NGIS - Norway Green Innovation Support for Stara Zagora SMEs

Description

The primary objective of this project is to enhance the competitiveness of SMEs operating in the Stara Zagora region, with a specific focus on the realm of Green Industry Innovation. The project is designed to address several specific objectives to achieve this overarching goal.

Firstly, it aims to build the capacity of Bulgarian SMEs, enabling them to effectively transition to a circular economy, thereby promoting sustainability and responsible resource management. Additionally, the project seeks to introduce the valuable experiences and insights from Norwegian circular economy business models into Bulgarian SMEs. It strives to popularize these innovative models and ensure the sustainability and continued growth of the project''s outcomes. To this end, the project places great emphasis on the efficient management of resources and efforts to ensure that the planned project results are successfully achieved.

The central outcome of this endeavor will be the preparation of 15 SMEs in the Stara Zagora region, equipping them with the necessary tools and knowledge to transition into a circular economy. These SMEs will take their first practical steps in implementing sustainable and environmentally conscious business models. Furthermore, they will establish valuable partnerships with Norwegian companies that have expertise in circular business models, thereby fostering knowledge exchange and cooperation. While the immediate beneficiaries are the SMEs in the Stara Zagora region participating in the project, the impact will extend beyond, benefitting Chamber members and SMEs outside the region who can access online resources and educational materials, such as a self-assessment tool, for their own development and growth.

Summary of project results

The project primarily aimed to address the following challenges:

1. Transition to a Circular Economy: Stara Zagora''s economy, heavily reliant on the coal-based energy sector, faces significant challenges in adapting to circular economy principles. The region ranks significantly below the EU average in circular material use rates, highlighting the need for improved resource efficiency and sustainability.

2. Lack of Awareness and Expertise: Many SMEs in Stara Zagora are interested in transitioning to circular economy models but lack the necessary knowledge, resources, and guidance to begin the process effectively.

3. Competitiveness: Bulgarian SMEs need to enhance their competitiveness by adopting green business models that reduce environmental and climate impacts while aligning with modern economic demands.

The project sought to mitigate these issues through capacity building, sharing Norwegian expertise, promoting awareness of circular economy benefits, and fostering partnerships to facilitate sustainable development.

The project implemented a series of activities organized into five main work packages (WPs), resulting in specific outputs aimed at addressing the identified challenges in the Stara Zagora region:

Work Package 1: Capacity Building

1. Awareness Events: Organized an event to discuss circular economy challenges and benefits, attracting about 50 SMEs.
2. Self-Assessment Tool: Developed a tool to help SMEs evaluate their current business models towards a circular economy.
3. Training Curriculum: Created content for five training modules covering practical aspects of circular economy transitions.
4. SME Recruitment: Selected SMEs based on predefined criteria and signed declarations committing them to practical steps for green business models.
5. Training Sessions: Delivered five training modules to 15 SMEs, focusing on sustainable sourcing, eco-design, green energy, recycling, and waste optimization.
6. Workshops: Held two workshops for mentoring and presenting business plans.
7. Final Conference: Hosted a conference to share project results and Norwegian experiences in circular economy practices.

Outputs:

• 15 SMEs trained and supported in developing circular economy business plans.
• Creation of a "Circular Economy Master Lab" informal club.
• Two large-scale events attended by 100 participants.

Work Package 2: Study Visit to Norway

1. Identifying Best Practices: Selected Norwegian examples of circular economy business models.
2. Logistics and Planning: Arranged travel and schedules for Bulgarian SMEs.
3. Study Visit: Conducted a four-day study tour for selected SMEs to observe Norwegian green business practices.

Outputs:

• 6 Norwegian best practices studied.
• Partnerships formed between Bulgarian and Norwegian entities.

Work Package 3: Online Platform

1. Development and Launch: Created an online platform for raising awareness and providing self-training resources.
2. Content Publication: Hosted the self-assessment tool, training materials, Norwegian best practice videos, and membership details of the "Circular Economy Master Lab."

Outputs:

• 1 online platform with 2,000 expected unique visitors and 100 downloads of training materials by the project’s end.

Work Package 4: Promotion

1. Branding: Designed a project brand and materials.
2. Promotional Materials: Created brochures, banners, and video content on Norwegian practices.

Outputs:

• 500 promotional leaflets and a project banner.
• Video materials to support awareness efforts.

Results Achieved by the Project

1. Enhanced SME Competitiveness:

   • 15 SMEs in the Stara Zagora region were better prepared for transitioning to a circular economy, taking practical steps to implement green business models​.
   • The participating SMEs developed business plans for changes aimed at adopting circular economy principles​.

2. Increased Awareness and Knowledge:

   • Over 2,000 SMEs were reached through events and the online platform, raising awareness of circular economy principles and benefits​.
   • Training materials and a self-assessment tool were made available online, with at least 100 downloads by SMEs seeking to improve their practices​.

3. Strengthened International Partnerships:

   • Six partnerships were established between Bulgarian SMEs and Norwegian entities with experience in circular economy models​.
   • A study visit to Norway allowed participants to learn directly from six exemplary Norwegian practices​.

4. Promotion of Circular Economy Practices:

   • A "Circular Economy Master Lab" was formed as a non-formal club to promote green economy principles and assist other companies in their transition​.
   • Two major events were organized, attended by 100 participants, highlighting the benefits and challenges of adopting circular business models​.

5. Creation of an Online Platform:

   • A dedicated platform provided resources such as training materials, a self-assessment tool, and insights from Norwegian best practices, fostering broader access and sustained learning​.

Beneficiaries

1. Direct Beneficiaries:

   • 15 SMEs in Stara Zagora participated directly in capacity-building and training activities, equipping them with tools and knowledge to transition to green business models.

2. Indirect Beneficiaries:

   • SMEs across Bulgaria, especially those accessing the online platform and resources, benefited from improved knowledge of circular economy practices.
   • Regional and local authorities involved in the "Circular Economy Master Lab" gained insights into promoting sustainable development.

3. Societal Impact:

   • The project contributed to environmental sustainability by reducing ecological footprints and improving resource efficiency in the Stara Zagora region.
   • It aligned with broader regional objectives such as the Just Transition Plan, aiming for long-term environmental and economic benefits.

Summary of bilateral results

The project significantly benefited from its partnership with PRIOS Kompetanse AS. The donor partner provided:- Knowledge Transfer: PRIOS shared best practices and insights from Norway, a country recognized for its advanced circular economy models.- Capacity Building: PRIOS developed and delivered training materials and curricula tailored to Bulgarian SMEs, equipping them to transition to greener business models. This ensured high-quality and relevant content​.- Platform Development: PRIOS contributed to the design and launch of the online platform, ensuring it met international standards and included Norwegian expertise as part of its resources​.Main Results from a Bilateral Level:- Strengthened Cross-Border Relationships: The project fostered meaningful partnerships between 15 Bulgarian SMEs and six Norwegian entities experienced in circular business models. - Transfer of Norwegian Expertise: Six specific Norwegian best practices in circular economy were studied and adapted for application in Bulgaria. - Enhanced Mutual Understanding: The collaboration deepened Bulgarian participants'' understanding of Norway''s approach to sustainability and circularity.- Online Resource Sharing: Norwegian expertise was featured prominently on the online platform, extending the benefits of bilateral cooperation to a wider audience, including SMEs beyond Stara Zagora​.Plans to Continue Bilateral Cooperation:- Sustained Partnerships: Both CCI Stara Zagora and PRIOS have expressed interest in continuing their collaboration on future projects. - Long-Term Knowledge Exchange: Plans include maintaining the relationships built during the project to enable ongoing knowledge sharing and support for Bulgarian SMEs in their journey toward sustainability​.- Strengthening the "Circular Economy Master Lab".This collaboration has created a solid foundation for continued bilateral engagement, offering long-term benefits to both Bulgarian and Norwegian stakeholders.