INTERREG Best Practices Analysis in terms of Managing Tools for Cooperation Programs and Support Tools for SMEs in Innovation & Internationalization Process or “La coopération au service de l'innovation”

Problems addressed
• The first priority axe of the study states that within the cooperation initiatives, it is crucial to improve the effectiveness of programs and projects in terms of transfer of know-how, particularly in what concerns the transfer of tools and methods with a proven performance on the territories, and thus to facilitate the management of cooperation programs.
• The second priority axis on which the study will be based, is the observation that within the context of globalization of exchanges and relations, it seems essential to analyze the economic competitive advantages of Europe in general, and in particular, the methods to support and stimulate the innovation process within the SMEs in the Enlarged Europe.
• As a transversal issue, the study highlights the fact that the geographical distribution of INTERREG responsibilities (including INTERREG II and III A, IIC and IIIB and RECITE and IIIC) not facilitating the understanding by the territorial stakeholders within the European Union and not allowing to cooperate with partners “out-side” the geographical zone, is often perceived by the local actors as a factor hindering the cooperation. INTERACT can facilitate the exchanges and cooperation, by identifying potential dis-functionalities and overlapping, and by highlighting best practices and synergies within the current practices (initiatives).
Objectives
• Facilitate the exchange and access to diverse tools and methods implemented by partner organizations, by other initiatives’ promoters and by INTERREG authorities, on the two main priority axes (i.e. management of INTERREG programs and innovation with SMEs).
• Build a efficient tool allowing to extend cooperation towards other territories (possibility of “replicability” of the tools and methods).
• Increase the efficiency and adaptability of INTERREG program and future cooperation programs to territorial needs, including the analysis of potential overlapping, inconsistencies and synergies with other SMEs support programs (i.e. Main Stream Objective 1 and 2, the Innovative Actions “RIS and PRAI type” initiatives, the Incubators’ initiative of DG Enterprise, the programs of DG Research aimed at facilitating the participation of SMEs in RTD initiatives, the DG Employment measures targeting the development of the entrepreneurial spirit, …).
Approach and methodology
• Large consultation (sample covering the Enlarged Europe), facilitated by the force of the « network of networks » represented by EBN (European Business & Innovation Centers Network), bringing access not only to BICs but also to other associated organizations such as RDAs, IRCs, EICs, CCIs, University-Enterprise centers, regional / national authorities (including managing authorities of INTERREG initiatives and European policy makers). 
• Collect the tools and best practices implemented by the project partners and by EBN network members, cooperate with the regional, national and European authorities and policy makers, on the subject of the management of cooperation programs and of definition and implementation of innovation support initiatives.
• Active participation of the partners through exchanges (meetings, seminars) and constitution of thematic working-groups.