evita overview of the project hatzakis ilias project manager grnet evita kick-off meeting, athens...

EVITAOVERVIEW of the PROJECT

Hatzakis Ilias

Project Manager

GRNET

EVITA kick-off meeting, Athens 08-09/12/2008

The INTERREG IVC program

The Interregional Cooperation Programme enables cooperation between regional and local authorities in the EU27, Norway and Switzerland.

This takes the form of projects in which these authorities exchange and transfer their experiences ….

…and jointly develop approaches and instruments that improve the effectiveness of regional development policies and contribute to economic modernisation.

Athens, 8 December 2008 2

3

EVITA RATIONAL (Exchange, Valorisation and Transfer of regional best policy measures for

SME support on IT and e-business Adoption)

EVITA builds upon various good practices developed under different regional or interregional development programs, (namely, the “2Bdigital” program in Catalunya, the GOONLINE initiative in Greece, the ELISA project in the Balkan area, the “From Insight to Action program in Sweden, the “Echangeurs” program in Marseille Provence, the “e-commerce leveraging Center” in Galicia) and attempts to improve the effectiveness of relevant regional policies in Yugozapaden (Bulgaria), Pomurska (Slovenia), Southern Aegean (Greece), Galicia (Spain) and Latvia.

In addition to the exchange of know-how, EVITA proposes the pilot implementation of these practices, together with the development of new approaches, such as the integration of e-learning techniques and methodologies for reaching SMEs in remote areas

2.2. Developments in the global and territorial context

The context for drafting this Operational Programme (OP) for Interregional Cooperation for

the period 2007-2013 is characterised by several major developments:

- the recent enlargement of the Union to 27 Member States (MS), which has dramatically increased disparity levels across the EU;

- the increased globalisation of markets and the lagging situation of Europe concerning growth and competitiveness compared to the US and to some Asian countries;

- the acceleration of climate change and related territorial impacts;

- the demographic challenges and their impacts on labour markets;

- the trends in regional and territorial development (catching up process in central and

eastern Europe, stronger development of metropolitan areas).

These developments are of strategic importance for all EU policies for the coming years.

Most notably they have impacted the EU’ s Lisbon and Gothenburg Strategy, which in turn has shaped the strategy for EU Cohesion policy for the 2007-2013 period.


The Lisbon Strategy

In March 2000 in Lisbon, EU heads of state and government agreed on an ambitious goal:

making the EU "the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world,

capable of sustainable economic growth with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion".

In particular, it was agreed that to achieve this goal, an overall strategy should be applied,

aiming at:

· preparing the transition to a knowledge-based economy and society by improving policies

for the information society and research development (R&D), as well as by stepping up

the process of structural reform for competitiveness and innovation, and by completing

the internal market;

· modernising the European social model, investing in people and combating social exclusion;

· sustaining the healthy economic outlook and favourable growth prospects by applying an

appropriate macro-economic policy mix.


Specific thematic objectives:1. To improve regional and local policies in the field of innovation and the knowledge economy, more

specifically focusing on regional capacities for research and technology development, support to entrepreneurship and SMEs, support to business development and innovation initiatives, promotion of the use of ICTs and support to employment, human capital and education

2. To improve ……

Specific operational objectives:

1. To enable actors at regional and local level from different countries across the EU to exchange their experiences and knowledge.

2. To match regions less experienced in a specific policy field with regions with more experience in that field, with the aim of jointly improving the capacities and knowledge of regional and local stakeholders.

3. To ensure that the good practices identified within interregional cooperation projects are made available to other regional and local actors and are transferred into regional policies in particular into EU Structural Funds mainstream programmes.


Priority’s objective

1. Improving the capacity of regions for strengthening research, technology and innovation;

2. Promoting and enabling entrepreneurship and the development of new business initiatives

in all sectors of relevance to regional economies, in particular those that are knowledge-

based and innovative;

3. Facilitating businesses, and in particular SMEs, to develop and grow in a more sustainable

and innovative way through the transfer of specific services and the creation of

shared facilities;

4. Helping to restructure regions most heavily dependent on traditional industries, including

renewal of industrial zones for new business;

5. Promoting the use of new information and communication technologies by businesses,

public services and the general public, especially in rural areas;

6. Improving regional policies for employment, skills development, training and education;

7. Creating the necessary framework conditions for regional economies to adapt to major

socio-economic changes, notably globalisation and demographic change.


5.2.3 Target groups

Regional and local public authorities; Regional development agencies; Universities, knowledge and research institutes and institutes for higher

education; Operators of science and technology parks, business incubation facilities,

and innovation centres; Other business support actors and organisations representing the

business community, especially related to SMEs; Other public authorities or bodies governed by public law demonstrating

relevance


ISSUE ADDRESSED/ PROBLEM DESCRIPTION

1. The use of ICT and of e-business practices by SMEs is crucial for the improvement of their competitiveness and their position in the international markets. Especially in several Eastern and Southern Europe regions, e-business is crucial, mainly for 2 reasons:

– High percentage of small enterprises– Tendency to focus locally, which can be quickly change with the use of internet as a

means to do business.

2. Momentum: In nearly all the “Objective 1” regions of Europe, new Operation Plans have very recently be put in place in the framework of the 2007-2013 funding period.

3. e-Learning can contribute to the achievement of the pronounced needs for flexibility in training SMEs. The low use of eLearning in European SMEs is mainly due to the training culture within the SMEs which is often dependent on the trainer and on the conventional training methods, while appropriate software and content for SMEs are missing.


Detailed objectives1. Exchange and elaborate “best practice” policy measures between all partners

2. Transfer and disseminate those policy measures to Policy Makers and SMEs in the targeted regions

3. Improve the effectiveness of regional development policies in the area of ICT use and e-business for SMEs in the targeted regions

4. Improve the training capacity of staff of the partner institutions

5. Establish a stable human network between competent organizations/bodies aiming at promoting e-business and e-learning practices

6. Raise awareness of Policy Makers regarding the importance of e-business for the growth and job creation

7. Highlight the importance of e-learning and tele-learning techniques

8. Provide the targeted regions with tangible and practical tools for implementing e-business training strategies for SMEs and the adequate trained staff that could act as accelerators and multipliers of training policy measures

9. Publish and disseminate a “best e-business policy measures practice guide” to a wider area

10. Improve the e-learning tools and methodologies addressed to SMEs

11. Create adequate and up-to-date multilingual training content for local SMEs of the targeted regions

12. Enhance the vocational training of SMEs in the use of online services, so that SMEs can take advantage of ICT and become more competitive in the knowledge economy

13. Contribute to the local employment

14. Bridge the digital divide inside the European Territory

15. Improve interregional cooperation


Outputs 6 Study visits for the presentation and in-depth elaboration of the “best policy initiatives” 5 regional SME training strategies on ICT use and e-business adoption (Galicia, Southern Aegean, Yugozapaden,

Pomurska, Latvia), including policy guidelines and recommendations 1 “best policy measures for ICT and e-business adoption” guide A multilingual training content package on e-business for SME professionals (9 languages) A multilingual interactive and easy-to-use e-learning platform (9 languages) 1 “e-tutors seminar” and certification of partner staff (at least 15 employees) as “e-tutors” 5 Policy Maker Workshops for the dissemination of the project results and the transfer of “best policy initiatives” to

Policy Makers. 1 study on the impact of e-learning on SME competitiveness 9 local dissemination events for the dissemination of the project results and the promotion of innovative e-business

models to local SMEs 3 external dissemination events for the dissemination of the project results to policy makers and SMEs in other

“Objective 1’ regions A set of communication tools (logo, website, brochures, leaflets, newsletters, press releases, DVD-ROMs, video

movie) 6 Steering Committee meetings for the coordination of the project Project management tools


Expected results

8 concrete best policy measure practices exchanged between partners and transferred to the 5 “beneficiary” regions

3 of these policy measures implemented in a pilot manner to the 5 “beneficiary’ regions

20 solid policy measures identified, analyzed, benchmarked and published in a “best policy measures for ICT and e-business adoption” guide

5 regional policies on SME competitiveness with improved efficiency - At least 15 partner staff with increased capacity as “e-tutors”

At least 100 Policy Makers with raised awareness on the importance of e-business for the growth of local economies and job creation

Increase of the ICT use and e-business practices adoption by SMEs in the targeted regions

Increase of the use of e-learning as a means of improving skills of SME professionals in the targeted regions


14

EXTRA CHALLENGES

Good proposal ≠ Good project Give coherence (to tasks, roles, partners) Give character, color, recognition to the project Make it useful for our organizations Give power and sustainability to the network “Tirer vers le haut”

15

The partnership

3 types of players:

"donor" partners who have implemented “best-practice” policy initiatives for the adoption of IT and e-business practices

"beneficiary" partners representing “Objective 1” regions who are lagging behind in terms e-business penetration and who are about to design relevant regional policies in the framework of the 2007-2013 funding period

partners with expertise in e-learning, IT training, SME competitiveness and regional development plans and who can act as catalysts for the successful transfer of the good practices.


P1

P2P4

P5

P6

P7

P9

P10

P8

P3

MA & JTS

17

COPCA

Donors

Service providers

LTC

GRNET

FTZ

CCIMP

NUTEK

CESGA

SAR

Beneficiaries

SAITC

SDA

18

COPCA

Chambers/ business support centers

Technological Centes

LTC

GRNET

FTZ

CCIMPNUTEK

CESGASAR

State/Regional Authorities/ Agencies

SAITC

SDA

19

C1

C2

6 Study visits

C3

5 Policy Maker

Workshops

C4

1 e-

tuto

r se

min

ar

5 SME seminars

10 Dissemination events

6 Consortium meetings

Mar

09

Jul 09

Sep 10

Oct 10

Oct 09

May 11

Nov 09

Oct 09 Oct 09

Nov

10

Jul 1

1

6 Project Reports & Payment Claims

20

C2

C3

C4

1 e-

tuto

r se

min

ar

Jan

09

Jul

09

Jan

10

Jan

11

Jul 1

0

Jul 1

1

C1

EU

Con

fere

nce

2009 2010 2011

5 Policy Maker Workshops

6 Study visits


5 SME seminars

PR

-P

C

PR

-P

C

PR

-P

C

PR

-P

C

PR

-P

C

PR

-P

C

CM

CM

CM

CM

CM

CM

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Component 1: Management

The Project Notebook: The main tool that will be used to maintain the project management information system; an excel file that maintains in worksheets all the project’s management information: project definition, partners coordinates, staff coordinates, mailing lists, documents archive, planned effort/budget, actual effort/budget, WP input/objectives/output, etc.

The Action Assignment Tool: This is a dynamic excel file containing a very analytical breakdown of all day to day tasks, stating the component, the responsible partner, the responsible persons, the deadline, the date of the final delivery, the incurred delay if any and the importance of this delay to the overall implementation etc. This way, every partner has a very analytical dynamic schedule of his tasks. This tool will be constantly updated online, at the project website.

The Project Website (www.evita-interreg4c.net) : EVITA will use a website to ensure a constant, high quality information flow to all partners. This website will act as a repository for all project documents, deliverables’ list, event’s list and detailed presentation, electronic press releases, contact details and meetings’ information (agenda, minutes etc).

Steering Committee Meetings: The SC shall meet at least twice per year (6 meetings). Documents naming: All project documents will follow an agreed notation.

6 Consortium meetings6 Project Reports & Payment Claims

COMPONENT 1 Project Management

C2: Communication & dissemination

C3: Exchange of experience on e-business policy measures

C4: e-learning and training

1.1 1.2 2.1 2.2 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 4.1 4.2 4.3Coordination - SC meetings

Financial administration

Dissemination events Communication Study visits Best practice guide

Regional IT training Strategy Reports Policy Maker W/Ss Study on e-learning e-tutors seminar

Develop Training content e-learning platform SME seminars

1 GRNET - Athens

1. Coordinate SC meetings 2. Organize kick off (oct 09) and last meeting 3. PM tools 4. Attend LP seminars

Financial administration and coordination of partners

1st sem 2011: 3 External DE, for larger impact, in 3 "objective 1" (Slovakia/ Romania/ Poland) in cooperation with local actors

logo, newsletters, press releases + proof reading of the communication material+ website

1. Coordinate the agendas of SVs 2. Organize 1 study

visit for the "GOONLINE"

program (2nd 08) 3. participate in

the other 4 SVsMAJOR ROLE -

Produce BP guide Send represenative

(s) in all PM WS Contribute

Contribute to the orgnization and send

e-tutors to Malta

Secondary role under the

coordination of COPCA

Contribute to the e-learning platform by

May 09

2COPCA - Barcelona

Participate in SC meetings

Financial Administration

Participate at the External Dissemination events

Proof reading of local versions

1. Organize 1 study visit for the "tBD and int tool" programs

2. participate in the other

4 SVsSecondary role under the coordination of GRNET

Send represenative (s) in all PM WS

Send e-tutors to Malta

MAJOR ROLE - Training Content in English+Translate

and localize training content in Catalan

Proof reading of the Catalan version

3NUTEK- Stockholm

Participate to SC meetings



1. Organize 1 study visit for the "from insight to action"

program (1st sem 09) 2.

participate in the other 4 SVs

Send represenative in PM WS

Translate and localize training

content in SwedishProof reading of the

Swedish version

4CCIMP - Marseilles

1. Organize 1 SC meeting 2. Participate to SC meetings



Organize 2 study visits for the

'"Echangeurs" Program, one in PARIS and 1 in

MARSEILLES 2. participate in the

other 4 SVs

Coordinate and produce the corpus of the IT Training Strategy Reports

Send represenative (s) in some PM WS Produce the study


content in FrenchProof reading of the

French version

5 Malta - FTZParticipate to SC meetings



Production of Communication material (brochures etc.)

Participate in all 5 Study Visits

Contribute to the formation of the corpus of the IT Strategy Report

Send represenative in some PM WS?

Organize the e-tutors seminar


content in Maltese

Develop e-learning platform by May 09

and upload the content

6

GALICIA e-commerce leveraging center

1. Organize 1 Steering Committee 2. Participate to SC meetings


1. Participate at the External Dissemination events 2. Organize one local dissemination event

1. Organize 1 study visit for the center

and several initiatives (1st sem 09) and 2.

participate in the other 4 SVs

Contribution and proof control reading and

distribute locally

Develop the IT Training Strategy Report for the region of Galicia and distribute it

Organize Policy Maker W/S for

trasfer of European best

practices in Galicia/ 2 external

experts Send e-tutors to

Malta

Translate and localize Training

content in GallegoProof reading of the

Gallego versionTrain 30 SMEs in

Galicia

7

SAITC- Ministry of Telecom - Sofia

1.Participate to SC meetings 2.Organize 1 SC meeting






distribute locally

Develop the IT Training Strategy Report for the region of Sofia and distribute it



practices in Sofia/ 2 external experts



content in BulgarianProof reading of the Bulgarian version

Train 30 SMEs in Bulgaria through the t-crnters and

teleseminar techniques

8

Region of S. Aegean Ermoupolis-Syros

1.Participate to SC meetings 2.Organize 1 SC meeting


1. Participate at the External Dissemination events 2. Organize 2 local dissemination events, in Ermoupolis and in Rodos




distribute locally

Develop the IT Training Strategy Report for the Southern Aegean region and distribute it



practices in Ermoupolis / 2

external experts Send e-tutors to

Malta

Translate and localize Training content in Greek

Proof reading of the Greek version

Train 30 SMEs from Southern

Aegean

9 Synergija SAParticipate to SC meetings






distribute locally

Develop the IT Training Strategy Report for the region of Pomurska and distribute it



practices in Toplice/ 2 external

experts Send e-tutors to

Malta


content in SlovenianProof reading of the Slovenian version

Train 30 Slovenian SMEs

10

Latvian Technological Centre (LTC)

Participate to SC meetings


1. Participate at the External Dissemination events 2. Organize 2 local dissemination events, in Riga and in Liepaja




distribute locally

Develop the IT Training Strategy Report for Latvia and distribute it



practices in Riga/ 2 external experts



content in LatvianProof reading of the

Latvian versionTrain 30 Latvian

SMEs



EVENTSB 2008 responsible location SC meetings COMPONENT 2 COMPONENT 3 COMPONENT 4

DEC 09 LOGO (GRNET) DEC 09 REQUIREMENTS FOR THE STUDY VISITS (GRNET)

1 DEC 08 GRNET Athens 1st SC meeting 1st SV for GOONLINE and ELISA A 2009 A MAR 09 WEBSITE (GRNET) WORK ON COMMUNICATION MATERIAL (FTZ, SAITC, GRNET) WORK ON THE e-LEARNING STUDY (CCIMP) WORK ON THE TRAINING CONTENT (COPCA & GRNET) WORK ON THE e-LEARNING PLATFORM (FTZ & GRNET)

2 APR 09 COPCA Cataluna Barcelona 2nd SV for 2BDigital and the CAT B2B Ínt/ nal Trade Tool

3 MAY 09 CCIMP Marseilles Paris 3rd SV for "Echangeurs"

4 MAY 09 CCIMP Marseilles Marseilles 2nd SC meeting 4th SV for "Echangeurs" B 2009 B JUL 09 e-LEARNING STUDY (CCIMP)

C1 SEP 09 COMMUNICATION MATERIAL (FTZ - SAITC - GRNET)

5 OCT 09 NUTEK Stockholm Stockholm SV for the "from insight to action" program

6 OCT 09 Galicia e-CLC Santiago SV for the center and the initiatives D OCT 09 TRAINING CONTENT (GRNET & COPCA) E OCT 09 e-LEARNING PLATFORM (FTZ) 7 NOV 09 FTZ Malta Malta 3rd SC meeting e-tutors' Seminar A 2010

C2 FEB 10 COMMUNICATION MATERIAL (FTZ - SAITC - GRNET) - 2nd phase F FEB 10 CORPUS ON IT TRAINING STRATEGIES (CCIMP) 8 MAR 10 SAITC Sofia Sofia 4th SC meeting local dis/tion event SME tele-seminar9 MAY 10 LTC Latvia Riga local dis/tion event SME seminar

10 MAY 10 LTC Latvia Liepaja local dis/tion event

11 JUN 10Southern Aegean Regional Authority Ermoupolis local dis/tion event SME seminar

12 JUN 10Southern Aegean Regional Authority Rodos local dis/tion event

13 JUN 10Southern Aegean Regional Authority Santorini local dis/tion event

B 2010 G SEP 10 5 IT TRAINING STRATEGIES H OCT 10 BEST PRACTICE GUIDE (GRNET) 14 OCT 10 Synergija Toplice local dis/tion event PMs' Workshop SME seminar15 OCT 10 Synergija Litija local dis/tion event 16 NOV 10 Galicia e-CLC Santiago 5th SC meeting local dis/tion event PMs' Workshop SME seminar A 2011 I OCT 09 PILOT IMPLEMENTATION EVALUATION REPORT (GRNET)

17 FEB 11Southern Aegean Regional Authority Ermoupolis PMs' Workshop

18 APR 11 DAITS Sofia Sofia PMs' Workshop 19 MAY 11 LTC Latvia Riga PMs' Workshop B 2011

20 JUL 11 GRNET Athens 6th SC meeting Final Conference

Action Assigment Tool

ACT DescriptionRespon-

sibleOrga-

nization DueDays left Status Closing Date

1 1 Participation at the Madrid LP Seminar IH GRN 20/10/2008 completed 20/10/2008

2 1 Letters of Support All All 30/10/2008

3 1 Templates για τα PPT του kick-off IH GRN 25/11/2008

4 1 Signature of Subsidy Contract IH GRN 1/12/2008

5 2 Reserve domain for the www.evita-interreg.net web portal KS GRN 1/12/2008

6 1 ELISA logo IH GRN 2/12/2008

7 3 Questionnaire for the 1st Study Visit VG GRN 3/12/2008

8 1 Preparation of Joint Convention ZP GRN 4/12/2008

9 3 Study Visit Set of Requirements VG GRN 5/12/2008

10 1 Signature of Joint Convention ALL ALL 8/12/2008

11 1 KICK-OFF meeting in Athens IH GRN 8/12/2008

12 3 1st STUDY VISIT in Athens IH GRN 9/12/2008

13 3 Send filled questionnaire on 1st Study Visit back to VG All ALL 19/12/2008

14 3 STUDY VISIT REPORT (D...) IH GRN 28/12/2008

15 1 Submit Demands for Certifications All All 15/1/2009

16 4 Review existing material on training process in the GOONLINE information system IH GRN 15/1/2009

17 4 Review existing e-business training material in the GOONLINE portal IH GRN 15/1/2009

18 4 Review existing e-business training material from COPCA CR GRN 15/1/2009

19 4 Technical Meeting in Barcelona (IH, CR) NA FUB 21/1/2009

20 2 Identify other projects with similar fields of action IH GRN 24/1/2009

21 2 Give requirements for the Web Portal to subcontractors IH GRN 31/1/2009

22 2 First draft of the Web Portal IH GRN 15/2/2009

23 2 Release of the Web Portal (D2) IH GRN 15/3/2009

24 1 Submit first Payments Claim AL GRN 1/4/2009

25 1 Submit first Progress Report IH GRN 1/4/2009

26 ELISA e-learning platform. Technical and Functional Requirements Report (D3) JX FTZ


Component 2 - Communication1. The creation of a multilingual web portal to be used as:

a. A cooperation tool between the partners

b. A point of information for local SMEs and Policy Makers

c. A dissemination tool

d. A gate to the EVITA e-learning platform and the EVITA training material.

2. The creation of a relevant communication material, (FTZ) consisting of: a. A logo

b. At least 18 press releases for the proper dissemination of the critical milestones of the project

c. At least 6 newsletters that will be distributed to Policy Makers, SME representative organizations and relevant institutions across Europe

d. Brochures, leaflets, DVD-ROMs and posters to be used for the presentation of the project ideas in the first phase of the project and results in the last phase of the project at major conferences and events.

e. Visual content contributing to the “visibility” of EVITA. SAITC has a fully equipped media team, possessing the necessary expertise for the creation and dissemination through web-sites and national and local media of diversified visual content. SAITC will create different multimedia presentations and/or movies that will be posted on-line as well as in DVD-ROMs.

3. The organization of 9 local dissemination events for transmitting the messages and the results of the project to local Policy Makers and SME representatives.

4. The organization of one Final Conference for EU wide dissemination to relevant policy makers (i.e. regional and local authorities). This conference will in particular target the convergence regions.


EU

Con

fere

nce


COMPONENT 3: Exchange and transmission of 8 best policy practices


6 Study visits

C3

5 Policy Maker Workshops

1 e-tutor seminar

Oct 09

May 11

Nov 09

The Study Visits

In-depth analysis and presentation of at least 8 policy initiatives on SME support on IT and e-business, implemented by the 5 “donor” partners, to all partners, through 6 targeted study visits. After each study visit, a report will be produced, on the basis of questionnaires answered by the participants, focusing on the lessons learnt by each study visit.


Study Visits Set of Requirements General Information (Project Snapshot – Program Framework, Funding Body, Duration, Total Budget) Project Partners Origin of the project Goals/ Objectives Beneficiaries (Target Groups) Main activities Methodology-Tools Management and coordination Resources Key Success Factors Weak points Problems on the implementation Awards or distinctions Summary of good practice elements Concrete Results/ Main significant features- metrics Impacts Presentation of the project's website Presentation of a success user story


The study on the impact of e-learning to SME competitiveness

The study will address the need to transform lifelong learning by leveraging ICT and highlight how e-learning can positively affect the adoption rate, especially by SMEs, where indeed can lead to cost savings through better utilization of users' time, efficiencies in personnel resources as well as reductions in physical requirements


The IT training strategy reports

Based on a “Corpus of the IT Training Strategy Reports”, which will be developed by CCIMP, the beneficiary partners will create 5 “regional IT training Strategy Reports for SMEs” with policy recommendations and proposed action plans for the 5 targeted regions. These strategies will take into consideration the local needs and the local Operational Programs concerning SME competitiveness funded by Structural Funds.


The Best Practice Guide

Identification of the at least 20 more efficient and successful policy initiatives for SME support on IT and e-business in Europe, and creation of a “Best European e-business Policy Initiatives" Guide. The policy initiatives will be presented in detail, each one separately and all together in a benchmarking analysis with various criteria of effectiveness and suitability to the targeted areas. The guide will include a description of the main lessons learnt from these practices. GRNET will be the responsible partner.


e-BSN the eBSN (European e-Business Support Network for SMEs), a virtual

network of decision-makers and public policy experts, a tool to make existing e-Business policies more joined-up.

The European e-Business Support Network for SMEs (eBSN) was established in response to high-level political focus on the important role of ICT in boosting the competitiveness of the overall EU economy. Its ultimate goal is to improve the effectiveness of public SME policies in fostering competitiveness by promoting the innovative use of ICT. eBSN is an eBusiness policy coordination platform, bringing together decision makers and public policy experts in the field of eBusiness, to share information and to discuss strategic policy direction.


The Policy Maker Workshops

Transmission of all the above to local Policy Makers in the targeted areas. Those Policy Makers will be chosen in a way to represent Managing Authorities, relevant Ministries, regional authorities, SME representative schemes, etc.


The e-tutors seminar

Create a task force of “e-tutors”, coming from staff of the partners. These e-tutors who will be formed and certified during an inter-regional “e-tutors seminar" that will take place in Malta, with FTZ as the responsible partner.


Component 4: Tools and implementation


5 S

ME

sem

inar

s

Oct

09

Nov 10

Oct

09

The training content

A training content on e-business and the benefits to SME competitiveness. This content aims at improving managerial understanding and skills in e-business by entrepreneurs, based on best practices, local e-government services and will be written in easy “business” language. It will include basic IT knowledge, an introduction to both B2C and B2B e-business models and practices, and issues on entrepreneurship over the internet (web marketing, e-logistics, Customer Relationship Management, etc.), together with a guide on how to make an e-business plan. The training content will initially be created in English, in a generic way, by COPCA in close cooperation with GRNET. In a second phase, the other partners will localize it by translating it and by adding the local/ regional e-government services to SMEs and some local e-business best practices.


The e-learning platform

A multilingual, interactive and user-friendly e-learning platform enriched with the training content. It is a strategic choice to focus on technology enhanced professional learning, having in mind that in the very close future, the technological possibilities, especially mobile and broadband solutions, will change today's learning scenarios and that the provision of e-learning services will grow substantially, to satisfy the growing demand of professionals in SMEs. FTZ will be responsible for the creation of the platform.


The SME Seminars

The pilot implementation of the best practice policy measures will take place through targeted SME seminars (at least 30 SMEs). In each targeted region, one of the methodologies studied in the study visits will be applied, the one chosen by the “beneficiary” partner. The “e-tutors” will have an important role, using the EVITA training content through the EVITA e-learning platform, and the methodologies delivered during the e-tutors seminar. Additionally, in one case (Bulgaria), there will be experimentation on tele-learning methodologies in order to reach SMEs in remote areas. The seminar will be delivered from Sofia towards different locations in Bulgaria, through the network of tele-centers. The deployment of this tele-seminar will be web-transmitted and video-recorded, so that the methodology is disseminated to all other interested regions. The SMEs that will participate to these events will be chosen on an "open procedure" basis, according to EU rules on competition.


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TARGET GROUPS

Policy Makers in the beneficiary countries. Managers and personnel inside the SME

representative organizations. SMEs ICT companies that specialize in e-learning

technologies.

Hatzakis Ilias

Project Manager

GRNET

EVITA kick-off meeting, Athens 08-09/12/2008

Good luck to all of us!!!

Thank you

evita overview of the project hatzakis ilias project manager grnet evita kick-off meeting, athens...

Documents

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