Project overview
SME Ready for the Future
Countless companies will have to change their business models to stay competitive. They need to innovate to be prepared for a greener and more digital future. One way to cope with this challenge is to seek support from so-called innomediaries that function as innovation bridgers or change agents. The SMERF project offered smaller companies guidance on working with innomediaries. The project also created a transnational inno-green market for transforming companies across central Europe.
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2,49m €
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Project Budget
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80%
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of the Budget is funded by ERDF
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7
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Countries
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8
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Regions
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8
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Partners
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2
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Pilots
Duration
Start date
End date
Project progress
About the project
Project partnership
Project partners
Lead partner
Wroclaw University of Science and Technology
Department for Laser Technologies, Automation and Production Management
Project partner
Mechatronics Cluster
Institute for Automation and Applied Informatics (IAI)
76131 Karlsruhe
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Energetics, Management and Transportation
Roadmap
Phase 1: Building the Foundation
Understanding SME transformation needs The project began by analysing the challenges faced by low-tech and medium-tech SMEs in their transition towards greener, more digital and innovation-driven business models. Partners worked across Central Europe to identify common barriers, opportunities and support needs. These findings established a shared understanding of the transformation requirements of SMEs and guided all subsequent project activities. Outcome: A common knowledge base and regional insights for supporting SME transformation.
Phase 2: Developing the SMERF Approach
Building on the initial assessment, project partners developed the SMERF methodology, combining four key dimensions: innovation culture, digital manufacturing, open innovation and the green and circular economy. The framework was designed to help SMEs address multiple transformation challenges through a single integrated approach. Outcome: A practical model that innovation intermediaries and higher education institutions could use to guide SMEs through change.
Phase 3: Testing Solutions in Practice
Piloting support services and tools The project tested its approach through pilot activities in participating regions. Innovation intermediaries, universities and SMEs collaborated to apply new methods, share experiences and assess how the framework could support real business transformation processes. Outcome: Validated support services, practical lessons and examples of SME transformation. Why it matters: The pilots demonstrated how innovation, digitalization and sustainability measures can be successfully combined in practice.
Phase 4: Strengthening Regional Capacity
Expanding knowledge and cooperation Partners exchanged good practices and transferred knowledge across regions through workshops, collaborative activities and stakeholder engagement. This helped strengthen the capacities of innovation support organisations and higher education institutions to assist SMEs more effectively. Outcome: Stronger cooperation networks and enhanced expertise among organisations supporting SMEs. Why it matters: The knowledge generated by the project can continue to benefit SMEs beyond the project lifetime.
Phase 5: Project Legacy and Results
Delivering long-term impact The project concluded by consolidating its methods, tools and lessons learned into resources that remain available for future use. The cooperation established among partners created a foundation for continued support of SME transformation across Central Europe. Outcome: Transferable methodologies, practical know-how and enduring cooperation networks. Why it matters: The project's results continue to support organizations working with SMEs on innovation, digitalization and sustainability challenges after the project's official closure in March 2026.
News
Events
Pilot actions
Outputs
O1.1 SMERF Strategy and SMERF Action Plan
O2.2 SMERF Diagnosis Tool
- Report On SMERF Diagnosis Selfassessment Functionality And Expert System Development
- Preliminary Guidebook On How To Use SMERF Diagnosis Tool
- Report On SMERF DT Testing Pilot Action
- Report On SMERF Diagnosis Tool Upgrade
O3.2 Model for supporting SMEs in the transformation process towards a company of the future
- SMERF Handbook
- Report On The Meetings With Policymakers And Regional Authorities
- Annex 1- SMERF Handbook
O3.3 SMERF Memorandum of Understanding
Project videos
Project documents
Newsletters
SMERF Diagnosis Tool
Inspiration Knowledge Base
SMERF Handbook
Project images
SMERF
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