Latvijas Lauksaimniecības universitāte
Country: LV
Partner budget: 230.446 EUR
Amount of ERDF funding: 186.661 EUR ERDF
Central Baltic Programme
2014-2020 project database
Current status
137 contracted projects
811 partners
€132 045 712 ERDF allocated
Girl Power – fine-tuned entrepreneurial education for girls aged 15-18 years in Latvia and Estonia (GirlPower)
P1 Competitive economy
1.2. More entrepreneunial youth
Central Baltic
01.11.2020 - 31.12.2022
379.464 EUR
307.366 EUR ERDF
The project is going to address such common Latvian and Estonian territorial challenges, as slow economic growth, insufficiently active business environment, high unemployment among youth and lack of entrepreneurial education for people under 18. Partners will target girls aged 15-18 year, who are enrolled in secondary education as they often face the older generation stereotype according to which a woman should rather focus on getting married and giving birth to children than on making a career or running her own company. Involvement in entrepreneurship is frequently disapproved.
Throughout the project, the partners will develop a multi-functional ICT learning platform and a 30-hour Study module on youth entrepreneurship support, which will be piloted during 16 events. These events are idea-generation workshops “Come with nothing, leave with a goal”, idea assessment workshops “How good are you?”, two-day cross-border hackathons “Make your idea a reality”, cross-border capacity- and team-building events and closing conferences.
In order to ensure the sustainability of outputs and to facilitate knowledge an expertise transfer, the partners will compile Guidelines for relevant beneficiaries, such as secondary schools and other educational institutions, incubators, municipalities and NGOs, as well as they will conduct trainings for them.
In the framework of the project, at least 20 joint cross-border student companies (SCs) will be created in two rounds. They will go through a simulated process of business start-up and development starting from a business idea and ending with a fully elaborated business plan. Each SC will operate for 1 year under supervision of project staff and with a support of mentors and experts.
Map of Partners
Partners
Lead Partner
Project Partners
Tartu Ülikool
Country: EE
Partner budget: 149.018 EUR
Amount of ERDF funding: 120.705 EUR ERDF
Results
Expected results
Achieved results
Project result in category -
Joint student company
GirlPower developed and piloted entrepreneurship study module for youth
Project developed and piloted entrepreneurship study module which can be used by partner and other organisations for organising entrepreneurship training for youth. Project materials were translated into Latvian and Estonian. Both project partners intend to incorporate the Study module into their regular teaching activities. In addition, ICT platform was developed and guidelines for using the platform prepared to provide online support for young people interested in entrepreneurship. The ICT platform gave an opportunity to find a mentor from another country and get support based on international experience, as well as communicate with participants from another country and discuss with her the possibilities of a common business in future.
During the project implementation, 20 cross-border student companies pitched their business ideas during two hackathons organised by the project. Student companies brought together girls from Latvia and Estonia and went through a simulated process of business start-up and development starting from a business idea and ending with an activity plan.
Cross-border added value of the project is emphasized by the fact that girls from Latvia and Estonia had the opportunity to get acquainted with the trends, characteristics and specific examples of women's entrepreneurship in the neighboring country. Target group also had a great opportunity to communicate with their peers from Latvia and Estonia, get to know their culture and mentality, understand their problems, and find ways to solve them together.
Project page in database
At a glance
- entrepreneurship study module and online support ICT platform for youth in Latvia and Estonia were developed
- 20 cross-border student companies established by girls had two hackathons
- girls had the possibility to get familiar of women's entrepreneurship in the neighboring country
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From MARine Ecosystem Accounting to integrated governance for sustainable planning of marine and coastal areas (MAREA)
P2 Sustainable use of common resources
2.2. Sustainably planned and managed marine and coastal areas
Central Baltic
01.06.2020 - 31.12.2022
1.515.601 EUR
1.202.609 EUR ERDF
The ecosystem-based approach is a strategy for the integrated management of land, water and living resources that promotes their conservation and sustainable use in an equitable way. EBA is a cornerstone of many EU directives but to date there is no clear guidance on how to implement it in practice for instance, in maritime spatial planning processes.
Ecosystems are linked to human well-being through the flow of ecosystem services, i.e., the benefits the marine environment and its resources deliver to society such as, the production of economically exploitable biomasses (e.g. fish.). A weak integration of ecology and economy results in a disconnection of economic analysis from the functioning of ecosystems. Current evaluation approaches hardly capture the cumulative impact of different human activities on ecosystems, thereby failing in the achievement of a sustainable use of natural resources. To sustain climate and seawater quality these benefits have to be regulated. Therefore, novel assessment methodologies, which are more adequate to reflect the complexity of natural and human systems interactions, are needed to further develop joint and integrated governance among MSP, MSFD and other integral regional strategies concerning the Baltic Sea.
The main result of the MAREA will be (1) the realisation of a system of accounting of marine environment and the benefits these deliver, also in terms of regulating services for climate and ecosystems’ sustainability, and (2) a connected model of integrated sustainable governance for use of natural resources and marine space. An important aspect of the project is the involvement of key stakeholders in the Central Baltic region. The ecosystem accounting models as well as a Sustainability Compass are generated and updated through participatory learning including key stakeholders: authorities responsible for MSP and marine management planning, environmental experts and general public.
Map of Partners
Partners
Lead Partner
Suomen ympäristökeskus
Country: FI
Partner budget: 473.435 EUR
Amount of ERDF funding: 355.076 EUR ERDF
Project Partners
Pellervon taloustutkimus PTT
Country: FI
Partner budget: 383.090 EUR
Amount of ERDF funding: 287.318 EUR ERDF
Tartu Ülikool
Country: EE
Partner budget: 439.250 EUR
Amount of ERDF funding: 373.363 EUR ERDF
Baltijas Vides Forums
Country: LV
Partner budget: 219.827 EUR
Amount of ERDF funding: 186.853 EUR ERDF
Associated Partners
Ympäristöministeriö
Country: FI
Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia
Country: LV
Estonian Ministry of Finance
Country: EE
Results
Expected results
Achieved results
Project result in category -
Marine/coastal area with improved management
MAREA developed a framework for mapping of marine ecosystem services
The MAREA project developed a framework for mapping of marine ecosystem services. Ecosystem services were modelled using a set of methodologies depending on the data availability and the service in question.
Ecosystem accounting models were further developed and applied in the project. This was a response to the need to develop ecosystem accounting both globally and on Europe’s level. Ecosystem accounting integrates economic sectors to the benefits that ecosystems provide.
A sustainability compass was developed during the project. It is a method and a tool for bottom-up social learning on sustainable practices in pursuit of prosperity and human well-being within ecosystems boundaries. The compass is targeted to companies operating in marine areas.
The project also developed subsections of the Geoportal (PlanWise4Blue): cumulative impact assessment tool, Sustainability compass tool and tools for customized socio-economic models. These are tailored to the Baltic Sea region's key actors/stakeholders. The geospatial portal is a user-friendly communication tool for decision-makers, allowing participation and continuous update of knowledge, data and analyses. The portal provides an indication of the best practices for improvement and alternative scenarios in support of joint decision-making.
Project page in database
At a glance
- Ecosystem service mapping framework
- Bottom-up social learning tool for companies
- Geospatial portal
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Become more competitive beyond Your geographical and time constraints! Aligned distance learning modules in Landscape gardening matching industry needs and providing effective digital learning tools (Become More Competitive!)
P4 Skilled and socially inclusive region
4.2. More aligned vocational education and training (VET) programmes in the Central Baltic region
Central Baltic
01.03.2020 - 31.12.2022
624.517 EUR
505.859 EUR ERDF
The EU declared its intention to foster the establishment of common professional standards in many fields including Landscaping. However, it is observed that professional standards vary between countries, also in the Central Baltic. Consequently, there are differences also in educational programs.
At the same time, the landscaping industry in the Central Baltic demonstrates similar trends in its development and it seems that most of the skills demanded in our region are very similar. For example, there is an increasing demand for technical skills or skills to deal with new technologies: the profession of landscaping gardener is becoming more technical, so much so, that some countries already have changed the training programme’s name from Landscape Gardener to Landscape Construction Builder.
As well as in practice, ICT has significantly affected also the study process and many people due to time or geographical constraints are now ready to apply to distance learning, e-courses.
These challenges linked to the strong cross-border cooperation in the Central Baltic countries create an opportunity to improve and align landscaping-related vocational education. By sharing resources and by developing landscaping modules and e-course followed by a smooth competence transfer process the aim of this project will be achieved.
Moreover the project will set up Central Baltic Landscaping Vocational School Meeting Point aimed at initiating discussions on the industry challenges and about the opportunity to expand the programme alignment on a larger scale.
Map of Partners
Partners
Lead Partner
Bulduru Dārzkopības vidusskola
Country: LV
Partner budget: 366.177 EUR
Amount of ERDF funding: 296.603 EUR ERDF
Project Partners
Räpina Aianduskool
Country: EE
Partner budget: 258.340 EUR
Amount of ERDF funding: 209.256 EUR ERDF
Results
Expected results
Achieved results
Project result in category -
Aligned vocational education and training programme
Become More Competitive improved landscape gardener vocational education programme in Latvia and Estonia
The project compared, supplemented and aligned with common up-to-date content an EQF level 4 landscape gardener vocational education programme in Latvia and Estonia. Close involvement of industry specialists ensured that the aligned training programme is practical and includes up-to-date methods. Project also elaborated educational materials in the volume of more than 30 ECTS for landscape gardening distance learning programme. To improve practical teaching process, a mini excavator and equipment for woodworking laboratory were purchased by project partners.
Teachers’ and industry stakeholders’ collaboration in educational materials development allowed to supplement educational content with the latest industry-oriented information. During the process of developing well-organised e-learning environment, teachers and educational institutions’ competence level in landscape gardening content increased, educational vision and goals were strengthened. In addition, the work on creating educational materials in Moodle environment enhanced teachers’ digital skills and supported ICT application in teaching process. Close cooperation with landscaping professionals also gave an opportunity to give feedback to industry on vocational education challenges and landscape gardener’s vocational standard.
Project has expressed that the cross-border collaboration was a big benefit and allowed project partners to share experience and insights, have common discussions and activities, personal contacts with industry representatives and new ideas. Project partners keep improving and implementing the landscape gardening curricula in Estonia and Latvia and have already made plans for future cooperation including with relevant organisations from other countries.
Project page in database
At a glance
- Landscape gardener vocational education advanced in Latvia and Estonia
- Teachers and industry professionals collaborated
- Cooperation will continue
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Bulduru Dārzkopības vidusskola veidos viedo dārzu un tālmācības programmu (delfi.lv; 28.01.2021)
New Nordic Lift Off - raising Central Baltic startups and scaleups investment awareness and building a strong united investment ecosystem (New Nordic Lift Off)
P1 Competitive economy
1.1. New Central Baltic knowledge intensive companies
Central Baltic
01.06.2020 - 30.11.2022
542.917 EUR
434.617 EUR ERDF
The development and growth of high-tech enterprises in Estonia, Latvia, Finland region is often hindered by the low capability of companies to raise investments. Even though there are rather good national-level support systems for creating a new company, the difficulties arise once the company starts growing and thus needs additional funding/support to scaleup. One of the most effective ways to support the development and growth of high-tech startups is to start raising capital with angel investments. However, in the New Nordics, the cross-border investment activity is still low and there are too few active lead angels, who are willing to take up cross-border deals. Therefore lead angels are the foremost necessity for high-tech startups to raise funding.
The main idea of the project is to stimulate cross-border investments in the region into high-tech startups by increasing the startups’ investment readiness and raising the overall investment knowledge within the sector and to build a strong united investment ecosystem between Finland, Estonia, and Latvia. To achieve this goal the project will organise training boot camps for startups and investment mentoring. The startups will be provided with international high-level meetings with investors, VC, and corporate partners.
To raise the availability of angel investment in the market for startups and scaleups the project will focus also on increasing the number and activity of lead investors and BAN members. Cross-border investing is also a focus of the project to support regional startups raising capital from international angel syndicates to have better cross-region scaling opportunities. In order to build a united strong investment ecosystem, the importance of building relations and sharing experience can not be underestimated. Therefore startups and investors will be taken to regional startup conferences and flagship events where special networking and pitching events will be carried out within the project.
Map of Partners
Partners
Lead Partner
Eesti Äriinglite Assotsiatsioon MTÜ
Country: EE
Partner budget: 274.290 EUR
Amount of ERDF funding: 233.146 EUR ERDF
Project Partners
Latvijas Jaunuzņēmumu Asociācija Startin.LV
Country: LV
Partner budget: 208.403 EUR
Amount of ERDF funding: 177.142 EUR ERDF
Finnish Business Angels Network
Country: FI
Partner budget: 226.185 EUR
Amount of ERDF funding: 169.639 EUR ERDF
Results
Expected results
Achieved results
Project result in category -
Joint knowledge intensive enterprise
New Nordic Lift Off was raising Central Baltic startups and scaleups investment awareness
The main objective of the project was to stimulate cross-border investments in the region into high-tech startups by increasing the startups’ investment readiness and raising the overall investment knowledge within the sector and build strong a united investment ecosystem between Finland and Estonia. The startups were provided international high-level meetings with investors, VC and corporate partners. To raise the availability of angel investment in the market for startups and scaleups the project focused also on increasing the number and activity of lead investors and business angels.
The project achieved 15 cross-border investments: 14 companies were either Finnish or Estonian and 1 company was from Lithuania.
On a way towards achieved investments, more than 50 start-ups pitching to EstBAN and FiBAN cross-border investors took place. Also 134 start-ups were trained within 4 training batches.
It was observed that more and more cross-border investments happen thanks to the built trust between investors. The get-togethers and mingling between investors are a must-have after the covid-crisis, where no new connections were made. Therefore, the knowledge sharing sessions, trainings and investor meetings were most impactful for the investors and to the investment scene.
As cross-border value added, based on strengthened trust between EstBAN and FiBAN organisations, the collaboration between two business angel networks has improved significantly. As a outcome, EstBAN and FiBAN share deal flow on a daily basis and the cross-border investments. This brings more investment opportunities for start-ups from both countries.
Project page in database
At a glance
- stimulate cross-border investments
- increase the startups’ investment readiness
- 15 cross-border investments achieved
- collaboration between Finnish and Estonian business angel networks
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Five pieces of advice for first-time founders from New Nordic Leads Mentors (2021)
"You have to kiss a lot of frogs" (2020)
EstBAN and FiBAN have launched the first hands-on Startup Investment Readiness training (2020)
Energetic small ports in Central Baltic region (CBSmallPorts)
P3 Well-connected region
3.2. Improved services of existing small ports to improve local and regional mobility and contribute to tourism development
Central Baltic
01.03.2020 - 30.11.2022
2.182.276 EUR
1.721.166 EUR ERDF
Small ports are scattered across the Central Baltic area, but notwithstanding the distance, they share the same issues: a short season in which they have to compete for people’s time and a limited amount of financial resources and skills for port development. To tackle these challenges, various small ports underwent many activities and investments to improve both safety and energy efficiency. However, currently, a common information platform for boaters is missing. Therefore, finding out about small ports' energy-efficient services can be challenging.
CBSmallPorts will gather the relevant information about the investments done in the small ports of the Central Baltic area, as well as the essential resources available in relation to small ports into a joint network. Instead of various separate web apps, the project will formulate a common online platform “SmallPorts” combining the information both for boaters, other service users, and small ports. The app’s theme is “climate-friendly leisure time in small ports”. The key task of the project will be to define the energy efficiency level of the ports and to offer guidance to small ports in order for them to invest in energy efficiency, as well as to work on a marketing strategy and open an online platform aimed at combining data from different sources and applications.
Moreover, the CBSmallPorts project will develop energy efficiency solutions aimed at improving the small ports' service level in the whole Central Baltic area. More efficient supply of energy in small ports will benefit boaters and other small port users as well as the environment. The project will implement the investments supporting an energy efficiency approach and green values in marketing. The project activities will also involve dissemination in some of the most appreciated boating fairs in Finland, Sweden, and Germany.
Map of Partners
Partners
Lead Partner
Satakunnan ammattikorkeakoulu
Country: FI
Partner budget: 370.860 EUR
Amount of ERDF funding: 278.145 EUR ERDF
Project Partners
Turun yliopisto
Country: FI
Partner budget: 152.056 EUR
Amount of ERDF funding: 114.042 EUR ERDF
Airiston Matkailukeskus Oy
Country: FI
n/a
Partner budget: 196.272 EUR
Amount of ERDF funding: 147.204 EUR ERDF
Kaakkois-Suomen ammattikorkeakoulu
Country: FI
Partner budget: 266.774 EUR
Amount of ERDF funding: 200.081 EUR ERDF
Rīgas plānošanas reģions
Country: LV
Partner budget: 167.079 EUR
Amount of ERDF funding: 142.017 EUR ERDF
Kurzemes plānošanas reģions
Country: LV
https://www.kurzemesregions.lv/en/kurzemes-planosanas-regions/
Partner budget: 137.220 EUR
Amount of ERDF funding: 116.637 EUR ERDF
Söderhamn kommun
Country: SE
Partner budget: 196.038 EUR
Amount of ERDF funding: 147.029 EUR ERDF
Bläse Kalkbruk
Country: SE
Partner budget: 155.690 EUR
Amount of ERDF funding: 116.768 EUR ERDF
Eesti Väikesadamate Arenduskeskus MTÜ
Country: EE
Partner budget: 558.387 EUR
Amount of ERDF funding: 474.629 EUR ERDF
Hiiumaa Sadamad SA
Country: EE
-
Partner budget: 163.400 EUR
Amount of ERDF funding: 138.890 EUR ERDF
Associated Partners
Suomen purjehdus ja veneily
Country: FI
Results
Expected results
Achieved results
Project result in category -
Improved small port
Energetic small ports in Central Baltic region paid attention to climate friendliness
The main aim of the project was to improve energy efficiency and climate friendly services in Central Baltic small ports. As a result of the project 13 small ports were improved. Investments on energy efficiency technologies, like solar panels and wind-power generators, and safety were made in following ports: Seili, Airisto Strand, Tervasaari, Sapokka, Keihässalmi Pyhtää in Finland; Bläse Kalkbruk, Klacksörarna in Sweden; Lennusadam, Lõunaranna, Roograhu, Kärdla, Orjaku and Sõru in Estonia.
Another important objective of the project was to promote the network of Central Baltic small ports as a joint destination for maritime tourists. All small ports of CB area were presented and marketed using marketing material (destination map, sailing route book and videos made in the project) and by using the online platform of CBSmallPorts.
Project page in database
At a glance
- energy efficiency and climate friendly services of small ports in the spotlight
- 13 small ports were improved in Estonia, Finland and Sweden
- promotion of joint destination for maritime tourism
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Tutkimusmatka Itämeren ympäri (Satakunnan Viikko, 2021)
Luvassa entistä enemmän energisiä pienvenesatamia (Länsi-Suomi, 2020)