Informal regional network of local BSOs based on long term relationship with SMEs

SMEs in the hinterland of Wielkopolska so far developed on the basis of low labour costs and the past of economy flourishing. The awareness of innovation needs is slowly rising but access to R&D&I providers is difficult.
Association of Entrepreneurship Support of the Gostyń District (ASGD) is one among numerous business support organisations of different legal forms and potential which are operating in Wielkopolska hinterlands. Their main scope is supporting development of local economy but they tend to act separately, they do not have uniform products or operating standards, neither similarly trained staff. Most often they provide basic information, training and promotion services for local companies. These are mainly endogenous production companies. In recent years, they have been struggling with problems related to low productivity, poor level of cooperation, trying to build own brands - problems are closely related to the low innovation level. At the same time in Poznan, which is the capital of the region, there are business support units with professional products and services, with access to scientific and research infrastructure and university staff. The sense of the networking lies in connecting the local companies with the providers of services suited to their needs. That is what Gostyń Association is implementing through the informal network based on trustful relations with local companies as relevant clients for the R&D&I services available in academic centres.