The SustainX project kicks off 2026 by reinforcing its commitment to hands-on capacity building for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Europe. Following the preparatory and validation phases completed in late 2025, the first on-site training sessions began in mid-November and have been rolling out progressively across all partner regions. This first round of face-to-face training will be completed in all territories by early February, marking the start of the structured delivery of the SustainX training activities at regional level.
These initial regional training sessions are delivered in person and focus on sustainable innovation as a driver of competitiveness and growth. Through a combination of seminars and interactive workshops, participating SMEs are introduced to practical tools and frameworks that support the green and digital transition. The training addresses environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability, helping companies integrate these aspects into their innovation processes in a structured and actionable way.
Beyond knowledge transfer, the regional rollout serves a dual strategic purpose. On the one hand, it allows the consortium to identify region-specific technical capacity gaps and common challenges faced by SMEs operating in different innovation ecosystems. On the other hand, it contributes to building a trusted regional environment for collaboration among companies with shared interests, supporting the emergence of connections relevant for future participation in European value chains.
This first on-site training session is part of a broader, multi-step training and capacity-building process within SustainX. Building on the outcomes of this initial face-to-face engagement, each partner region will organise a second on-site training session, complemented by a
regional virtual session tailored to local needs and sectoral priorities. Together, these activities form a coherent learning pathway designed to support SMEs at different stages of maturity.
In parallel, SMEs will continue to develop their skills and exchange experiences through IMP³ROVE virtual sessions, combined with peer-to-peer learning activities that encourage cross-company dialogue and mutual learning. This blended learning approach—combining on-site training, virtual sessions, and peer interaction—ensures continuity, flexibility, and practical relevance, supporting SMEs as they strengthen their innovation capacities and prepare for subsequent stages of engagement within the SustainX programme.
