Joint cooperation functions as a catalyst for other EU projects

The flagship cooperation between Baltic Supply and North Sea Supply Connect is not only a unique approach to EU projects - it also fits into the EU’s overall visions of economical convergence of the member regions. Both Baltic Supply and North Sea Supply Connect have chosen to focus on a three cluster approach: maritime, energy and food. And this approach corresponds to the EUs Cluster Initiative and the Unions multisectoral vision. Yet, the two projects do not only confine themselves to three clusters. They want to overcome the barriers for small and medium sized enterprises when expanding to new markets

Baltic Supply and North Sea Supply Connect have jointly developed the non-sectoral but service-focused European Business Support Network. The network provides a set of offline and online services which endows the two projects with a more comprehensive scope. The services are under focus regardless which industries they have to deal with. This will without doubt create better business opportunities for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises in Baltic Sea Region and the North Sea Region.The two projects successfully add value to a number of the Territorial Agenda 2020 priorities:

• territorial integration in cross‐border and transnational regions
• ensuring global competitiveness of the regions based on strong local economies
• improving territorial connectivity for individuals, communities and enterprises.

Furthermore the two projects contribute to the Innovation Union flagship initiative envisaged by the EU 2020 Strategy. Baltic Supply and North Sea Supply Connect show other EU projects how to take the overall EU strategy and use it in practice. That is why the cooperation between the two projects is being used as a catalyst for other EU projects.