Outputs & Results

Target Circular addresses opportunities in the circular economy, how Business Support Organisations (BSOs) structure their services, and evidence regarding the specifics of what support increases SME success.

Introduction

SMEs, an in particular sustainability-focused ones, in the Northern Periphery and Arctic (NPA) face more challenges to achieving success than typical SMEs. Target Circular's objective is to create resources for, and upskill, Business Support Organisations (BSOs) and clusters in 3 areas: 1. Advising SMEs for success, 2. Identifying and elaborating circular opportunities, and 3. Shared Services and client learning.

1. Advising SMEs for success

Develop a knowledge base accessible to SMEs and their advisors to support new product and service idea generation in the circular economy through value networks and the potential for circular utilisation of resources in the NPA area.

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O1.1 Circular Economy Toolkit For Business Service Advisors

The toolkit provides advisors with structured, practical tools to guide this shift, including: Resource and material flow analysis, Analysis of tangible resources, Circular Business Model Canvas, and Circular economy advisory checklist.

2. Identifying and elaborating circular opportunities

Improve the service offered by business support organisations to SMEs by supporting the digitialisation of the client development and the strategic provision of shared services to clients.

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O2.1 Shared Service Suite Of Resources

Our jointly developed solution is a practical, evidence-based "Shared Service Suite" designed to help BSOs strengthen the support they provide to SMEs.

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O2.3 BSO Guide Digitising Client Learning

Five documents to guide BSOs use technology to upskill clients: 1. an overview, 2. a review of methodologies, 3. technical options to choose from, 4. example content, and 5. a how-to guide.

3. Shared Services and client learning

Support the rapid adoption of evidence-based entrepreneurial support by SME advisors and policymakers in NPA regions. Early adoption of this scientific approach has the potential to be a competitive advantage for SMEs in the NPA.

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O3.1 Bsos, Clusters, And HEI Jointly Piloting New Approaches To Supporting Smes

The pilots were all successful and well received by participants and observing stakeholders. The sequential nature of the approach led to significant changes to the format and method of delivery until the final Strategic Clarity Handbook.