A recently published study, in which Prognos was involved, investigated whether the effectiveness of public innovation support in the EU has improved since 2009. What are the biggest obstacles for SMEs? How satisfied are SMEs with the support they receive? Where aregaps in innovation support? How effective are the measures funded under the EU's Horizon 2020 funding program? To answer these and other questions, the study took a close look at the wide range of EU funding instruments for SMEs. Recommendations for policy action emerge based on the analysis. Obstacles to innovation require an improved strategy The study's findings were identified using a variety of methods: a topic-centered literature review, stakeholder interviews, an online survey, and an evaluation of six INNOSUP actions. The literature review identified various barriers to innovation faced by SMEs. These include difficulties in financing, but also in recruiting skilled workers, as well as organizational hurdles caused by a lack of experience or expertise. Often there is a lack of market knowledge and the partner network is too small. Bureaucratic hurdles have to be overcome and knowledge and technology transfer is insufficient. Depending on how SMEs innovate – whether through R&D or through practical learning and interaction with other actors – different barriers come into play. To address the barriers to innovation, the EU 2020 developed An SME Strategy for a Sustainable and Digital Europe. Online surveys revealed a differentiated picture Two anonymous online surveys targeted European SMEs on the one hand, and regional, national and European innovation support actors on the other. 2176 SMEs and 498 in-novation intermediaries participated in the surveys. Regional differences emerged during the evaluation. For example, SMEs in Southern and Eastern Europe face greater challenges than companies in Northern and Central Europe. For micro-enterprises, the biggest innovation hurdle is a lack of funding. They often lack information about financing options, new technologies and regulations. Since they are less likely than other companies to receive public funding, microenterprises are also less likely to be satisfied. However, if they do benefit from public support, they are more likely to appreciate it than other businesses. "Overall, SMEs are more likely to benefit from public support than microenterprises, and they are more innovative as a result. However, SMEs are more concerned with access to skilled labor than with financial assistance," says Prognos project manager Jan-Philipp Kramer. Positive evaluation of INNOSUP actions The study evaluated INNOSUP actions in terms of their relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, coherence and EU added value. Overall, a positive conclusion was drawn. The actions meet the needs of the beneficiaries, work well overall and contributed to improvements in the medium term. All INNOSUP actions created synergies with other national or EU programs. The cross-border elements were considered particularly valuable. Recommendations for policy makers Overall, the vast majority of SMEs (85%) are more satisfied with public support than in 2009 (47%). Nevertheless, innovation support measures should be communicated more strongly, especially in member countries that only joined the EU from 2004 onwards. Procedures should be simplified and harmonized. Further recommendations with a view to the future can be found in the overall study. Project partners of the study The study "The Effectiveness of Public Innovation Support for SMEs in Europe" was commissioned by the EU Commission, DG GROW. In addition to Prognos, the project partners include the Centre for Strategy & Evaluation Services (CSES), the Centre for Industrial Studies (CSIL) and SME Research. To the study (Website EU Commssion) Authors: Jan-Philipp Kramer, Janis Neufeld, Marie-Kristin Komendzinski and Thomas Stehnken Our work on this topic Take a look at our latest projects and activities. European Cluster Panorama Report 2024 2024 | Project update Cluster organisations have a significant positive influence on the green and digital transformation. This is a key finding of the Cluster Panorama Report 2024, which Prognos compiled for the European Commission. Read more European cluster ecosystems united 2024 | Project update The European Cluster Conference is a key element of cluster collaboration. It focuses on political priorities, the exchange of best practices and practical contacts across a comprehensive EU-wide network. Read more 2nd Cohesion for Transitions Conference & Meetings 4. - 5. June 2024 | Event Our colleagues are travelling to the conference as part of their work for the Cohesion for Transitions (C4T) platform and are chairing both a meeting of the science network and a working group. Read more Clusters meet Regions 18. - 19. June 2024 | Event As part of our work for the European Cluster Collaboration Platform (ECCP), Dr Jan-Philipp Kramer presents a paper on the cluster landscape in Styria, with a focus on the green and digital transformation in the region. Read more Scenarios for calculating the cost of Germany’s transport transition 2024 | Project What level of investment will be required to ensure a climate-neutral transport sector by 2045? We calculated this on behalf of Agora Verkehrswende, based on three scenarios. Read more Developing the Rhein-Kreis Neuss economic development strategy 2024 | Project Rhein-Kreis Neuss is focusing on more innovative economic development to strengthen its business location. Prognos was instrumental in the development of the new strategy. Read more Decarbonisation of the automotive industry 2024 | Project Digitalisation, decarbonisation, electrification: The German automotive industry faces major challenges. Prognos led the accompanying research to the carbon assessment of the auto industry value chain, on behalf of the BMWK. Read more Training On The Entrepreneurial Discovery Process (EDP) & Governance Of Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3) 15. - 19. April 2024 | Event Dr Jan-Philipp Kramer will be a speaker on the opening panel on "The role of the Entrepreneurial Discovery Process (EDP) in smart specialisation" and will give input on the positioning of the Entrepreneurial Discovery Process in politics and on EDP-related communication in two further presentations. Read more Spring workshop of the AK Structural Policy of DeGEval 25. - 26. April 2024 | Event Dr Jan-Philipp Kramer will give a presentation on "Theory-based (impact) evaluations in a comprehensive evaluation approach - an experience report from the accompanying evaluation in ERDF-NRW 2014-2020" at the spring workshop of the DeGEval Structural Policy Working Group. Read more Harnessing Talent Platform: Technical support in progress 2024 | Project update The Harnessing Talent Platform supports selected regions within the EU that are particularly affected by demographic change and the brain drain. The technical support that Prognos is providing in some regions has now been launched with kick-off meetings. Read more European Cluster Conference 2024 7. - 8. May 2024 | Event The European Cluster Conference 2024 brings the key players in the European cluster economy together in one place. The Prognos team around Head of EU-Services Dr Jan-Philipp Kramer is providing input both as part of our work for the European Cluster Collaboration Platform and for the NRW.innovativ competence centre. Read more KreativLand Baden-Württemberg 2024 | Project Creatives in the countryside? As scientific partner in the model project KreativLand Baden-Württemberg, Prognos examined the status quo, the opportunities and the challenges facing creatives living and working outside of the urban centres and regions. Read more Clusters meet Regions 26. - 27. March 2024 | Event As part of our work for the European Cluster Collaboration Platform (ECCP), Dr Jan-Philipp Kramer presents an input paper on the cluster landscape of Lombardy, outlining important considerations for the future development of the region. Read more Electricity grid expansion makes headway 2020 | Project For over 15 years now Prognos has been bringing together the actors concerned by the expansion of the electricity grid and facilitating dialogue between them – from the Danish to the Swiss bor-der. Read more Support for the Just Transition Platform 2024 | Project Through the Just Transition Platform (JTP), the EU supports the member states and regions in achieving their climate targets in a fair manner. Prognos provided the JTP with in-depth analyses and knowledge management. Read more Electromobility standards 2024 | Project The electromobility of the future will interact with other intelligent systems. But for this to be possible digital technologies will have to be standardised. The study shows in which areas standardisation is particularly relevant and how standards are established. Read more Innovation Index Germany 2023 2024 | Project Once again, Prognos has compiled the Innovation Index Germany on behalf of the Vodafone Institute for Society and Communications. The index quantifies the impact the expansion of Germany’s digital infrastructure has had on its innovation strength. Read more EU Clusters Talk 21. February 2024 | Event Dr Jan-Philipp Kramer, Prognos Head of EU Services, on behalf of the European Cluster Collaboration Platform speaks about cluster policies in the EU at the EU Clusters Talk. Read more Status Report on the German Recycling Economy 2024 2024 | Project The 2024 Status Report gives a comprehensive picture of the whole Recycling Economy sector and its future challenges. Read more Alternative transport scenario for Germany 2024 | Project Environmental organisations have tasked Prognos with adapting selected assumptions from the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure transport forecasts to facilitate climate-friendly transport development. Read more Regional purchasing power of pensions 2023 | Project Where in Germany is retirement particularly cheap and where has it become more expensive than average? Prognos examined this for the German Insurance Industry Association. Read more Green light for the Rhineland-Palatinate Innovation Agency 2023 | Project The Rhineland-Palatinate Innovation Agency was co-developed by Prognos in 2022. Prognos has continued to support the innovation agency throughout the start of its operational work. Read more Circular economy in the northern Netherlands 2023 | Project Three provinces in the north of the Netherlands want to become leaders in the circular economy in Europe by 2025. Prognos examined the current status of implementation. Read more Indicators of equal living conditions ongoing | Project The establishment of equal living conditions in Germany is one of the goals being prioritised by the Federal Government. But how can the equivalence of living conditions be measured? Prognos develops a set of indicators. Read more Dossier: The role of clusters in regional transformation processes 2023 | Project update The dossier, which was created as part of the NRW.innovativ competence centre, highlights the role that cluster organisations play in the digital and green transformation in NRW. Read more Official start: Ten regions receive technical assistance from the EU 2023 | Project update Within the Harnessing Talent Platform, the European Commission has selected ten regions to receive technical assistance for securing skilled workers. Read more The potential of smart specialisation strategies 2023 | Project In collaboration with Prof. Dominique Foray, Prognos compiled a policy brief identifying the potential of smart specialisation strategies for driving forward structural transformation. Read more Communication support for the building of the 380 kV West Coast Line 2023 | Project The extension of the energy network lays the foundation for the energy transition. Since 2019, Prognos has been supporting transmission system operator TenneT TSO GmbH with their project communication concerning the establishment of the new West Coast transmission line in Schleswig-Holstein. Read more Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI) Conference 8. - 9. November 2023 | Event Hanne Hagedorn and Vera Wechner are participating in the first General Conference of the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI). This conference, organized by the European Commission, serves as a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas on how cities, regions, and their partners across Europe are already harnessing all the energy and ideas to promote the transition to a circular economy and stimulate social innovation. Read more The Circular Week 2023 24. - 25. October 2023 | Event From October 24th to 25th, Hanne Hagedorn will be in Warsaw for the Green Economy Network.NRW as part of the Circular Economy Week 2023. Read more Support for the Cohesion for Transitions platform ongoing | Project The EU’s C4T platform supports structurally weak regions in their transition to a carbon-free and resilient Europe. In this context, Prognos is responsible for establishing a scientific forum. Read more Securing skilled workers with the help of the Harnessing Talent Platform ongoing | Project DG Regio's new platform aims to help EU regions develop strategies to attract talent. Prognos is, among other things, leading the knowledge generation. Read more ERDF and Cohesion Fund monitoring data merged at EU level 2022 | Project The monitoring systems of the EU Member States provide reliable data. A database on all funded projects now enables an analysis at EU level. Read more Green electricity atlas Expertise What do the targets of the Renewable Energy Sources Act mean for the German regions? The Prognos Energieatlas shows the availability of green electricity – in all 400 districts and independent cities. Read more Clusters as boosters of regional development in Skåne 2023 | Project Clusters can function as a stimulus for innovation in industrial ecosystems. This is shown by a European Union’s European Cluster Collaboration Platform impulse paper that uses the Swedish coastal region of Skåne as a case study. Read more EU monitoring framework: Economic aspects of the circular economy 2023 | Project Prognos was commissioned to develop a methodological framework for the collection of economic data on the circular economy, climate change and bioeconomy and its regular automated processing. Read more A sustainable approach to raw materials in Eastern and Northern Finland 2023 | Project The services sector in this region is growing and is considered exceptionally innovative within the EU. Our input paper for a “Clusters meet Regions” event. Read more Efficient use of EU funding in Germany and France ongoing | Project The European Commission has commissioned an examination of the embedding of EU-funded financial instruments for regional development in Germany and France. Prognos is part of the study team. Read more Ressource efficiency in Bavaria ongoing | Project Efforts to reduce the consumption of resources in the Bavarian economy must be increased. A Prognos study provides information on the status quo and the starting points for savings. Read more Green Economy in Munich: Developments and potential 2023 | Project The green economy is an important economic factor for the city of Munich and its surrounding area. On behalf of the Bavarian capital, Prognos analysed the current situation and the development perspectives for the sector. Read more Cluster collaboration between the EU and Africa 2023 | Project Cooperation between the EU and Africa, which has intensified since 2000, warrants increased momentum. Prognos examined trade flows between the EU and South Africa, Senegal, and Kenya as well as the potential for further cooperation through cluster organisations. Read more Strengthening trade relations with Ukraine 2023 | Project “Clusters meet Regions” – Prognos examined trade relations between EU member states and Ukraine as well as potential for further cooperation. Read more Cluster Collaboration Lab Lund 2023 | Project Innovative business models for the future – this was the focus of the second edition of the Cluster Collaboration Lab in Lund, Sweden. Prognos provided the input paper for this interactive workshop. Read more Evaluation of the European Green Deal ongoing | Project How effective has the EU cohesion policy been in driving green change in Europe? This and other questions are being investigated jointly with COWI, Milieu, and CSIL, on behalf of the European Commission (DG REGIO). Read more Follow-up study on smart specialisation strategies in the EU 2023 | Project We evaluated the 185 smart specialisation strategies of the EU regions together with CSIL: A quantitative study for the EU Commission. Read more Increased climate benefits thanks to European waste management 2022 | Project What contribution does European waste management make to achieving the Paris climate agreement goals? Read more Innovation strategy for the Hamburg Metropolitan Region 2022 | Project Innovation is more and more frequently emerging across regions and industries. Together with IMP³ROVE, we developed a strategy for the Hamburg Metropolitan Region (MRH) including out-standing innovation projects. Read more Cost model for the disposal of single-use plastics 2022 | Project Manufacturers will have to pay the costs of collecting and disposing of single-use plastic products through a special levy. We developed a cost model for the Federal Environment Agency. Read more Clusters as drivers of regional development – Silesia 2022 | Project The third “Clusters meet Regions” event was dedicated to the Polish region of Silesia. An input paper for the European Cluster Collaboration Platform. Read more Innovation Index Germany 2022 2022 | Project How does the expansion of the digital infrastructure affect regional innovation strength? The IID.2022 provides clarification. Read more Adobe Stock - CleverStock About us Prognos – Providing Orientation. Prognos is one of the oldest economic research centres in Europe. Founded at the University of Basel, Prognos experts have been conducting research for a wide range of clients from the public and private sectors since 1959 – politically independent, scientifically sound. Learn more