Blog
Agility and Resilience in times of crisis: yes, we can!
"Never waste a crisis", it is sometimes said. The Enterprise Europe Network experienced this first-hand when the coronavirus took hold of the world. We made changes at lightning speed to keep our professional Network active. And the results were impressive! Entrepreneurs did not feel abandoned. Supporting and connecting people, even at the height of the storm: this is the strength of our Network!
European Green Tech in the spotlight: making construction sustainable
Green is the new black. There are no doubts about it. We’ve all heard the slogans and buzzwords, but we might still be wondering, what does this really mean? How can companies get on board and go green, especially those working in specific sectors, like the building one, with their own distinct challenges? How do the latest sustainable solutions help deliver economic growth? What kind of help does the Enterprise Europe Network offer?
Eight things you need to know about CETA
The Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) has been in place since autumn 2017. Three years into the Agreement, we can already see some of the huge benefits the Agreement has brought to European and Canadian Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). German Network adviser Benno Weissner from ZENIT/NRW and Canadian Network adviser Katelyn Petersen guide you in discovering everything you need to know about CETA.
Access2Markets portal: making SMEs thrive in the import/export world
How do I calculate the import duties to export my products outside the European Union? How can I pay less of these duties thanks to the EU free trade agreements? What documents do I need? And what if I wanted to import products into Europe? The Access2Markets portal gives you the right answers to all of these questions and many more. It is capable of helping importers and exporters in their trade relations outside the European borders.
How to become a successful woman in tech?
In recent years, women are changing the world of digital technologies. Inspiring stories are starting to pile up, describing the unique journeys of successful women entrepreneurs in the high-tech industry. One of them is Dragana Calija, owner and CEO of Saint Di & Co, winner of the Best Woman Exporter Award in the Success Flower Awards for the 2020 best women entrepreneurs. Sanja Popovic-Pantic, the chair of the Network’s group of experts in women entrepreneurship met Dragana and asked her a few questions to put the spotlight on her story and achievements.
5 tips to protect your business from ransomware
There is a good chance that you and your employees are working from home due to Covid-19. This means you are likely to be more vulnerable to online attacks. By ransomware, for example. How does ransomware work? What can you do to protect yourself? Choose to be one step ahead of cyber criminals. As an entrepreneur, you can take a few precautions against ransomware. Here are our five tips to keep your business safe!
How to make the EU Farm to Fork Strategy a reality?
In line with the European Green Deal’s goal to improve people’s health, quality of life and care for nature, the Farm to Fork Strategy addresses an essential element for people well-being: food. European food is known to be of high quality and safety. Furthermore, European food and drink manufacturing enterprises – the majority of which are SMEs – export their products to more than 200 countries. This makes the EU the world’s largest exporter of food and drink products.
The sustainability transition, a key priority for the Enterprise Europe Network
The transition to economic, environmental and social sustainability has become a major priority for the new European Commission. At the same time, all main actors have agreed that this transition must be based on a strong and resilient economy which finds its backbone in Small and medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).
Challenging times call for fast and effective measures
The new decade began differently than anyone could have ever expected. The abrupt and sweeping changes that we now face because of the COVID-19 crisis were impossible to foresee. Different needs, new rules, shifting priorities; we were all asked to adapt quickly to an unprecedented situation. SMEs around the world are struggling to stay afloat and to adjust to the current challenge. This is where the Enterprise Europe Network stands strong, helping companies overcome these difficult times.
How do you eat an elephant? Or how to approach doing business in China
Napoleon once said, "China is a sleeping giant. Let her sleep, for when she wakes she will move the world." The giant is awake now and has already become one of the largest economies in the world. China is also large enough for us to have to do business on their terms. It’s probably one of the most foreign places we can talk about in terms of the society, behaviour and mindset of people and businesses. In order to do business with the Chinese, we need to forego our usual expectations and practices. Here are a few areas to consider.
Innovation in fashion: 5 trends which are defining a new era
Innovation is rocking the fashion industry. From customer journeys to logistics, from wearables to new materials, fashion retailers and manufacturers are brimming with creativity. So what does a world where AI, blockchain, circular economy solutions, optical fibre and 3D printing define fashion experiences look like? Federica Leonetti, who leads the Enterprise Europe Network group of textile and fashion experts, takes a look at these five trends, which are literally shaping a new era for the fashion industry.
Intellectual property: how to get your strategy right
Intellectual Property has a strategic role as an enabling factor for competitiveness, innovation and growth. In our latest blog post, IP ambassador Marco Gorini, Head of Technology Transfer and Innovation Services at Veneto Innovazione Spa, explains what it takes to build an IP strategy, which takes into account the business development phase and specific needs of a company. He also looks at how the Enterprise Europe Network can support businesses in this crucial task. Don't miss this eye-opening post with practical tips and resources.
Space technologies are good for business – start your exploration
Space technologies can be a game changer when it comes to competitiveness. Whether you are working in agriculture, healthcare, automotive industries or retail, business solutions from space are becoming more accessible – it’s time to get on board. Emilien Watelet, who leads the Enterprise Europe Network group on Aeronautics, Space and Dual-use Technologies, explores new opportunities in this blog post.
How the new EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement will benefit SMEs
The entry into force of the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) on 1 February 2019, marks the start of a new era for the European Union and Japan. European businesses can benefit from new opportunities in many sectors.
The Network Blog
Welcome to the Enterprise Europe Network blog! This is the place where we share knowledge from across the world's largest support network for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) with international ambitions. Our bloggers are advisers working for one of the Network's 600 member organisations, businesspeople and other experts associated with the Network. Keep an eye on this space for ideas, insights, events and opportunities that can help small businesses innovate and grow internationally.
Disclaimer
The information and views set out in this blog are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of the European Union. Neither the European Union institutions and bodies nor any person acting on their behalf may be held responsible for the use which may be made of the information contained therein.