The implementation of IN4Erasmus has consistently aimed to achieve the following objectives: •Expansion of the competencies of Innovalley and Startup Campus Germany through capacity building and the transfer of know-how from IHF and UNIDU •Increase in opportunities and facilitation of access to the Erasmus+ programme, culminating in new proposals and initiatives •Promotion of the European dimension for local organisations •Enhancement of skills for international cooperation •Mapping and transfer of dynamics of incubators at the EU level •Improvement of the quality of solutions and work practices of the partners •Development of skills with a focus on inclusion, digital development, and green initiatives for the partners •General enhancement of organisational capacities of incubators and accelerators Furthermore, the project’s objective has been to ensure European value through comparison of different realities and European contexts, fostering exchange of collaborative experiences at international level. The analysis of European practices, the promotion of networks and collaborations, and the strengthening of E+ project design capabilities, culminating in new initiatives, have contributed to ensuring the project’s European value.
IN4Erasmus originates from the awareness of the crucial role of business incubators and accelerators in Europe. The growing importance of such entities in entrepreneurship development, specialised training (VET, youth, businesses, professionals, local authorities) and sustainable social and environmental development is evident, as supported by the “Policy Brief on Incubators and Accelerators that Support Inclusive Entrepreneurship” (OECD, 2019), which documents the presence of over 900 incubators in EU. The post-pandemic challenges and the EU 2030 strategies for the “Twin Transitions” in green and digital have heightened the urgency for these entities to enhance organisational capacities through international collaboration. In this context, aligned with the priorities of the Erasmus+ programme, IN4Erasmus addresses the needs of business incubators and accelerators to strengthen capacities, skills, and opportunities in the following areas: •Erasmus+ programme and European programmes (small-scale priorities) •International cooperation •Innovative solutions and practices for internationalisation •Entrepreneurial training with a focus on inclusion, digital development and sustainability