For SMEs in the Baltic Sea Region to remain competitive in the long term, it is necessary to increase their innovation capacity and reduce the gap between qualification requirements and demands. For this reason, the Knowledge Alliance "Human Resources and Organizational Development", consisting of eleven partners from four countries, relies on increased cooperation between universities and companies in order to realize education and innovation promotion. To reach as many SMEs as possible, chambers strengthen the partnership between universities and companies.Human capital is the most important resource for strengthening innovation and productivity. Hence, the project focuses on the comprehensive promotion of Workplace Innovations. While there is great need for further development in this area in the countries south of the Baltic Sea, Workplace Innovations are already more advanced in the Scandinavian countries. Therefore, the project involves countries from both regions.The alliance, which will be extended to 68 partners from 13 countries and permanently continued, focuses on cooperation in two areas. First, the development, testing, and implementation of SME-specific methods, instruments, and projects through R&D work at universities, that create workplace innovations in areas such as employee recruitment, motivation and digitization, a more innovative working environment and more efficient use of human capital. Second, the strengthening of awareness and competences in this new area of innovation promotion for small and medium-sized enterprises in the Baltic Sea Region through qualifications. The project will develop and implement:a) three comprehensive continuing education programs: "Digitization & Cooperation", "Employees & Co-entrepreneurs" and "Innovation Processes".b) a dual bachelor's degree course: “Corporate Management 4.0”All products and further results will be transferred to 68 actors in 13 countries for implementation.
Five goals were pursued on Workplace Innovation.1 to increase cooperation between universities and SMEs.2 improving qualifications in SMEs and reducing the high shortage of skilled workers and entrepreneurs.3 strengthening innovation capacity, promoting innovation and intensive implementation of R & D projects in and with SMEs.4 any promotion of entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial skills.5 promoting sustainable cooperation between universities and with chambers in the Baltic Sea Region.
SMEs carry Europe. To remain competitive, the innovation capacity of SMEs in the Baltic Sea Region must be increased, and the skills mismatch must be reduced. Human capital is the most important resource for strengthening innovation and productivity. Therefore, the project focuses on the promotion of workplace innovation. However, cooperation between SMEs and universities is extremely low. Chambers must actively act as a link between SMEs and universities to reach as many SMEs as possible.
<< Background >> SMEs carry Europe. To remain competitive, the innovation capacity of SMEs in the Baltic Sea Region must be increased, and the skills mismatch must be reduced. Human capital is the most important resource for strengthening innovation and productivity. Therefore, the project focuses on the promotion of workplace innovation. However, cooperation between SMEs and universities is extremely low. Chambers must actively act as a link between SMEs and universities to reach as many SMEs as possible. << Objectives >> Five goals were pursued on Workplace Innovation.1 to increase cooperation between universities and SMEs.2 improving qualifications in SMEs and reducing the high shortage of skilled workers and entrepreneurs.3 strengthening innovation capacity, promoting innovation and intensive implementation of R & D projects in and with SMEs.4 any promotion of entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial skills.5 promoting sustainable cooperation between universities and with chambers in the Baltic Sea Region. << Implementation >> A skill's alliance was formed with 74 partners from 13 countries and a permanent continuation was ensured. Best practices of workplace innovation were transferred, and additional tools were developed and implemented. Developed and implemented were a Train the Trainer program, 3 further education programs and a dual Bachelor's degree program. Innovations were promoted, and R&D projects were carried out in SMEs. All results were transferred to 74 partners and implementations were advised here. << Results >> Project results are: 1 Analyses of economy, demographics, education and labor markets and qualification needs of SMEs.2 Center of Competence "HRforSMES3 Curriculum & teaching materials for training of trainers4 Best Practice & Tools for Workplace Innovations5 Curricula, teaching materials, examination regulations & evaluation concept for 3 continuing education courses6 Module handbook for a dual Bachelor's program "Human Resources”7 Concept for innovation promotion & R&D projects in SMEs