The ISE project made significant strides in supporting businesses across five regions (Kent, Hauts-de-France, East & West Flanders, and the SW of the Netherlands) to enhance their internationalization and innovation efforts. The collaborative efforts of seven project partners were instrumental in assisting SMEs, enabling them to expand their business horizons and establish international contacts. ISE concentrated its efforts on four key sectors: Food & Drink, Mechatronics, Digital & Creative, and New Materials.

ISE has positively impacted over 1000 SMEs through a diverse range of activities. This includes 31 Taster Sessions introducing innovative methods, 8 workshops covering innovation and internationalization topics with participation from experts in partner regions (162 SMEs), 117 personalized 1-2-1 diagnostic assessments providing recommendations and new contacts, and 12 sector-focused ‘Innovation Pathway’ events across France, Belgium, England, and the Netherlands, bringing companies together for two-day programs focused on innovation, market insight, networking, and new business contacts (272 SMEs involved).

Despite the cancellation of the project's final event due to Covid-19 restrictions, several noteworthy events took place during its lifetime, such as two cross-border conferences (141 SMEs), including a digital innovation summit, and the formation of four cross-border clusters, with two gaining further development—food & drink and digital & creative. The latter has launched itself as the ‘Imagineers International’ cluster, set to continue beyond the life of the ISE project. Additionally, seven company visits to major international trade shows, focusing on market trends and contact building, along with ISE ‘pitching sessions’ and networking activities, encouraged collaborative efforts and contacts between businesses from different regions (117 SMEs). Post-event surveys reflected very positive feedback from participants, indicating that the project's work was concrete and aligned with the needs of businesses.

I could not have achieved our exports without the ISE project.
I have hugely profited from ISE by acquiring valuable business growth information. It has been helpful to share information and contacts with networking groups, especially in Europe. We have also been able to sign up with one of the UK’s well know artisan food wholesalers recently thanks to ISE networking influence.
I met new businesses and learnt about new processes, materials and applications.

Project beneficiaries