SME Dialogue was merged with “Herbst-Empfang” (Autumn-Reception) of AdU Weserbergland (Arbeitgeberverband der Unternehmen im Weserbergland / Employers´association of companies in Weserbergland), and took place on 09.11.2017 in Hameln.
Each year, this event brings together some 300 participants from business and relevant other institutions from all over the region. Chairman Jürgen Lohmann highlighted latest activities and future priorities of AdU. Before he then introduced MEP Elmar Brok as keynote speaker, he thanked the districts for good cooperation, honored their activities in regional development and invited all guests to take part in the SME-dialogue, offered in the lobby after the keynote.
MEP Brok then gave an interesting overview of recent developments in Brussels with a special focus on BREXIT and economic development in Europe. Afterwards the district-/ESSPO-representatives welcomed all participants to a dialogue on questions like “Where is specific need for support?”, “Which kind of support is most helpful?”, “What are the biggest problems when using public funding?”.
Comments from business sector as well as public authorities / intermediaries were quite similar. Adminstrative burdens and bureaucracy were assessed as biggest problems. Individual consultancy and coaching is seen as most helpful and specific need for support is required in terms of acquisition of skilled labour force.
Comments have confirmed, that the regional Knowledge- and Technology-Transfer tool (KTT) is on the right track in terms of individual service and bureaucracy, but lack of skilled labour force is a serious challenge.
