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Description
This project, conducted in partnership with the Gabrovo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and Norwegian collaborator PRIOS Kompetanse AS, endeavors to raise awareness among Gabrovo''s SMEs about the advantages of adopting carbon neutrality and enhancing energy productivity. The project''s overarching goal is to build the capacity of both the SMEs and GCCI, enabling them to actively contribute to sustainable economic development, efficient resource utilization, and the promotion of bilateral cooperation with Norway.
Achieving this requires a series of key activities, including:
- Project Management
- Networking Ativities
- Capacity Building
The project will enhance collaboration between the two organizations and involve stakeholders from both countries, including Bulgarian SMEs and Norwegian private entities. It will create opportunities for the exchange of good practices through study visits and networking events. The project''s core task is to research Norwegian entities for ideas and solutions related to carbon neutrality and improved energy productivity, with a significant focus on the substantial disparity in energy productivity between Norway and Bulgaria. This contrast presents an opportunity for Norwegian entities to offer technological solutions in the Bulgarian market.
Summary of project results
Bulgaria has developed a number of strategic documents to support the transition to a circular economy, such as the National Development Program: Bulgaria 2030, Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialization of the Republic of Bulgaria 2021–2027, National Waste Management Plan 2021-2028, and the cross-sectoral Strategy and Action Plan for Transition to Circular Economy 2021–2027. The National Strategy for Small and Medium Size Enterprises 2021-2027 places particular attention on the need for SMEs to transit to a circular economy. Gabrovo Municipality’s strategic vision for development is, as stated in their Plan for Integrated Development of Gabrovo Municipality 2021-2027 , to be “green, innovative, accessible municipality, with rich cultural heritage and sustainable tourism, open to the people.” The plan incorporates two important measures directed to the economic development of the area: - Over 100 production entities and over 50% of the employment in Gabrovo city are located in the North Industrial area of the city. Gabrovo Municipality has planned interventions in the area for development of carbon neutral industrial park. The measure is part of the Municipality’s efforts for adaptation to climate changes. In order for SMEs in the North Industrial area of Gabrovo City to participate in the park development, they need to adapt to the requirements for carbon neutrality. - The Municipality has planned the development of a new industrial park on the Gabrovo-Sevlievo axis. The prerequisites for this measurement include the availability of large terrains in near proximity to key infrastructure, as well as large number of nearby villages, whose inhabitants can benefit from the created job opportunities in the future park.
Based on the above, the overall goals of the project were: 1) to increase the awareness among SMEs in Gabrovo and Gabrovo area about the socio-economic benefits of carbon neutrality and increased energy productivity; 2) to develop the capacities of SMEs in Gabrovo and Gabrovo Area to achieve carbon neutrality and increased energy productivity; and 3) to build the capacity of GCCI to assist the aforementioned SMEs in the process
The following project activities were implemented:
Analysis of training and consultation needs of SMEs in Gabrovo and Gabrovo region and training package and methodology developed by the two partners. Guidelines for SMEs and a tool for self-assessment of carbon emissions and energy productivity
has been also developed.
A study visit to Norway was organised. Representatives of the chamber and SMEs from Gabrovo region took part in the visit.
A3.1. Development of online platform for dissemination of training resources
A3.2. Workshop for SMEs on development of carbon neutrality action plans and fundraising strategies;
A3.3 Workshop for SMEs on development of energy productivity action plans and fundraising strategies;
A3.3. Final Dissemination and Networking Conference
WP4. Networking
A4.1. Research and identification of potential future NO partners to GCCI and Gabrovo SME /Prios/
A4.2. Online meetings between GCCI and potential NO partners
A4.3. BG-NO Networking fair /hybrid format/ /budget for printed materials (posters, banners) 2000 EUR at least
Management
The project activities address all issues related to the project management, coordination, reporting, administration, monitoring and evaluation of implementation, IT support, financial services, and accounting
Publicity
AP.1. Press conference at the project launch
AP.2. Regular media outreach during the project lifetime
AP.3. Regular social media outreach
Trough the implementation of the project Gabrovo Chamber of commerce and Industry has helped the SMEs from Gabrovo and Gabrovo Region to initiate the transit to carbon neutrality and increased energy productivity by encouraging the SMEs to take stock of their current state in the two topics and develop action plans for improvement. The project results have contributed to the improved awareness among SMEs in Gabrovo region about the socioeconomic benefits of carbon neutrality and increased energy productivity and the increased capacity of SMEs for assessment of their current state in carbon emission and energy productivity, development of action plan for improvement of the indicators for carbon neutrality and energy productivity and assessment of investment needs and opportunities.
The Project Promoter’s capacity to assist SMEs in achieving carbon neutrality and increased energy productivity through learning by doing, has been increased.
Summary of bilateral results
The Norwegian partner, PRIOS Kompetanse AS ,-has provided technical and knowledge support for development of an online resource platform for carbon neutrality and increased energy productivity;. It took a leading role in the organization of visit to Norway for the project participants and relevant activities during the stay in Norway; and has supported the planned training activities through its large European network of experts and partners. The two partners have jointly developed guidelines and tool for assessing the Environment, Social and Governance factors which will lead to a better risks'' management and growth opportunities.