START. Strategic ParTnership to Improve InternAtionalization skills of SMEs inReTail sector.

<< Background >>The decision to pursue this project stems from the recognition of the critical role played by the retail sector within the European Union (EU) economy. With 29 million people employed (constituting 8.6% of total employment) and contributing 11% to the EU's GDP, the retail sector stands as the second-largest service sector in the EU. Notably, the sector is predominantly composed of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), with approximately 18% being self-employed. The retail sector adds substantial value, estimated at €1 trillion, to ancillary sectors such as wholesalers, transport, finance, and manufacturing, accounting for 10% of the total EU value.The significance of the retail sector extends beyond mere economic contributions. It serves as a vital driver of economic growth, stimulating internal demand and consumption. European households allocate approximately one-third of their budget to retail purchases, underscoring its impact on the quality of life for EU citizens. Furthermore, the sector is instrumental in fostering competitiveness, growth, and innovation within the EU. START addressed these pressing needs by equipping stakeholders with the requisite knowledge and skills to navigate the internationalization process.<< Objectives >>START overreached the goal of enhancing the internationalization capabilities of SMEs in the retail sector. By addressing the significant barriers faced by EU SMEs in expanding into international markets, the project sought to equip stakeholders with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of international business. The specific objectives of the project are outlined as follows:Define the professional profile of an internationalization manager tailored to SMEs in the retail sector. This profile serves as a benchmark for training initiatives in internationalization within the retail industry.Provide comprehensive training to entrepreneurs, start-ups, and decision-makers within retail SMEs, focusing on key competencies and skills essential for successful international expansion.Offer training opportunities to young individuals and the unemployed seeking employment within the retail sector, thereby enhancing their competitiveness in the job market through specialized skills in internationalization.Enhance the digital literacy of participants to facilitate distance learning and optimize the utilization of e-commerce technologies for the growth and development of small retail businesses.<< Implementation >>The START project, a collaborative effort involving 5 partners was tailored to address the specific needs of the retail for SMEs industry. Activities encompassed:Mobile report development: Extensive research was conducted to pinpoint the essential skills necessary for SMEs internationalization. This endeavor culminated in the creation of a comprehensive innovative online mobile app, catering to the identified needs.Pilot programs: These initiatives served as pivotal platforms for enhancing the skill sets of retail entrepreneurs and youth across the partner countries. Through targeted training sessions, the project successfully empowered over 200 individuals, including experienced professionals seeking skill renewal and aspiring youth seeking new career opportunities.Dissemination events: A series of dissemination events were organized by all partners. These events not only celebrated the project's accomplishments but also facilitated sustainable dissemination of the attained results, ensuring broad visibility and long-term impact.Transnational approach: Embracing a transnational perspective, the project activities were meticulously designed to align with an international smart growth scenario. << Results >>The START project yielded outputs and impactful results, contributing significantly to the enhancement of competencies among retailers and future retailers across Europe. Key outcomes include:Mobile report: A comprehensive mobile report was produced, delineating the essential skills required by retail SMEs embarking on the internationalization journey. Formulated through extensive large-scale questionnaires and focus group discussions, this report offers insights into the competencies needed to effectively internationalize retail businesses. It features a compilation of at least 10 best practices in retail SME internationalization, fostering knowledge dissemination and peer learning. The report is available in a digital format, ensuring widespread accessibility and impact.Training course: An innovative online open educational resource, the START training course, was developed to address gaps identified in the competencies profile of retailers. This course covers various topics including retail sub-sectors market trends, commercial missions, and leveraging e-commerce platforms. Comprising 7 training modules, evaluated by 20 retail entrepreneurs and 20 future professionals from the sector by each partner, totaling 200 participants.