Since the foundation we see internationalization and bonding as a necessary process for the development of Chilean SMEs that requires a space – networks and platforms – for the transfer of technologies and knowledge, business promotion, generation of alliances and implementation of projects. SMEs -at some point in their development- need to improve their capacity and level of productivity, competitiveness and associativity in order to strengthen their businesses and companies and better coordinate their resources. To do this, Eurochile’s role is to make its different networks with which it works available to SMEs.

Since 2008, Eurochile has been a partner of the network- Enterprise Europe Network- which we identify as the backbone of the foundation, everything we do is within the framework of this network and allows us to fulfill the mission of the foundation of connecting Chilean SMEs with Europeans and vice versa. The network connects, supports and facilitates internationalization processes through: brokerage events, connections with Europe, uploading profiles, internships, search for experts, alliances, technology-commercial and knowledge transfers- participation in European projects, webinars, among others. It should be noted that we are the first in Latin America and the only entity in Chile to have this network.

The Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) is the world’s largest network – virtual and transversal – for the internationalization of SMEs. It exists in more than 60 countries and has more than 600 partner organizations and more than 4 thousand professionals involved. It is a tool that allows Eurochile to support Business Cooperation, inserted in its mission to create, promote and consolidate economic, commercial and technological links between small and medium-sized companies and Chilean institutions and those of the nations that make up the European Union, both public and private, being a facilitator of the diffusion process of SMEs.

The foundation is the exclusive partner and sole point of contact in Chile of this network that operates with the endorsement of the European Commission, allowing the generation of collaboration agreements, participation in national and European fairs, organization of business missions to Europe and reception of European missions in Chile, preparation of meeting agendas and organization of business meetings or brokerage events. All this favoring the exchange of experiences and knowledge that allow SMEs to be more innovative, competitive and productive.

The creation of the Enterprise Europe Network was simply a response to the need of SMEs to diversify their markets, expand research and development range, create their own contact networks, obtain information on markets and their regulations, receive assistance and information on European programmes and generate more dynamism between parts of the different countries. At the beginning, only the 27 countries belonging to the European Union had access, but over time, this network, which is promoted by the Directorate General Enterprises and Industry of the European Commission, began to spread to other countries and continents. In Latin America we have partners in Peru, Argentina, Mexico, Uruguay and Brazil.

Who is part of it? Mainly chambers of commerce, development agencies, universities, R&D institutions, business associations, foundations, science parks, innovation agencies, public and private organizations, among others.

Who can access the EEN network? The services and activities offered within the framework of the EEN are mainly aimed at companies – SMEs – but research centers, universities and public and private organizations can also participate. It is important to bear in mind that the network is not only to generate contact for future business, here the transfer of technologies and knowledge is combined with the possibilities of connection for future projects or alliances.

How can you access the services? The network offers a unique opportunity to connect with other SMEs. To find out what service the company or organization needs, a meeting is first generated to find out the needs, problems and potentials of each one. In that same instance,  we present the work carried out by the foundation and who are the professionals in the different areas who are there to support. The idea is to work together with the company / entity, because it is they who finally know their potential and needs. After that a more personalized work begins to support the company with follow-ups.

Eurochile’s job is to provide companies with information regarding the network, support and guide them in their identification of needs, offers or demands. The network offers unique opportunities to new European markets, possibilities to develop technology transfer projects and international cooperation, but it also offers the opportunity to support the approach to programs such as Horizon Europe, the successor to Horizon 2020.

We invite you to get to know the network in the following link and, if you have any questions and want to know the different services, do not hesitate to contact Manuela Caruz, Director of Networks at Eurochile mcaruz@eurochile.cl