Posavina (BiH) and the Vukovar Srijem County (Croatia) were established as innovative environments. The methodology for examining innovativeness of SMEs and institutions was developed and applied in both areas.
Based on the methodology and research of innovativeness, most recommendations were implemented. These efforts, along with targeted training and advisory guidance resulted in improvement of competitiveness of SMEs in the Posavina and the Vukovar-Srijem County.
The co-operation among SMEs was improved thanks to recognition of SMEs with cross-border potential, presentations of these potentials and B2B meetings held.
Agencies that should support SME development increased their capacity through work in working groups with trainers (15 meetings of the working groups held, 50 days of technical assistance provided) and creation of 10 plans for development of business support infrastructure including cross border co-operation projects. Along with these activities, 3 new services for SMEs were introduced and 20 employees from development institutions completed 6 different trainings.
Ultimately, the conditions for long-term development and co-operation are in place, which is demonstrated also through official agreements on co-operation.