IRIC

The IRIC project is focused on supporting development of competitive products and their launch on international markets, since internalisation activities of SMEs improve their growth and competences and favour their long-term success. Studies confirm that SMEs active on international markets create more workplaces and are more innovative comparing to those that are not. In the framework of the last programming period cooperation and coordination among SMEs and institutions in the cross border area has been very dynamic, therefore the existing potential can be used, upgraded and tested also in the field of SMEs internalization.
The main goal of the project is to enhance the number of SMEs engaged on international markets in the cross border area. Most SMEs lack information, knowledge and support how to enter foreign markets and since they are small, they are risk averse and insecure. The project focuses on tackling the mentioned issues and barriers. The project will offer support to 20 SMEs in the process of entering international German and English speaking markets and supports 2 project partner SMEs to test their new products on international markets. A common cross border coaching scheme, strategy and action plan, tools and services to support internalisation of SMEs and export plans will be developed, followed by different B2B events, to enhance the internalisation activities of SMEs.
The innovativeness of the project approach includes development of a common cross border coaching scheme which will work as support platform of common contacts, networks, knowledge and tools. The common coaching scheme will enable the identification of common strategic opportunities, development of cross border added value chains and clusters, which is essential for successful internalisation of SMEs in the cross border area.