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Making SMEs in the Eastern Partnership more competitive through digital transformation

Digital transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises in Eastern Partnership countries

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  • Commissioning Party

    German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)

  • Lead executing agency

    More

  • Overall term

    2023 to 2026

  • Products and expertise

    Economic Development and Employment

Context

A sustainable economic development in the Eastern Partnership (EaP) requires competitive small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs); they are a prerequisite for a successful integration into the Single Market of the European Union (EU). At the same time the potentials of digital transformation of SMEs, which would also contribute to their competitiveness, has not yet been fully exploited.

In the EaP countries, different ministries and agencies are responsible for digitisation. At present, however, more work is needed to design conducive policies and statistical framework conditions for the digital transformation of SMEs. Furthermore, cooperation between SMEs and governmental institutions needs to be improved and often SMEs lack the knowledge of the opportunities that digital transformation carries along.

Evidence shows that a differentiated, structurally and institutionally strong support system can contribute greatly to the economic success of local companies.

Objective

SMEs in the Eastern Partnership have become more competitive through digital transformation.

Approach

In order to boost the progress of the digital transformation in the EaP countries, the project seeks to:

  • Develop the abilities of public and private sector actors to drive digital economic development. For this, it offers capacity building workshops and study visits and supports the necessary research. Moreover, it develops the opportunity for stakeholders from EaP countries to gain insights and exchange experiences and good practices with other countries, which can lead to a better understanding of effective policy design and implementation approaches.
  • Promote cross-border and regional cooperation and establish cooperation networks within the EaP. Measures include supporting the establishment of digital innovation hubs or alike networks.
  • Support SMEs with implementing digital solutions for business and production processes in their companies.

Last update: November 2023