Business2030 - Supporting sustainable development in SMEs

Project partners observed a lack of concrete, clear and tailored tools for supporting SMEs and BSOs when it comes to environmental sustainability. In line with the EU “SMEs strategy for a sustain...

Considering the background of this proposal, the general objective of the project as to develop simple to use and effective tools aimed at upskilling staff members of BSOs and SMEs so that in turn they will actively engage in the sustainable transition. SO1: To develop professional skills of the staff of SMEs and of the organizations providing support to SMEs (BSOs), with a special focus on environmental sustainability; SO2: To support SMEs and BSOs in self-assessing their needs with regards to environmental sustainability and take action to reduce their impact; SO3: To increase capacity building of SMEs and BSOs and better address their staff needs and synergies with VET providers; SO4: To develop structured guidelines for involvement of SMEs and all stakeholders in their sustainability transition; SO5: To develop guidelines to support VET providers’ ecosystems and the way they engage with stakeholders and in particular the labour market actors; SO6: To create aware, sustainable and connected learning and working communities able to generate educational and business value and local growth through sustainable strategies. All the original objectives of the project have been met.

The work plan and activities of the project were designed to ensure the effective achievement of the results and objectives, and covered all activities necessary for this purpose: preparation, implementation, communication, and dissemination, as well as cross-cutting activities related to management and quality. Phase 0: Preparation (prior to project submission) Before the submission of the project, a preliminary research was conducted to collect relevant information regarding the readiness of SMEs and BSOs in the field of environmental sustainability. All project partners were involved in the design phase (several online meetings were organized) to establish a common ground for working. Phase 1: Kick-off and collection of data (M1-M5) - R1 During the preparation phase of the project, a research was conducted in the 4 partner countries that carried out the pilot activity and at the European level to analyze the training gaps and identify the areas to be improved addressed by the Self-assessment tool. A desk and field research were carried out in each country involving stakeholders and setting the basis (Joint report) for the next phase. Phase 2: Implementation - Elaboration of Business2030 Self-assessment Tool SO2-3 (M46-M10) - R1 Based on the research report developed in the previous phase, the project partners worked together to produce the methodology and develop the content that constituted the Business2030 Self-assessment Tool, which was then translated into the 4 languages of the project partners. All partners participated in the development of the Tool under the leadership of People 2050. The finalized tool was administered to the SMEs and BSOs. Phase 3: Implementation - Production of the Toolkit and development of the platform SO1-3-4-6 (M11-M20) - R2&R3 By analyzing the results emerging from the Self-Assessment Tool, project partners proceeded with the production of the toolkit in parallel with the development of the platform for the MOOC. The delivery of the first version was planned for M16. Following this, the platform was integrated with the Self-Assessment Tool and the toolkit content. Then all partners worked on populating the platform and promoting the participation of learners (M15-M20). The full and operational version of the platform (second milestone) was planned for M20 and hosted the training course based on R2 addressed to SMEs and BSOs staff. Phase 4: Implementation - Piloting of the MOOC SO1-6 (M21-M23) - R3 In order to ensure the proper conduct of the training activities, we had planned the involvement of 2 tutors for each organization that would carry out the pilot action in support of learners: these were trained on the use of the platform and toolkit during the LTTA scheduled in Marseille in M18. The pilot action involved at least 10 participants in each partner country who completed the MOOC. Phase 5: Implementation - Analysis of results, update and production of the Framework SO3-4-5 (M22-M28) R4 Partners analyzed the results of the pilot action which formed the basis for the Framework thanks to a cross-analysis with the results of the research and the Self-assessment Tool. An entry and exit questionnaire to the MOOC were proposed to participants to collect qualitative and quantitative data. CCIFM then coordinated the development of the framework, the guidelines, and the policy recommendations. In this phase, if needed, the platform and the MOOC were updated. Transversal phase A: Management and Quality Assurance (M1-M28) All partners performed actions aimed at ensuring the proper management of the project and the quality of results (please see management and monitoring sections) Transversal phase B: Communication and promotion of project results (M1-M28) All partners widely promoted and exploited the results of the project among European stakeholders beyond the partnership.

Business2030 aimed to upskill both the staff of SMEs and of the organizations providing support and training and at giving them the necessary skills and tools for guiding the sustainable transformation. To support organizations and SMEs facing demanding challenges and helping them shape new sustainable development paths, the Project planned to implement 4 results aimed at accelerating the transition. In order to achieve the aforementioned objects, the following specific results would be produced: - R1 Business2030 Sustainability Self-Assessment Tool The tool aimed to help organizations determine their performance across the major areas of sustainability. It is a tool for investigating SME sustainability performance (i.e., environmental stewardship, labor and management practices, product responsibility etc.) It focuses on the SME internal policies and practices and reveal where existing practices supported sustainability and where improvement was needed. The creation of the Self-Assessment Tool was based on an initial research needed to analyze the current specific needs of SMEs and BSOs in each context. Project result 1 supported the achievement of the project specific objectives 2 and 3. - R2 Business2030 Online Toolkit for VET providers Based on the results emerging from the self-assessment tool, the partnership selects the most relevant areas to be developed and would design a toolkit aimed at providing VET providers and BSOs staff with efficient tools for supporting the green transitions of SMEs. The toolkit includes original and innovative material developed by the partnership as well as Open Educational Resources (OERs). The final toolkit resulted in an open course for SMEs and BSO. Project result 2 addresses the specific objectives 1, 3, and 4. - R3 Business2030 MOOC Both the Self-assessment tool and the toolkit was integrated into an online platform that serves for the delivering of the online course. The Business2030 MOOC would guarantee accessibility, sustainability, and scalability of project results: the format of the course, online and self-paced, allowed for replicability of the course during the project and beyond its duration. Moreover, the open format allowed for integration and future updates making it possible to deliver further courses to SMEs and BSOs staff. Project result 3 supported the specific objectives 1 and 6. In addition, the Business2030 project produced the following outcomes: - at least 5 SMEs and BSOs external to the partnership in each country involved in the project activities (research and testing, consultation) - at least 10 SMEs and BSOs staff members trained through the MOOC in each country - realization of the project website and graphic identity - creation of promotional material (in English and national languages) for increasing the visibility of the project - organization of one multiplier event in each country for the direct involvement of stakeholders at local/regional/national level - creation of synergies at transnational level between several actors that might result in future collaboration and opportunities both in the educational and professional sector - at least 2 staff members per partner organizations taking part in a transnational training mobility aimed at acquiring skills to support SMEs and BSOs.