This brief communicates the lessons learned from a series of INNOGROW research and expertise exchange activities focusing on rural SMEs innovative growth. Specifically, it discusses two specific topics related to creating favorable conditions for SMEs to adopt innovative technologies and practices in all stages of design, production and supply of products. The first topic addressed relates to the support SMEs need with patents' use. The second topic addressed relates to support needed by SMEs in determining the feasibility of innovation uptake.

DOWNLOAD THE POLICY BRIEF

 The policy brief in hand presents the highlights of INNOGROW study activity on the enablers and barriers of innovation adoption by rural economy SMEs. The main issues presented are drawn from the survey that was conducted by project partners in their regions. The aim of this policy brief is to provide insight on the current level of innovation capacity of rural economy SMEs, the enabling factors and the obstacles affecting rural SMEs' capacity to invest in new technologies and engage in collaborations, existing and potential benefits of innovation adoption and the impact of innovation on business operations.

DOWNLOAD THE POLICY BRIEF

Stara Zagora Regional Economic Development Agency (SZREDA) has received approval for two more good practices from Bulgaria under the INNOGROW project, co-funded by INTERREG Europe. The number of localized good practices is one of the key objectives of the project to promote the exchange of useful experience in the regions of Europe. As a partner in the project, SZREDA has sent three good practices that facilitate the access of start-ups and small businesses to financial resources.

Based on INNOGROW research activities, the policy brief in hand provides a synopsis of concrete policy recommendations regarding rural SMEs growth. These recommendations result from an analysis of the themes identified in the course of a comparative analysis between the cases collected by project partners in their respective regions. The main issues identified revolve around financial limitations, regulatory frameworks and research and innovation. The aim of this brief is to provide public authorities with a brief set of guidelines on how to create favorable for innovation conditions along these lines.

DOWNLOAD THE POLICY BRIEF