The objective consists on using the "EFQM Framework for Innovation Agencies" as a tool for self-assessment by ADER (Spain), with a peer learning approach in which 2 other European Innovation or Economic Agencies participate. The project will end achieving the deliverable 'Recognised for Excellence EFQM assessment' that provides training and learning for all bodies involved in the process. This proposal is in line with the objectives of ADER, in its guidance to incorporate innovation and excellence as elements for improving the competitiveness of companies in La Rioja. ADER is a Spanish public agency aiming to improve the competitiveness of companies in La Rioja by promoting research, innovation and technological development, internationalization and promotion abroad, business excellence and corporate design through different instruments and technical and financial support services for the companies. One of its strategic objectives is to promote the use of the EFQM model by companies in La Rioja through a program developed since 2007 called Business Excellence ADER. The programme aims to encourage companies to advance in the development of its management system, in line with the principles of excellence. The programme helds every year “Rioja Recognition and Awards for Business excellence”. ADER has internalized in its organization the approach to quality and excellence with a clear orientation to the citizen. It has certified the provision of services through a system of Quality Management and Environmental according to the UNE-EN-ISO 9001, UNE ENE ISO 14001, and the Accessibility Certification ICT AENOR according to the UNE 139803. ADER operates by applying the EFQM model, and want to go a step further by contrasting it with other Innovation Agencies, with the aim to: • improve their systems and advance the process of recognition for excellence. • acquire new knowledge to facilitate the the promotion and dissemination of the EFQM model among enterprises.

In the context of innovation-divided Europe and scarce consultancy in RDI, Macro Region 4 Romania is in full process of moving towards a "turning point" of economic positioning in a climate of globalization, disruptive innovations and circular economies. This dynamic brings to surface impediments innovation actors in the region face multiple challenges, while their ability to overcome them is crucial to the impact of such changes. The core members of the Ro-Boost SMEs consortium are aware that it is time for smart action in order to achieve the goal of reducing the innovation divide among companies. Based on the vision stated in the Ro-Boost SMEs Implementation Strategy, the core members of the consortium jointly elaborated the project "Ro-Boost Inno SMEs" aimed at consolidating innovative businesses - rooted into the Smart Specialisation Strategy - and to expand their position within the sector global value chains. To achieve this goal, dedicated innovation support envisaged at the beginning of 2015 shall be continued in order to increase added value of SMEs and innovative sectors in the global economy, using an innovative delivery system and consolidating the community of innovators. The proposal is built around the expertise of relevant partners at Macro Region 4 level and in-depth competences gained in 2015-2016. It shall also capitalize on the impact generated in the previous period in order to gain further recognition of the innovation management as success driver among SMEs in terms of both economic impact and innovation culture within business environment.

In the context of innovation-divided Europe and scarce consultancy in RDI, Macro Region 4 Romania is in full process of moving towards a "turning point" of economic positioning in a climate of globalization, disruptive innovations and circular economies. This dynamic brings to surface impediments innovation actors in the region face multiple challenges, while their ability to overcome them is crucial to the impact of such changes. The core members of the Ro-Boost SMEs consortium are aware that it is time for smart action in order to achieve the goal of reducing the innovation divide among companies. Based on the vision stated in the Ro-Boost SMEs Implementation Strategy, the core members of the consortium jointly elaborated the project "Ro-Boost Inno SMEs" aimed at consolidating innovative businesses - rooted into the Smart Specialisation Strategy - and to expand their position within the sector global value chains. To achieve this goal, dedicated innovation support envisaged at the beginning of 2015 shall be continued in order to increase added value of SMEs and innovative sectors in the global economy, using an innovative delivery system and consolidating the community of innovators. The proposal is built around the expertise of relevant partners at Macro Region 4 level and in-depth competences gained in 2015-2016. It shall also capitalize on the impact generated in the previous period in order to gain further recognition of the innovation management as success driver among SMEs in terms of both economic impact and innovation culture within business environment.

In the context of innovation-divided Europe and scarce consultancy in RDI, Macro Region 4 Romania is in full process of moving towards a "turning point" of economic positioning in a climate of globalization, disruptive innovations and circular economies. This dynamic brings to surface impediments innovation actors in the region face multiple challenges, while their ability to overcome them is crucial to the impact of such changes. The core members of the Ro-Boost SMEs consortium are aware that it is time for smart action in order to achieve the goal of reducing the innovation divide among companies. Based on the vision stated in the Ro-Boost SMEs Implementation Strategy, the core members of the consortium jointly elaborated the project "Ro-Boost Inno SMEs" aimed at consolidating innovative businesses - rooted into the Smart Specialisation Strategy - and to expand their position within the sector global value chains. To achieve this goal, dedicated innovation support envisaged at the beginning of 2015 shall be continued in order to increase added value of SMEs and innovative sectors in the global economy, using an innovative delivery system and consolidating the community of innovators. The proposal is built around the expertise of relevant partners at Macro Region 4 level and in-depth competences gained in 2015-2016. It shall also capitalize on the impact generated in the previous period in order to gain further recognition of the innovation management as success driver among SMEs in terms of both economic impact and innovation culture within business environment.