The SSDM project wasfocused on demonstrating and supporting the implementation of a scientific approach to decision making among start-ups. It tested the feasibility of providing an innovative Structured Scientific Support Programme (SSSP) to support agencies in order to improve the decision-making of start-ups, SMEs, and spin-offs to companies particularly concerned with the circular economy.

The kick-off meeting took place online on January 12, 2022. Partners from the Centria University of Applied Sciences, Kokkola, Finland, joined the Hincks Centre (Lead Partner) to discuss the first steps in delivering an improved support system tailored for start-ups and existing SMEs in remote and sparsely populated areas.

The six month project was funded by the Interreg Northern Periphery and Arctic Programme which is supported by the European Regional Development Fund.

The Hincks Centre, in collaboration with Centria University, delivered a free programme of business support training and one-to-one business coaching to start-ups, SMEs and spin-outs, with circular economy ideas.

The programme commenced March 14, 2022 and was attended by 16 participants - 9 from 7 Irish entities and 7 from 5 Finnish entities.

The programme comprised of:

• 7 weekly 90-minute online workshops providing impactful skills and support to making key decisions;
• 7 One-to-One coaching sessions in entrepreneurship and the circular economy with experts from MTU and Centria, and
• Networking with other circular economy businesses in Finland and Ireland.

Additional information with an overview of the programme structure and schedule is available here.

On May 9, 2022, project partners and programme participants came together at a hybrid meeting. The main goal of the meeting was for participants of the SSDM programme to communicate the progression of their business ideas after taking part in the programme. Associate partners from The Ludgate Hub joined the Hincks Centre Team onsite in MTU with other associate partners from Oileán and the LEO Network, and representatives from Centria and Kosek from Finland joined online. The participants presented their business ideas online and described how the programme had an impact on their business ideas to date. It was also an opportunity for the lead partner, the Hincks Centre, to assesses how to add most value to the programme. The meeting was led by Dr Niall O’Leary, Hincks Centre’s Research Fellow. The full article is available in our News section and can be viewed by clicking here.

partner locations

The Hincks Centre for Entrepreneurship Excellence, Munster Technological University, is the Lead on this project and partnered with

• Centria University of Applied Sciences, Kokkola, Finland. 

Disclaimer: This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.