DEBUTING

Our name is our mission: we debut with a new issue, gender equality as an SME competitiveness factor, addressed in a new way, via clusters, in a policy context.

Among SMEs, the business rationale behind gender equality is not widely recognized. And when it is, the businesses are faced with the question “how to do it in practice”. There is an undeniable need for capacity building for SMEs to develop gender-inclusive business models and a gender-friendly work culture.

The policy level needs to create better framework to support SMEs stay competitive, innovative and  able to create new market opportunities with a more inclusive approach. Clusters, as recognized agents of change, are a perfect tool to support SMEs to adopt such measures, being key actors in the design and implementation of the Smart Specialisation Strategies.

Why Gender Equality and Inclusiveness Matter in the Business Context?

Increased profitability

Studies show, that inclusive companies with an even gender distribution have higher profitability and are more successful in the long term.

Increased innovation, creativity and better decision making

More diverse group means access to different ideas and approaches, increasing innovation and creativity. Increased diversity leads to better decision-making, problem solving and innovative power as well as growth in creativity.

Attracting and retaining competent employees

Today, many job seekers prioritize equality and inclusion when choosing an employer. Companies with equal gender distribution have lower employee turnover: they are better in retaining their employees and valuable skills: creating a good working environment where everyone feels welcome helps retaining talent.

An inclusive workplace is also more likely to have more committed and loyal employees - who feel a higher degree of trust and satisfaction in their work. Absence from work due to sickness is also lower.

Gender equality and social sustainability

Inclusive culture helps create a positive reputation and trust with customers, partners and society at large. Social sustainability is an important part of corporate responsibility - companies can and should take an active role in building a more equal and inclusive society, while contributing to promoting gender equality and securing the skills of the future.

Project Consortium and Activities

DEBUTING involves 12 partners from 11 regions determined to make a change in their policy instruments through the project. The project partners are: 

• Region Värmland, Sweden (Lead Partner)
• Karlstad University, Sweden
• Regional Council of Lapland, Finland
• Regional Development Agency (RDA) North-West, Romania
• ecoplus. The Business Agency of Lower Austria, Austria
• Prime Minister's Office, Hungary
• ART-ER Joint Stock Consortium Company, Italy
• Navarra Development Agency (SODENA), Spain
• Pomorskie Voivodeship, Poland
• Grand E-nov+, France
• RegioClusterAgentur BW, Germany
• Ungheni City Hall, Moldova

The project activities include e.g. the following:

• 28 interregional policy learning events
• minimum 23 good practices exchanged
• 85 regional stakeholder group meetings involving 103 organisations

Our ambition goes beyond the project, aiming to put the learnings and the collaborative relations developed at the service of a Smarter Europe.