Digital transformation creates new opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), but it also brings important challenges related to data protection, cybersecurity, ethical use of artificial intelligence, digital inclusion and environmental sustainability. While SMEs are increasingly adopting digital technologies, many lack the knowledge, skills and practical resources needed to address these challenges in a comprehensive and responsible way.

Corporate Digital Responsibility (CDR) provides a framework for ensuring that digital technologies are used ethically, securely, inclusively and sustainably. The COEUS project was launched to help bridge this gap by strengthening CDR competences among SMEs and improving the capacity of public authorities and business support organisations across Central Europe to support responsible digital transformation.

The COEUS partnership began by analysing the awareness, knowledge and implementation of Corporate Digital Responsibility across six Central European countries: Slovenia, Croatia, Czechia, Austria, Poland and Italy. The research involved 170 SMEs and 59 representatives of public authorities and business support organisations. It explored existing digital practices, regulatory awareness, cybersecurity preparedness, ethical technology use and sustainability considerations.

The findings revealed significant differences in CDR knowledge and implementation. While many organisations were familiar with basic data protection and cybersecurity requirements, a more comprehensive understanding of digital responsibility and emerging EU digital regulations was often missing.

These findings provided the evidence base for developing targeted training materials, practical support tools and capacity-building activities adapted to the needs of SMEs and regional stakeholders.

Building on the findings of the initial analysis, COEUS partners jointly developed an SME upskilling and reskilling programme designed to translate Corporate Digital Responsibility principles into practical business knowledge. The programme combines a comprehensive CDR Handbook with training modules, practical exercises, case studies, assessment tools, checklists and guidance for trainers.

It covers three main thematic areas: the basic principles of Corporate Digital Responsibility; privacy, cybersecurity and ethical use of data; and digital sustainability, inclusion and accessibility. The training methodology was designed to be flexible and adaptable to different sectors, company sizes and levels of digital maturity.

The resulting programme provides trainers, SMEs and business support organisations with practical resources for understanding CDR and introducing responsible digital practices into everyday business operations.

The COEUS training programme was tested through a transnational pilot implemented in five Central European countries: Austria, Czechia, Italy, Poland and Slovenia.

The pilot consisted of two interconnected phases. The first focused on preparing 50 trainers to deliver CDR-related training and support. In the second phase, the programme was tested directly with SMEs in real business environments.

The activities combined transnational seminars, national workshops, practical training sessions and individual mentoring, allowing the participating companies to explore CDR challenges relevant to their business operations.

The pilot assessed the relevance, usability and practical applicability of the training programme and provided valuable feedback on the effectiveness of the materials and methodology.

The results demonstrated the importance of practical examples, tailored support and flexible learning approaches when helping SMEs adopt responsible digital practices.

Beyond supporting individual companies, COEUS also focused on strengthening the capacity of public authorities, business support organisations and other regional stakeholders to promote Corporate Digital Responsibility.

Building on the knowledge gained through project research, training activities and pilot implementation, the partnership developed a Capacity Enhancing Kit to support further awareness-raising, knowledge transfer and capacity-building activities.

The kit forms part of the project's wider approach to making CDR knowledge accessible beyond the organisations directly involved in COEUS.

By supporting the transfer of knowledge and practical experience, COEUS helped establish a foundation for integrating responsible digitalisation into existing business support activities and regional innovation ecosystems.

To ensure that the project results contribute to long-term change, COEUS partners developed a joint Strategy for Corporate Digital Responsibility in Central Europe and five territorial Action Plans.

The Strategy builds on the project's research findings, pilot experiences and consultations with regional and transnational stakeholders. It establishes a common framework for strengthening CDR competences, supporting SMEs and encouraging cooperation between public authorities, business support organisations and other relevant actors.

The five territorial Action Plans translate the shared strategic priorities into practical measures adapted to the specific needs and institutional contexts of participating regions.

Together, these documents provide a basis for further awareness-raising, training, SME support, policy integration and cooperation beyond the project lifetime.

The Strategy and Action Plans were presented and discussed at the COEUS final public conference in Turin in September 2026.

Between May 2024 and October 2026, COEUS brought together partners from six Central European countries to advance Corporate Digital Responsibility and strengthen the foundations for responsible digital transformation.

The project leaves behind a comprehensive set of resources, including the SME upskilling and reskilling programme, practical training materials, pilot experiences, evaluation findings, the Capacity Enhancing Kit, a joint CDR Strategy and five territorial Action Plans.

These results provide valuable guidance for SMEs, trainers, public authorities and business support organisations interested in strengthening responsible digital practices.

The project also fostered transnational cooperation, knowledge exchange and stronger connections between stakeholders working on responsible digitalisation.

Although COEUS has reached its conclusion, its results remain available for further use, adaptation and integration into future training, business support and policy initiatives.