As part of the SustainX initiative to accelerate innovation capacity across European regions, a two-day intensive training event was hosted in Greece on May 13–14, 2025. Delivered by Manuel Seuffert from the IMP³ROVE – European Innovation Management Academy, the session brought together business advisors, innovation intermediaries, and ecosystem actors eager to sharpen their consulting and facilitation skills.

The training, held under the theme “Business Advisor Skills and Action Plan Development for Innovation”, focused on equipping participants with practical tools to effectively support SMEs through innovation journeys. It combined theory with hands-on exercises, fostering both individual reflection and peer collaboration.

Day 1: Enhancing Business Advisor Competencies

The first day centered on understanding what makes a great business advisor. Through breakout sessions and guided discussions, participants explored key skill sets such as client engagement, interviewing techniques, impactful communication, and strategic consulting. The STOKE model for powerful presentations and the importance of relationship-based advisory approaches were also key highlights.

Day 2: From Problem-Solving to Sustainable Action Plans

The second day focused on structured problem-solving and innovation management assessment. Using real-case scenarios and IMP³ROVE benchmarking reports, attendees learned how to formulate hypotheses, analyze findings, and build actionable recommendations.

The training concluded with a session led by Fundación Santa Cruz, which introduced the Sustainable Business Model Canvas, linking innovation strategy with sustainability goals. Participants explored success cases from various Smart Specialisation Sectors (S3) and worked on designing circular and impactful business models aligned with green and digital transition priorities.