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"Eco-innovation LT" - support for technological innovations and development of competences
Published on 10 September 2018
Lithuania
This is the good practice's implementation level. It can be national, regional or local.
About this good practice
"Eco-innovations LT" has been introduced as a public support instrument which funds the optimisation of the production cycle to help introduce greener technologies to the
manufacturing process or are planning to produce ecological products. The measure aims to reduce the negative impact of economic activities on the environment, to promote industrial symbiosis and ensure environmental protection. This could be achieved by introducing new eco-friendly technologies to SMEs.
The majority of manufacturing companies consider the implementation of new technologies or changes in manufacturing process as a high-risk investment, that require a lot of financial and human resources. As a consequence, they rather stay with traditional manufacturing than take the risk of innovation. Therefore, the "Eco-innovations LT" instrument was introduced to reduce that risk. The main benefit of this measure is that it provides grants not only for purchasing new technologies, but it also supports the development of employees’ competences. These two parts are essential and interdependent, because technologies could not be effectively exploited if employees lack of relevant skills. The measure encourages SMEs to more rationally use the resources, ensure pollution prevention and apply various eco-design measures.
manufacturing process or are planning to produce ecological products. The measure aims to reduce the negative impact of economic activities on the environment, to promote industrial symbiosis and ensure environmental protection. This could be achieved by introducing new eco-friendly technologies to SMEs.
The majority of manufacturing companies consider the implementation of new technologies or changes in manufacturing process as a high-risk investment, that require a lot of financial and human resources. As a consequence, they rather stay with traditional manufacturing than take the risk of innovation. Therefore, the "Eco-innovations LT" instrument was introduced to reduce that risk. The main benefit of this measure is that it provides grants not only for purchasing new technologies, but it also supports the development of employees’ competences. These two parts are essential and interdependent, because technologies could not be effectively exploited if employees lack of relevant skills. The measure encourages SMEs to more rationally use the resources, ensure pollution prevention and apply various eco-design measures.
Resources needed
This good practice requires a consultancy staff which could give professional advices for SMEs about eco-innovations. In Lithuania these services are provided by innovation agencies and technology parks. Also, the financial fund is needed, on average one SME receives 0,41 mln. euros.
Evidence of success
Since September 2017 56 enterprises have received funding from "Eco-innovations LT" measure, which have shared 23 mln. euros. Companies’ investment into technological and non-technological eco-innovations have increased by about 3% and it is expected that this figure will reach 10% until 2023. It is estimated that these investments into Eco-innovative technologies could reduce electricity consumption by one-third, and waste of manufacturing should fall by as much as 80%.
Potential for learning or transfer
- In many cases, each region probably has some kind of support measure which distinguish eco-innovations as the main priority area. However, the measure could contribute to the significant rate of success only in those cases when it provides grants for technological and non-technological eco-innovations. Therefore, it is important to include both of them – provide financing for the acquisition of new equipment and support employees trainings, technological audit services, consultation services.
- This kind of innovations require to put a lot of energy into persuasion of companies, that such changes could be beneficial for them. Therefore, it is also reasonable to include consultancy sessions and trainings, that could help to achieve the desired outcomes.
- This kind of innovations require to put a lot of energy into persuasion of companies, that such changes could be beneficial for them. Therefore, it is also reasonable to include consultancy sessions and trainings, that could help to achieve the desired outcomes.
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
Lithuanian Innovation Center
Lithuania
Contact