WORTH partnership project II "Innovation through creativity" report

WORTH Partnership Project is an initiative of the European Commission funded recently through the COSME programme for competitiveness of the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Its main objective is to strengthen the competitiveness of the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in lifestyle industries and increase their innovation capacities through a cross-sectoral, pan-European collaboration between designers, SMEs/manufacturers, crafters, start-ups, and technology providers to drive innovation and deploy creative, technology-related and entrepreneurial skills among SMEs, and designers in particular. The WORTH Partnership Project is designed to be a catalyser for innovation in SMEs in Europe, especially in the design and creative sectors. Throughout the promotion of transnational collaborations, the project facilitates innovation in product/services' development, new business models and solutions that combine creativity, functionality, and sustainability. WORTH Partnership Pilot Project was launched in 2013 as part of the European Union's effort to strengthen competitiveness and innovation in the SMEs. Initially, the project arose from the need to boost collaboration between different actors in the fashion, design, and manufacturing sectors - areas that traditionally face challenges related to innovation, sustainability, and internationalisation. Since it was launched, the project has been supporting SMEs in the development of innovative and creative products, services, and business ideas through transnational collaboration partnerships with SMEs from other countries.