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Fostering innovation and competitiveness of SMEs in the Veneto region

Innovation and competitiveness with tailor-made training courses for SMEs in Veneto

Unioncamere del Veneto, in collaboration with the regional Chambers of Commerce, is committed to supporting the productive fabric of the territory. In an economic context marked by complex challenges such as rising costs, the climate crisis, and market transformations, the organization has launched a strategic initiative. The aspiration is to guide micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises in Veneto through the "twin transition"—digital and sustainable—by providing them with the tools and skills necessary to innovate processes, strengthen competitiveness, and create long-term value.

+12%
increase in business productivity with investments in digital technology.

+14%
increase in business productivity with simultaneous investments in digital technology and sustainability.

The digital and sustainable transition is key to the competitiveness and long-term growth of Veneto businesses.

Training paths for digital and sustainable transformation

The current economic environment imposes complex and interconnected challenges on businesses. Rising commodity and energy costs, the climate crisis, geopolitical tensions and the transformations generated by the pandemic are redefining the rules of the game. These dynamics are compounded by social, demographic and human capital mobility changes, which directly impact business competitiveness.

In particular, the manufacturing fabric of Veneto is now at a crossroads: continue to operate according to traditional models, or embark on a path of transformation capable of combining technology and sustainability, strategic vision and operational innovation. Innovating operations and supply relationships, enhancing the intangible dimensions of products, reducing the environmental impact of supply chains and effectively exploiting data are just some of the levers to strengthen competitiveness and create long-term value.

To accompany companies on this path, Unioncamere del Veneto - together with the five regional Chambers of Commerce - has promoted a two-year project dedicated to the twin transition (digital and sustainable), targeting 100 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in the area.

The initiative promoted by Unioncamere del Veneto and the five regional Chambers of Commerce, aimed at supporting 100 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MPMIs) in the Veneto region in the digital and sustainable transition through training paths. The goal is to encourage the adoption of innovative technologies and sustainable practices, thus contributing to the modernization of the local production fabric.
Upskill 4.0 is partnering with the initiative in to guide the selected companies in the development of pilot projects within the theme "Digital Marketing for Market Relations." In this first phase we will accompany eight companies on the innovation path, providing strategic and operational support for the implementation of digital and sustainable solutions.

A step-by-step educational journey to reflect

The days' program is dedicated to the development of solutions for enterprises, which are involved in the process of co-creating value even for realities other than their own.

Each day includes a moment of creative exploration, in which teams focus on devising innovative solutions from the needs that emerged in the initial phase, and an operational moment in which these solutions are translated into a concrete implementation plan. Project work is facilitated by the adoption of Design Thinking tools, which allow the process to be approached in a structured and stimulating way. Businesses are involved in intensive sessions that alternate between moments of inspiration, idea generation, narrative or visual prototyping, and planning the actions necessary to implement the proposal. Each day ends with the definition of a customized roadmap, useful for transforming the insights developed into actionable and sustainable interventions.

 

The project includes six appointments aimed at raising awareness and guiding businesses through practical exercises with the goal of:

  • Prepare a pitch about your project development idea
  • Identify which processes to digitize and know the first steps in order to go through the digitization process
  • Improve strategic brand positioning
  • Identify methodologies for doing sustainable innovation
  • Enhancing thecustomer experience in store and online 

At the end of the course, all companies present their projects in a moment of collective restitution. The program concludes with a shared reflection on future scenarios and useful tools to give continuity to the projects, encouraging the concrete adoption of the solutions designed in the context of digital and sustainable transition.

Companies involved

Arbos: active for nearly 40 years in the production of innovative and sustainable. It makes notebooks and objects from recycled paper and environmentally friendly materials, combining tradition and design. It is B Corp certified and recognized by the Veneto Region as a Master Craftsman.

Cimax: active for more than 30 years in the production of electrical panels, wiring harnesses and assemblies for industrial plants. Through the use of technologically advanced machinery, it offers products and services of high quality certified, anticipating the needs of an ever-changing market.

Connetia is the digital service that integrates data, technology and managers to improve the way SMEs do business and make decisions. It is also developing a digital ecosystem that includes Connetia's websites, Digital Desk, easyIT and myRevelo (and Staples), each targeting specific audiences.

Grigoris LaBakery: a laboratory and store in Zelarino specializingin bakery, pastry and pizza (also available in the morning in pan format, as well as in the evening), uses only high-quality Italian raw materials and is preparing to open a third store.

PVE: a Venetian company specializing in the production of high-end porcelain, owner of the historic brands Geminiano Cozzi Venezia 1765 and Manifattura di Venezia. In recent years has invested in digitalization and e-commerce to strengthen its presence in the luxury market.

Rifugio Campogrosso: a cultural and naturalistic garrison in Recoaro Terme that combines hospitality, dining, an event space and outdoor activities.

Righetto: has been in the wood finishing business for nearly two decades, producing waxes, oils, impregnants and natural varnishes. The company stands out for its use of ecological raw materials and for its attention to sustainability, offering products that respect the environment and the health of users.

Salumificio Giovanni Fontana: since 1941 has specialized in the artisanal production of typical cured meats from Veneto, including Prosciutto Veneto DOP, salami, soppresse and coppe cured meats. The third generation of the Fontana family is currently involved in the management of the company, keeping tradition and attention to quality alive.

***

Notes

The project is funded by the Veneto Region together with Unioncamere del Veneto and the chamber system: Padua Chamber of Commerce, Verona Chamber of Commerce, Venice Rovigo Chamber of Commerce, Treviso-Belluno Dolomites Chamber of Commerce, Vicenza Chamber of Commerce, and coordinated by:
- Ca' Foscari University Venice, with the PINK (Promotion of Innovation and Know-How) office and Venice School of Management,
- University of Padua, with the Department of Information Engineering (DEI) and the Department of Economics and Business Sciences
- University of Verona, with the Department of Management.

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