With substantial European backing, Flanders and the Netherlands are investing nearly €25 million in promoting collaboration among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Flemish Minister for Economy and Innovation, Jo Brouns (CD&V), inaugurated the initial call for projects on Friday.
Brouns highlighted that, all too often, networking among SMEs remains confined within national borders. Consequently, when entrepreneurs seek innovation and seek out potential partners, they frequently overlook opportunities for cross-border collaborations.
CrossRoads Flanders-Netherlands
Under the CrossRoads Flanders-Netherlands initiative, SMEs that engage in cross-border cooperation and innovation can seek grants for innovative projects focused on real societal challenges. These encompass sustainability, energy efficiency, technological advancement, and healthcare. CrossRoads Flanders-Netherlands will run from 2023 through 2029.
The initial call for projects, launched on Friday, will remain open until October 13. The envisaged innovation endeavors will have a maximum duration of two years and can secure up to €250,000 in grants. Each collaborative project must involve at least one Flemish SME and one Dutch SME, but educational institutions may also join consortiums. The goal of Flanders and the Netherlands is to select a minimum of 50 innovation projects encompassing at least 125 companies.
The CrossRoads Flanders-Netherlands project is made possible thanks to funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and contributions from the Flemish Region, the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate, and the Dutch and Flemish provinces. Flanders is contributing €950,000 to this endeavor. Photo by Maiem Merck, Wikimedia commons.