We at the Institute of Entrepreneurship Development are thrilled to announce our recent participation in the kick-off meeting of the “Friends of the EEN” group. This new initiative, spearheaded by DG GROW, represents a significant step forward in fostering collaboration and enhancing the visibility of the Enterprise Europe Network’s (EEN) activities, as well as strengthening the relationship with the European Clusters Alliance.

What is “Friends of the EEN”?

“Friends of the EEN” is an informal group launched to facilitate the exchange of information and cooperation and to increase the visibility of EEN activities. It brings together a diverse set of stakeholders, including SME/Industry support organizations, SME support networks, and EU agencies with a core focus relevant to the EEN. The group’s mission is to work transparently and synergistically with these key partners.

Insights from the Kick-Off Meeting

The inaugural meeting, held on Wednesday, 18 October, was a hybrid event that laid the groundwork for future collaboration. Here are some of the key takeaways:

• Informal Yet Impactful: While maintaining an informal structure, the group is committed to achieving tangible results in terms of cooperation and will meet biannually.
• Annual EEN Conference: The EEN Annual Conference in Bilbao, which coincides with the SME Assembly, will serve as a platform to discuss and showcase synergies. All members are encouraged to participate online.
• Collaboration Opportunities: The meeting highlighted numerous collaboration possibilities, particularly in areas such as access to finance and innovation support. DG GROW will continue these discussions individually with participants.
• Looking Ahead: The next group meeting is scheduled for February 2024, following the release of the EEN Annual Guidance Note, ensuring that members are informed of the network’s priorities for the year.
• Ongoing Communication: In response to significant developments, DG GROW will keep the communication channels open with stakeholders.

Next Steps for the “Friends of the EEN”

A crucial part of moving forward is the creation of a “Friends of the EEN” catalogue. Each member organization, including ours, is expected to provide details about their work and potential areas for collaboration with the EEN. This directory will not only aid in bilateral interactions but also foster connections among the members themselves.

Our Commitment

As a member of this pioneering group, Institute of Entrepreneurship Development is committed to actively engaging in this collaborative environment. We believe that through shared knowledge and resources, we can significantly contribute to the EEN’s mission of supporting SMEs across Europe.

We are currently preparing our submission for the catalogue, which will outline our organization’s profile and our vision for partnership within the EEN. We are keen to contribute our insights and ideas for potential collaborative ventures.

Stay tuned for updates on our journey with the “Friends of the EEN” and the exciting opportunities this collaboration will bring. Together, we are stronger, and we look forward to a future where our collective efforts will lead to substantial support and growth for SMEs across Europe.