Exploring Cross-Border Collaboration for Sustainable Entrepreneurship

Status: Finalised
Start date: 1 May 2024
Closing date: 31 December 2024
Budget40 000 EURO
Project Manager: Barbro Renkel

Purpose and objectives

The feasibility study project Exploring Cross-Border Collaboration for Sustainable Entrepreneurship aimed to explore the possibilities for future co-operation between Swedish and Finnish business incubators in the cultural and creative industries (CCSI). By strengthening cross-border collaboration, the project aimed to improve support for entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in these sectors.

The main objectives were to:

• Map and analyse existing networks to improve cooperation between incubators.
• Explore the possibility of creating a common digital platform to reach out to a wider audience.
• Identify sustainable business strategies and data-driven approaches that can strengthen companies' long-term development.
• Integrate Sámi knowledge and cultural perspectives into entrepreneurial models.

Implementation and lessons learnt

The project was implemented in co-operation between Uminova eXpression, Piteå Science Park/Go Business and Design Centre Muova (Vaasa University of Applied Sciences). Through regular meetings, physical partner visits in Umeå, Vaasa and Piteå, and ongoing digital collaboration, the conditions for a future cross-border initiative were analysed.

Key lessons learnt from the project

Strengthening networks and collaboration
The project resulted in a strengthened relationship between Swedish and Finnish incubators that support cultural and creative advances - as well as a basis for exploring collaboration with a Norwegian partner in a future project application. By identifying common needs and synergies, we can now work more structured towards a common goal.

Sustainable and data-driven strategies
The analysis of sustainable business models showed that digitalisation and data-driven methods will play an important role in future incubator activities, not least knowledge about the impact of AI on different industries and how changes in customer behaviour will be affected. This provides a better basis for decision-making and increases companies' opportunities to grow in an international market.

Integration of Sami perspectives
The project identified the need to create customised support structures for Sámi entrepreneurs and ensure that indigenous knowledge becomes part of creative business development.

Reassessed digital strategy
Rather than building a stand-alone digital platform, an ecosystem-based approach is proposed, integrating existing networks and digital resources in a more sustainable way.

Next steps

The project's conclusions form a solid basis for a larger Interreg Aurora application in the next call. The further work will focus on:

• Establish long-term co-operation structures between Swedish, Finnish and Norwegian incubators and business supporters - focusing on cultural and creative businesses.
• Further develop sustainable and data-driven incubation models with a focus on e.g. digitalisation, financing and marketing.
• Implement Sámi entrepreneurship insights in future projects.

Thank you to all the partners and participants who helped shape this project and create the conditions for a more sustainable and inclusive entrepreneurial environment.