SustainX is a strategic initiative designed to accelerate digital and green innovation in less developed European regions. With a focus on empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), SustainX aims to drive economic transformation and foster collaboration across Romania, Greece, Bulgaria, Latvia, and the Canary Islands.

About SustainX

SustainX addresses the unique challenges faced by SMEs in underdeveloped regions by enhancing their capabilities and supporting their transition to a sustainable, digital-first future. Through a collaborative approach that integrates digital tools and in-person engagement, the project fosters innovation and cross-sector cooperation, ensuring long-term economic growth and regional development. This European Union-funded initiative brings together a multidisciplinary consortium, leveraging expertise from diverse sectors to provide tailored support and practical resources for SMEs.

Key Objectives

1. Developing the internal capacities of SMEs, giving them the necessary tool to become competitive at European level.
2. Functioning as the epicenter of the regional digital innovation ecosystem in the partners region.
3. Supporting regional, interregional and international cooperation between the universities – public sector – private sector.
4. Transforming the partners region workforce into a highly digitized one, tailored to the needs of the sector with smart development potential. 

Program Impact

SustainX is structured to deliver both immediate and long-term benefits for SMEs and the broader innovation ecosystem. By facilitating knowledge transfer and technological adoption, the program aims to:

• Increase regional cohesion and economic stability.
• Accelerate the green and digital transition of participating regions.
• Boost the EU’s global competitiveness by fostering innovation in less developed areas.
• Promote cross-sector collaboration through interregional networks.

The program targets:

• 50 SMEs per region with needs assessments and tailored innovation strategies.
• 15 SMEs  identified per region with enhanced innovation capabilities.
• 70 innovation projects evaluated and supported.
• 20 interregional innovation projects facilitated through the EU I3 Instrument.
• 6 interregional partnerships established to foster collaboration.
• 1 comprehensive one-stop-shop offering personalized innovation support.

SustainX offers a comprehensive suite of services to help SMEs navigate their innovation journey:

• Access to finance: Support in preparing investment proposals and connecting with funding opportunities.
• Expanded networks: Facilitate connections with European innovation ecosystems and value chains.
• Training & mentoring: Deliver tailored programs on sustainability, digitalization, and innovation management.
• Personalized support: Provide customized assistance through the ‘one-stop-shop,’ including ESG impact assessment tools.
• Increasing competitiveness: Support for developing innovation capabilities and creating market ready projects.

SustainX unfolds in five strategic phases:

1. Kick-Off (Jan 2025 – Apr 2025) – Launch workshop introducing the program. SME needs assessment and competency mapping.
2. Capacity Building (May 2025 – Sept 2025) – Training sessions on innovation management and sustainability. Peer-to-peer learning events and individual coaching.
3. Innovation Project Development (Oct 2025 – Mar 2026) – Thematic workshops to identify digital and sustainable opportunities. Ecosystem mapping to connect with relevant partners. Support in the development of innovation plan.
4. Partnership Formation (Apr 2026 – Sept 2026) – Matchmaking events and interregional visits to foster collaborations. Engagement in the quadruple helix ecosystem (academia, industry, government, civil society).
5. Validation & Scaling (Oct 2026 – Dec 2026) – Presentation of projects to investors and partners. Development of individualized roadmaps for long-term growth.

Consortium Partners

• Digital Innovation Zone EDIH (Romania, consortium leader);
• Applied Research and Communications Fund (Bulgaria);
• Universitatea Tehnică „Gheorghe Asachi” din Iasi (Romania);
• Fundación Santa Cruz Sostenible (Spain – Canary Islands);
• iED – Institute of Entrepreneurship Development (Greece);
• IMP³ROVE (Germany);
• Latvijas Tehnoloģiskais centrs (Latvia).

Join the SustainX Journey

The SustainX program is a unique opportunity for SMEs to gain the knowledge, resources, and networks needed to thrive in the green and digital economy. With a comprehensive support framework and a collaborative approach, SustainX is paving the way for a more sustainable and innovative future.

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Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.