As part of the continued development of the SustainX support framework, consortium partners conducted the phase two methodology validation on 3 December during the consortium meeting in the Canary Islands. These activities focused on refining the methodology for supporting SMEs and previewing the practical tools that will be used throughout the programme. This phase represents a key milestone in ensuring that the SustainX approach is both relevant and responsive to the real needs and innovation potential of small and medium-sized enterprises across partner regions.
The validation process involved SMEs from the Canary Islands as well as members of the SustainX Advisory Board, whose combined perspectives provided a comprehensive review of the proposed methodology and tools. Through the activity, SMEs engaged directly with consortium experts to evaluate the practicality of the approach, discuss its applicability, and offer feedback on materials designed to guide companies through innovation mapping, capability assessment, and internationalisation pathways. At the same time, Advisory Board members contributed their strategic insights, helping ensure that the SustainX methodology meets high standards of quality, relevance, and long-term impact.
This joint validation activity allowed partners to observe how SMEs interpret and use the SustainX tools in real scenarios, identify areas requiring simplification or clarification, and make targeted adjustments to improve usability. Discussions also highlighted key challenges faced by SMEs—particularly in digitalisation, sustainability transitions, and cross-border innovation—which were essential for fine-tuning the support instruments. Feedback from both SMEs and the Advisory Board showed the need for clearer examples, more tailored guidance, and sector-specific indicators to ensure maximum effectiveness.
The outcomes of this validation phase will play an important role in shaping the phase two implementation that will be rolled out in each partner region in the coming months. Through phase two, SMEs will receive:
- Personalised support and tailored training, adapted to their sector and maturity level;
- Support in identifying international partners for innovation and collaboration;
- Assistance in building consortia for European funding opportunities;
- Guidance in accessing suitable financing sources, including national, European, and private instruments.
The successful engagement with both SMEs and the Advisory Board reinforces the strength of the SustainX approach and ensures that the tools developed are not only conceptually robust but also practical, accessible, and capable of generating measurable innovation outcomes. By integrating direct feedback from companies and expert oversight from the Advisory Board, SustainX partners are enhancing the project’s ability to support regional innovation ecosystems and help SMEs progress from early ideas to competitive, investment-ready European projects.
