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“Digital Advisors” programme
Published on 01 June 2020
Spain
This is the good practice's implementation level. It can be national, regional or local.
About this good practice
Spain has been successful in tackling the recession, particularly regarding the development of the digitisation of the industry. Looking into Spain’s digitisation development of the last years (2016-2018), there has been a constant improvement and Spain has surpassed the EU average. In particular, Spain has advanced in terms of digital public services and e-government and the integration of digital technology. However, one of the biggest challenges remains in reaching SMEs and support their digitization development.
Digital Advisors programme is aimed at promoting the digital transformation of Spanish SMEs through individualized advice by specialized agents. This service is focusing on the realization of a Digitalization Plan for the incorporation of ICT in its processes (business management, relationship with third parties, electronic commerce, digitalization of services and solutions).
The program includes a diagnosis of the state of digitalization of SMEs and an action plan for its digital transformation.
On the one hand, beneficiaries are SMEs which can receive a grant up to 5,000 EUR per SME. And, on the other hand, beneficiaries are digital advisors, who have to register at the database of programme to provide this individualized advice.
Digital Advisors programme is aimed at promoting the digital transformation of Spanish SMEs through individualized advice by specialized agents. This service is focusing on the realization of a Digitalization Plan for the incorporation of ICT in its processes (business management, relationship with third parties, electronic commerce, digitalization of services and solutions).
The program includes a diagnosis of the state of digitalization of SMEs and an action plan for its digital transformation.
On the one hand, beneficiaries are SMEs which can receive a grant up to 5,000 EUR per SME. And, on the other hand, beneficiaries are digital advisors, who have to register at the database of programme to provide this individualized advice.
Expert opinion
Digitalization is high on EU policy makers' agenda and is fundamental to the success of top companies in the world. The same applies to SMEs. In order to stay competitive in today's economy, all companies need to digitalize. It is no more a choice, but rather an obligation. Therefore, SMEs must get funding and consulting to start their digitalization journey.
This is precisely why the Digital Advisors programme is necessary. The programme is set up as a voucher scheme – companies can spend 5000 Euros for digitalization advisory services. Vouchers are an attractive tool for policymakers because of their flexibility, lightness, and potential impact on target groups.
The practice has a high replicability value. Other regions seeking to support digitalization of SMEs could set up a similar network of advisors and provide a small financial incentive through a voucher scheme to encourage SMEs to start their digitalization process.
This is precisely why the Digital Advisors programme is necessary. The programme is set up as a voucher scheme – companies can spend 5000 Euros for digitalization advisory services. Vouchers are an attractive tool for policymakers because of their flexibility, lightness, and potential impact on target groups.
The practice has a high replicability value. Other regions seeking to support digitalization of SMEs could set up a similar network of advisors and provide a small financial incentive through a voucher scheme to encourage SMEs to start their digitalization process.
Works at
Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platform
Resources needed
The budget for this programme is EUR 5 million, it´s financed by the ERDF and co-financed by the Operational Program for Smart Growth.
Red.es allocates up to 80% of the costs of specialized advisory services, with a max amount of 5,000 € per SME. The SMEs must co-finance at least the remaining 20%
Red.es allocates up to 80% of the costs of specialized advisory services, with a max amount of 5,000 € per SME. The SMEs must co-finance at least the remaining 20%
Evidence of success
267 Spanish SMEs are presently participating in the programme (133 are specifically from Andalusia). These SMEs are receiving financial support of up to 5.000 EUR for the contracting of advisory services in the digitalization of their business.
Moreover, there are 79 enterprises registered as Digital Advisors.
The Digital Economy and Society Index (elaborated by the European Commission) for 2018 report highlights the work carried out by the Red.es with programs such as Digital Advisors.
Moreover, there are 79 enterprises registered as Digital Advisors.
The Digital Economy and Society Index (elaborated by the European Commission) for 2018 report highlights the work carried out by the Red.es with programs such as Digital Advisors.
Potential for learning or transfer
The Spanish government (through the public entity RED.ES) launched a grant programme to promote the Digital Transformation of SME. This good practice is easily transferable to any region or EU member state. The entity responsible of the programme, through a general invitation, prepares a list of providers of digital advice services: Registry of Advisors. For the incorporation to this Registry of Advisors, an application must be submitted.
This programme is an efficient way to transfer funds to SMEs to initiate their digital transformation process. So, SMEs can obtain a specialized and personalized advice service that is specified in the realization of a Digitalization Plan for the incorporation of ICTs in SME processes.
Any SME which wants to participate in the program must send all the required documentation in the call.
This programme is an efficient way to transfer funds to SMEs to initiate their digital transformation process. So, SMEs can obtain a specialized and personalized advice service that is specified in the realization of a Digitalization Plan for the incorporation of ICTs in SME processes.
Any SME which wants to participate in the program must send all the required documentation in the call.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
Ministry of Energy, Tourism and the Digital Agenda
Spain
Comunidad de Madrid
Contact
Project Technician