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Description
The “SEEDing - Enterprising for Tomorrow” project aims to increase the competitiveness of a minimum of 100 Romanian social enterprises within Green Industry Innovation and ICT focus areas. With help from the EEA and Norway Grants, this project will greatly enhance the capacity of the selected Romanian enterprises.
The aim of this project has several layers. Firstly, the project aims at capacity building the field of circular economy, ICT and social finance for at least 500 people working in social enterprises or organizations that develop the social economy sector in Romania. Secondly, it seeks to reinforce responsible partnerships within the "Social Enterprise Accelerator" cluster. Thirdly, it seeks to strengthen bi-lateral cooperation and the transfer of knowledge within the field of circular company. Lastly, the project aims to map out the social economy sector and the needs of social enterprises in Romania with regard to the transposition of the European Action Plan. This project will contribute to unlocking the huge potential for social inclusion, economic development and facilitating the green and digital transition that the SE as a whole, with the diversity of its actors, can achieve. Also the replication of the Norway partner experience in circular economy in Romania.
Achieving these goals will be possible through these key activities:
- Bilateral cooperation and capacity building
- Data collection
- Project publicity
- Project management
This project has a strong bilateral component. The project will be implemented in partnership with Fretex, Norway''s largest employment and inclusion company and second-hand chain. Fretex offers clarification and qualification to people who, for various reasons, have difficulties in obtaining or functioning in regular employment. This partnership is also expected to continue following the termination of the project, further highlighting the bilateral benefits of the EEA and Norway Grants Scheme.
Summary of project results
Increased competitiveness for Romanian enterprises within the focus areas Green Industry Innovation, ICT and Blue Growth
The “SEEDing - Enterprising for Tomorrow” project aims to increase the competitiveness of a minimum of 100 Romanian social enterprises within Green Industry Innovation and ICT focus areas. With help from the EEA and Norway Grants, this project will greatly enhance the capacity of the selected Romanian enterprises.
The aim of this project has several layers. Firstly, the project aims at capacity building the field of circular economy, ICT and social finance for at least 500 people working in social enterprises or organizations that develop the social economy sector in Romania. Secondly, it seeks to reinforce responsible partnerships within the "Social Enterprise Accelerator" cluster. Thirdly, it seeks to strengthen bi-lateral cooperation and the transfer of knowledge within the field of circular company. Lastly, the project aims to map out the social economy sector and the needs of social enterprises in Romania with regard to the transposition of the European Action Plan. This project will contribute to unlocking the huge potential for social inclusion, economic development and facilitating the green and digital transition that the SE as a whole, with the diversity of its actors, can achieve. Also the replication of the Norway partner experience in circular economy in Romania.
The project has also reinforced responsible partnerships among social economy entities, businesses, public authorities, and universities within the "Social Enterprise Accelerator" cluster, integrating 36 entities, including 21 social enterprises. This achievement reflects the second objective of fostering partnerships and creating a supportive ecosystem for the social economy sector in Romania.
To ensure the transfer of know-how from Norwegian social enterprises, we organized a 4-day study visit in Norway for 16 participants and conducted webinars featuring Norwegian experts (from Vestre and Unikum). This has been instrumental in sharing best practices and innovative approaches in the circular economy, meeting our third objective.
Additionally, the project has mapped the social economy sector, including 52 Romanian social enterprises and 14 from Norway in the Virtual Map of Social Enterprises. This comprehensive mapping aligns with our fourth objective and supports the development of a favourable ecosystem for the Romanian social economy sector.
The "SEEDing—Enterprising for Tomorrow" project has successfully met its objectives, enhancing the competitiveness of more than 100 Romanian social enterprises within Green Industry Innovation and ICT focus areas. Key achievements include capacity building for over 500 individuals in the circular economy, ICT, and social finance through various training activities and webinars, significantly surpassing our targets and boosting the skills necessary for sustainable development. This aligns with the first objective of building capacity in these crucial fields.
Overall, the project has increased Romanian social enterprises'' competitiveness and strengthened bilateral relations between Romania and Norway, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange. The integration of data collection and the inclusion of social enterprises in interactive platforms further solidifies the project''s impact, ensuring sustainable development and innovation within the sector.
Summary of bilateral results
This project has a strong bilateral component. The project was implmented in partnership with Unikum Active. The Norwegian partner played a pivotal role in several key activities; 1. Study Visit in Norway; 2. Webinars; 3. Inclusion of Norwegian Social Enterprises in the Virtual Map; Cooperation with Unikum Active and other Norwegian entities have facilitated valuable knowledge exchange, capacity building, and the creation of strategic alliances. These bilateral activities have significantly contributed to the project''s success and laid a strong foundation for ongoing collaboration beyond the project''s duration.