SUNrise Project: From Tradition to Innovation – Reinventing Business Models

Date 2025-04-03

Empowering Craft SMEs: Sustainable, Digital, Future-Oriented

Led by Prof. Dr. Antje Bierwisch, the INTERREG research project SUNrise supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the craft sector in developing sustainable and innovative business models. SMEs face major challenges such as digital transformation, workforce shortages, climate change, and the energy crisis. SUNrise provides practical tools to help businesses navigate these challenges and develops policy recommendations for intermediaries, training institutions, and decision-makers.

The project fosters cross-regional collaboration between Northern Italy, Austria, and Salzburg, enabling knowledge exchange and cross-industry synergies.

Co-Design Workshop No. 5: Engaging with Craft Businesses in Innsbruck

Two co-design workshops were held as part of the project. The fifth workshop, led by MCI professor Antje Bierwisch, took place in Innsbruck on January 28 and brought together representatives from the skilled crafts sector and project partners. The focus was on the challenges and opportunities for SMEs in the sustainable transformation of their business models. The first results of the project were presented and valuable feedback was gathered. Opinions on the current state of the innovation path, the need to adapt tools for small businesses, and the necessary support from intermediaries were discussed. A key finding was that sustainability is a strategic goal for companies, but that practical implementation options are needed. It also became clear that existing methods are often designed for larger companies and need to be further adapted for SMEs. The exchange between companies and experts proved to be essential for the development of customized solutions.

Participants
The workshop brought together representatives from the craft sector and project partners:

  • Thomas Wenger, Schlosserei Wenger (Austria) – Specializes in custom metal constructions.
  • Priska Reichhalter, Reichhalter Treppen (Italy) – Expert in handcrafted staircases and Chairwoman of the Young Craftspeople’s Association in Italy.
  • David Marschall, Elektro Marschall (Italy) – Electrical contractor specializing in renewable energy, member of the Young Craftspeople’s Association.

Co-Design Workshop No. 6: Key Insights from Bolzano

The sixth co-design workshop was organized by the Italian partners and took place in Bolzano on February 13. The event was conducted in Italian and moderated by t2i and TEC4i. The focus was on the central challenges and opportunities for SMEs in the sustainable transformation. The participants analyzed the current challenges, defined sustainable future goals and developed concrete measures and strategies. Here, too, it became clear that companies in Italy consider networking to be a decisive factor for a sustainable transformation. In addition, the innovation process must be flexibly adapted to different company sizes and industries. Funding and external support play an essential role for long-term digital and sustainable innovations. The insights gained will be directly incorporated into the further development of the SUNRISE toolbox, which supports SMEs in the innovation process.

Participants
The workshop gathered representatives from companies and associations, including:

  • Flavio Sialino, Nascente Cooperativa Sociale a.r.l.:  – Social cooperative promoting integration and sustainable business models.
  • Ericia D’Inica, EdiVite s.r.l.: Startup specializing in genetically improved grapevines for sustainable agriculture.
  • Carlo Alberto Dana, Segnoprogetto s.r.l.: Supports SMEs in their digital transformation.

***********

Participate in the pilot phase: take part now!

With SUNrise into a digital and sustainable future: the pilot phase is starting! Companies have the opportunity to further develop their business models with the support of experts.

Why participate?

  • Free and individual support
  • Status analysis to identify potential in sustainability and digitalization
  • Definition of objectives and development of innovative methods
  • Information on funding opportunities and further training

Your contribution:

  • A maximum of two days of your time with three flexible appointments (online or in person)
  • Motivation to further develop the company

Contact us now:
E-mail:
Susanne.Schmid@mci.edu
Phone: +43 512 2070 - 4241

The pilot phase is directly based on the results of the co-design workshops: participating companies receive targeted support based on the findings of the previous workshops. The practical methods and tools are further developed together with the participating companies in order to create realistic and implementable solutions for the digital and sustainable transformation in the skilled crafts sector.

 

<p>Content structure of the workshop. MCI / Susanne Schmid</p>

Content structure of the workshop. MCI / Susanne Schmid

<p>Content structure of the workshop. MCI / Susanne Schmid</p>
SUNrise Project: From Tradition to Innovation – Reinventing Business Models
SUNrise Project: From Tradition to Innovation – Reinventing Business Models
Empowering Craft SMEs: Sustainable, Digital, Future-Oriented
SUNrise Project: Partner Meeting in Bolzano
SUNrise Project: Partner Meeting in Bolzano
Practical solutions for SMEs: strategies, tools, and collaborations for a sustainable transformation
Sustainable Wastewater Treatment Through Photocatalysis
Sustainable Wastewater Treatment Through Photocatalysis
Start of the “Born-To-Degrade” research project