Project aim
The InTraRed project aims to foster the innovation management within SMEs through the building of new learning partnerships between the world of work and the world of VET provision.
Project Overview
After years of economic and political crisis, resilient economic growth has returned to Europe, unemployment is falling and Europe is ready to set the foundations for its future. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs are crucial for identifying new avenues to more sustainable and inclusive growth because of their twin roles in creating and diffusing innovation and providing employment.
VET providers are the key educational bridge between education and SMEs, and the InTraRed project will focus on building robust and sustainable learning partnerships between both sectors in pursuit of excellence in innovation management. VET providers are best placed to develop and implement the bespoke resources necessary to support this rapidly developing area.
Project Objectives
The InTraRed project will look at building the innovation management of SMEs through active engagement with VET professionals. VET providers are the key educational bridge between SMEs and education. There is often a fragmentation in the innovation management process within companies and the onus is on VET providers as key education stakeholders to address it. In response to this fragmentation the InTraRed project will develop and provide:
- a blended innovation management curriculum for SMEs that recognises the time and human resources available within SMEs
- an in-service training programme for VET professionals to support them in delivering the new curriculum resources and coaching SMEs through the innovation management process.
- an observatory of best practice to understand the meaning of innovation and disruption, and learn about what kind of people lead innovation in today’s business world across each partner country
- a dynamic online platform that facilitates mobile, on-demand learning and a thought provoking policy paper on the theme of innovation in the age of disruption informed by the project's implementation activities.
Partners
University of the Peloponnese
The University of the Peloponnese was established in 2000. It has its headquarters in Tripoli and is developed at the level of integrated schools in six cities of the region of the Peloponnese (Tripolis, Sparta, Corinth, Kalamata, Nafplio and Patras). It offers studies in all cycles of learning: undergraduate, postgraduate and Doctoral as well as Life Long Learning and VET activities.
UoP is dynamically involved (either as a leader or as a partner) in a considerable number of national and international R&D projects (150 competitive research projects in progress: 68 internationally and 79 nationally funded projects, as Horizon 2020, Erasmus+, Programs of National Strategic Reference Framework and many others). The University has developed close links and cooperation with a large number of national and international entities such as Ministries, Regions, Municipalities, Chambers, Institutes, Research Centers, private charities etc., international organizations (e.g. EU, OECD, UNESCO, World Bank) as well as other state organizations (e.g. Ministries of Education) or academic and research institutions (e.g. University of Cambridge, The Institute of Education, King’s College, University of Oslo, University of Cyprus, University of Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona, Berlin Free University etc.) through agreements aimed at encouraging the transfer and exchange of knowledge, the creation of long-term partnerships and opportunities and the promotion of research, innovation and entrepreneurship.
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Meath Partnership
Meath Partnership is a not-for-profit organisation responsible for the design and implementation of local, rural and community development programmes in County Meath, Ireland. We specialise in building the capacity of local communities through the design and implementation of a range of projects and programmes tackling persistent incidence of exclusion and disadvantage. We are also responsible for the implementation of the LEADER Rural Development Programme in our territory, and focus on improving the economic, social and cultural quality of life through the creation of sustainable rural communities in County Meath through the provision of capital investment, training opportunities and mentoring support for the development and expansion of micro-enterprises, social enterprise and local businesses. We hold charitable status and currently employ 27 full-time staff.
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Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia (CCIS)
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia (CCIS) provides essential services for enterprises operating in Slovenia, and it is the ideal local partner for foreign investors. The CCIS was founded more than 160 years ago and now has 7,000 member companies of all sizes and from all regions. It is a non-profit, non-governmental, independent business organization representing the interest of its members and is Slovenia's most influential business association. CCIS unites under its roof 24 branch associations representing all sectors of Slovenian Economy. CCIS operates a network of 13 regional chambers.
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Innovation Training Center (ITC)
Innovation Training Center (ITC) is a training and consultancy organization based in Palma de Mallorca (ES) who offers a wide range of services regarding innovative materials and services (R+D+I approach) to promote innovation in learning, entrepreneurship and support to start ups with a focus in tourism and service sector.
It is based in PARC BIT (ParcBit, Parc Balear d'innovació tecnològica, www.parcbit.es) a specific park to promote innovation in ICT for companies and SMEs mainly focusing on those of the Tourism sector. Its consolidation and experience has allowed them to create a specific R & D department for the development and implementation of Innovation projects. Its interdisciplinary team of experts has participated and managed a wide range of R & D projects and has built an intensive networking experience with various private and public organisations: governmental institutions, technology centres and public research organizations at local, regional, national, European and international level.
ITC counts on a team of middle-aged and also senior workers very motivated and full of innovative and creative ideas that may not only provide good deliverables but also provide their input towards the sustainability and the further exploitation of the project results.
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MCAST
Established in 2001, the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology is Malta’ s leading vocational education and training institution. It is committed to provide universally accessible vocational and professional education and training with an international dimension, responsive to the needs of the individual and the economy.
Every year, MCAST provides training opportunities to over 6,000 full-time students. The college spans over six Institutes
- Institute of Applied Sciences
- Institute for the Creative Arts
- Institute of Engineering and Transport
- Institute of Business Management and Commerce
- Institute of Community Services
- Institute of Information and Communication Technology
INNOVADE LI
INNOVADE LI LTD is an SME based in Cyprus, with a team of professionals with several years of experience in entrepreneurship, innovation, startup development, entrepreneurship eco system development and culture infusion, adult and vocational training, financial management, forensic consulting, strategic visioning, business evaluation, business development, performance improvement, use of technology to affect positive change, and academic development and training. INNOVADE works with organizations to help them streamline technological advancements and develop and use productivity, communication and marketing tools into their processes to ensure that they improve performance, and increase their profitability. Its core objective is to continually adapt to new ideas, technologies, and operational methodologies as they relate to the needs of its clients and the current operational and business eco-system with particular focus on the social progress of the youth. INNOVADE is interested in the healthy development of new businesses and it is involved in various local and regional initiatives that promote (social) entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity especially among young people.
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