BOCOD Project Partners Gather in Finland to Advance Digital and Business Succession Solutions for Rural SMEs

Over the course of the three-day workshop, partners reviewed the outcomes of extensive research that mapped support resources available across each country. Participants evaluated the strengths, gaps, and transferability of various policies, tools, and funding mechanisms. These findings will inform the development of targeted tools and strategies under Work Package 2 (Digital Tools) and Work Package 3 (Business Transfer and Succession Planning).
Hosted by the University of Oulu’s Kerttu Saalasti Institute and MicroENTRE, the meeting featured presentations from regional stakeholders, including local entrepreneurs and municipal representatives from Liminka. Site visits offered insights into rural innovation and community-driven development models.
The next phase of the project, running through Autumn/Winter 2025, will focus on gathering input from rural entrepreneurs and business support organisations via surveys, focus groups, and interviews. This engagement will ensure that BOCOD’s outputs respond directly to real-world needs and help close gaps identified during the Oulu meeting.