Capacity Building Programme | Enhancing Internationalization and Global Market Reach

As part of the CR.EU.IN. HERITAGE Call for Proposals, SMEs applied to Step 1 gained access to a dedicated Capacity Building & Matchmaking Programme designed to strengthen innovation readiness, business skills, international cooperation and consortium-building capacities within the Cultural Heritage Value Chain. The programme supported SMEs through interactive webinars, knowledge-sharing sessions and an online matchmaking process, helping them prepare stronger collaborative innovation proposals for Step 2. The webinar provided a clear and practical introduction to international market entry for the companies with little or no experience abroad. It began by explaining why international expansion can be a strategic growth opportunity, helping companies diversify risk, increase revenues, and strengthen their competitiveness. The session then focused on how to select the right target market, highlightinged the importance of basic market research, understanding customer demand, assessing competitors, and reviewing regulatory conditions. Participants gained an overview of different market entry strategies, including direct and indirect exporting, working with local distributors or partners, establishing a local presence, and using digital sales channels. Key legal and financial considerations also addressed, such as taxation, customs procedures, compliance requirements, contracts, intellectual property protection, and pricing strategy. In addition, the webinar covered cultural and business differences that can significantly influence success, including communication styles, negotiation practices, and trust-building in international environments. Finally, the session outlined common mistakes companies should avoid and provide a simple framework. Venetian Cluster | Basilicata Creativa | Innoskart Digital Cluster | TWIST cluster | Corallia | Baltic Film & Creative Tech Cluster | OpenHub Creative Cluster | France Clusters | Clúster Audiovisual de Catalunya | ITALCAM Italian-German Chamber of Commerce #CREUinHeritage #CREUINHERITAGE #CulturalHeritage #CulturalHeritageValueChain #CulturalCreativeIndustries #CH #CHVC #CCIs #innovation #tourism #construction #digital #electronics #4Helix #SMEs #resilience #greeneconomy #DGgrow #digitaltransition #creativeindustries #collaboration #togetherforcreativity #call #opencall #Euroclusters #ECCP #EISMEA European Cluster Collaboration Platform (ECCP) European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) CO-FUNDED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION. VIEWS AND OPINIONS EXPRESSED ARE HOWEVER THOSE OF THE AUTHOR(S) ONLY AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THOSE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION OR EISMEA. NEITHER THE EUROPEAN UNION NOR THE GRANTING AUTHORITY CAN BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THEM.