Furthermore, 10 potential customers have been identified.
Due to its success, the scope of this development model has been broadened outside of the project in order to benefit a larger range of SMEs in and outside the same field. The project has managed to raise awareness regarding the need for a resource to help commercialise SME products. Moreover, the project increases the sustainability and long-term survival of businesses and ensures that environment-friendly and energy-efficient products and systems boost the competitiveness of local SMEs. This in turn leads to higher levels of long-term job creation in the vast, rural areas of North Sweden.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “PEGIN” is EUR 1 224 000, of which the EU’s European Regional Development Fund is contributing EUR 612 000 from the Operational Programme “North Sweden” for the 2007 to 2013 programming period