SUNrise Project: Partner Meeting in Bolzano

Practical solutions for SMEs: strategies, tools, and collaborations for a sustainable transformation

The SUNrise project is gaining momentum: During the live partner meeting in Bolzano on December 2 and 3, project partners worked together to refine key terms, define the target audience, and outline concrete steps for SMEs undergoing twin transition. The meeting was opened by lvh.apa, the lead partner of the project.

Participants included MCI Professor Oliver Som, Susanne Schmid, and Laura Jonuschat from MCI, Chiara Remundos from t2i, Elena Sandri and Claudia Baracchini from TEC4I FVG, and Eva Ender and Claudia Castellazzi from Innovation Salzburg.

Defining the Target Audience

One of the core objectives of the meeting was to sharpen the project's focus by defining its target audience more precisely. In previous discussions, the partners had already identified four key criteria:

1. Young entrepreneurs – Regardless of age, but representing the next generation of a business.
2. Successors – Individuals preparing to take over an existing company.
3. Start-ups – Newly founded businesses with innovative ideas.
4. SMEs in craftsmanship – Small and medium-sized enterprises continuing or reinventing traditional crafts.

In addition to these criteria, each partner contributed further refinements, followed by a prioritization exercise to identify the most relevant aspects for the project.

Key Meeting Outcomes

• Twin Transition Plan: A structured roadmap to help SMEs navigate their sustainable and digital transformation. An initial presentation document outlines key priorities and recommended actions.
• Next Steps: Clear priorities, implementation strategies, and identification of key partners. The pilot phase remains flexible beyond its initial timeframe to better accommodate business needs.
• Workshop Approach: Development of half-day workshops to provide SMEs with practical guidance on their transformation journey.
• Templates & Tools: Two templates were designed—one for SMEs and one for internal project use—incorporating essential requirements for the application process.

The meeting set essential milestones for the continued work within the SUNrise project. By fostering interregional collaboration and leveraging expert knowledge, SUNrise creates a strong foundation for SMEs to implement sustainable and digital innovations effectively. Through practical methods, flexible workshops, and targeted strategies, the project helps businesses future-proof their business models in a rapidly changing environment.