Smart Economy

The European Network of Living Labs (ENoLL) is the international federation of benchmarked Living Labs in Europe and worldwide. Founded in November 2006 under the auspices of the Finnish European Presidency, the network has grown in ‘waves’ up to this day. ENoLL counts today over 170 active Living Labs members worldwide (395 historically recognised over 9 years), including active members in 20 of the 28 EU Member States, 2 of the candidates and it is present in 5 continents in addition to Europe.

This is a support fund for micro, small and medium enterprises, which generally aims to promote economic development through the provision of temporary support to projects that favour the creation, development, consolidation, viability, productivity, competitiveness and sustainability of micro, small and medium enterprises and to enterprising initiatives, as well as to those that promote productive investments that will generate more and better jobs, more and better micro, small and medium enterprises, andmore and better entrepreneurs.

Citadel on the Move is a European Commission funded (CIP PSP) project which aims to make it easier for citizens and application developers from across Europe to use Open Data to create the type of innovative mobile applications they want and need.

In collaboration with the SME Administration of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, has provided SMEs with a series of guidance programs on e‐services based on their requirements and electronic workflow. Projects include Bridging Industry Digital Divide, Industryspecific e‐Commerce Business Operation Project, SME e‐Services Corps Project, SME e‐Learning Project (SME Online University), SME Knowledge Management Promotion Project. Other services are consulting for start‐ups, HR training, financing, marketing and promotion services.

Since SMEs constitute the backbone of Taiwanese industry, it was anticipated that this program would help to reduce the cost and risk of innovation and R&D for SMEs, thereby helping to stimulate these activities in the SME sector. Under Taiwan’s SBIR plan, SMEs can apply for subsidies covering up to 50% of the total cost of R&D. This government funding support helps to reduce the costs and the level of risk that SMEs must bear when engaging in innovation or R&D. By encouraging SMEs to undertake the development of new technologies and products.

In the city of Barcelona, the creation of new companies is channelled through Barcelona Activa, Bacelona's Local Development Agency. Since its inception in 1986, almost 7,000 companies have been established. The programmes developed and dedicated to entrepreneurship are: Programme "Entrepreneurship with Barcelona Activa is easy". On a daily basis, and through collective briefings, different options and resources are introduced that enable entrepreneurs to set up their businesses. Resource Centre for Entrepreneurs.

The City Protocol is a new open, global, and progressive working framework for cities worldwide to assess and improve performance in environmental sustainability, economic competitiveness, quality of life, and city services, by innovating and demonstrating new leadership models, new ways of engaging society, and by leveraging new information and communication technologies (ICT).

Bacelona City Council programme to attract talent. "Do it in Barcelona" offers personalised plans to implement activities in Barcelona successfully: Emprende: to create or develop a business. Trabaja: to explore professional career opportunities in Barcelona. Investiga: to develop research activities in Barcelona. Estudia: to take master or postgraduate studies in Barcelona. Instálate: support to settle in the city and look for accommodation and schools.

INTA is a global membership association where public and private policy-makers and urban practitioners come together to share knowledge, experience and performing tools for integrated urban development.

Madrid Emprende implements a number of measures: Help and advice for innovative projects. Accelerator for projects with high potential. Innovation management in industrial SMEs. Collaboration with specialised institutions to finance innovative or technology based business ventures.