In today’s economic and technological context, sustainable innovation and digitalization are becoming essential elements for the competitiveness of SMEs. Within the SustainX program, three training sessions were organized to support the development of innovation, sustainability, and strategic skills for SME representatives and key actors from the regional and European innovation ecosystem. The events brought together experts from academia, industry, and innovation consultancy, providing participants with access to practical examples, applied tools, and strategic perspectives on sustainable development and digital transformation.
Funding Sustainable Innovation – December 12, 2025
The first training session, organized onsite, focused on “Funding Sustainable Innovation” and introduced participants to the concepts of sustainable innovation and their application in the business environment. Participants explored how sustainability can be integrated into business models and SME project development, through concrete examples and strategic approaches for companies aiming to develop products, services, or processes with long-term positive impact. A strong emphasis was placed on funding opportunities available at both national and European levels for sustainable innovation projects. During the session, participants learned about the main existing funding instruments, how they can be accessed, and how they can be integrated into sustainability-oriented and responsible development projects.
The invited speakers were:
- Elena Lidia Alexa – Associate Professor PhD, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași;
- Sebastian Maxineasa – Lecturer PhD Eng., “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași;
- Irina Robuleț – European Funding Expert;
- Adelina Marinescu – Senior Innovation Manager.
Through its practical and multidisciplinary approach, the training provided participants with a clear understanding of how sustainability and innovation can become competitive advantages for SMEs.
(Digital) Business Model Innovation – February 12, 2026
The second session, organized online, was dedicated to business model innovation and provided participants with a practical introduction to modern tools for business model design and development. The “(Digital) Business Model Innovation” training covered topics such as the Business Model Canvas, value chain development, technology maturity concepts (TRL/IRL/MRL), and innovation support instruments. Participants worked on concrete examples and interactive exercises, gaining a better understanding of how innovative ideas can be transformed into viable business models and scalable innovation projects.
The session also provided relevant information about innovation support mechanisms, SME support ecosystems, and the importance of intellectual property protection in business development and scaling processes. The event was delivered by Manuel Seuffert, Manager at Kearney | IMP³ROVE. The interactive format of the training encouraged active participation and knowledge exchange among participants, contributing to a more applied perspective on digital and strategic innovation.
Innovation Strategy – March 27, 2026
The third training session, organized onsite, focused on innovation strategies and the role of innovation ecosystems in SME development and regional collaboration. The session was designed both for SMEs involved in the SustainX program and for representatives of universities, innovation hubs, and public and private organizations interested in strengthening innovation ecosystems. The training provided participants with practical tools and strategic perspectives on innovation processes, with a particular focus on the integration of artificial intelligence into innovation activities and on the role of collaboration in building sustainable and competitive ecosystems.
Discussions highlighted the importance of cooperation between academia, industry, and innovation support organizations, as well as the need to develop strategies adapted to current technological and economic challenges.
The invited speakers were:
- Neculai Bagiu – Innovation Manager, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași;
- Jakow Smirin – CEO, Startplatz AI Hub;
- Kristaps Banga – Senior Innovation Strategy Executive, MERIT Industry senior expert, and RTU PhD researcher.
The event facilitated the exchange of best practices and international experiences, offering participants an updated perspective on trends in innovation and digital transformation.
Through the organization of these three training sessions, SustainX contributes to strengthening innovation and sustainability skills among SMEs enrolled in the program and supports the consolidation of a regional ecosystem focused on collaboration, digitalization, and responsible innovation. At the same time, the events created a valuable framework for connecting actors from academia, business, and innovation environments, supporting the development of long-term impactful initiatives.
