Revolutionizing European Furniture: Empowering Micro-SMEs with ‘Int4furn’ for Global Success
The Int4furn project, titled “Enhancing Internationalisation Capabilities of Micro-SMEs in the Furniture Sector Through an ECVET Compliant Innovative Training Course,” officially launched on December 31, 2022. This ambitious two-year project has brought together seven partners from Turkey, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Estonia, and the Netherlands.
The furniture sector has been significantly impacted by recent crises, including the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russian attack on Ukraine. These challenges have resulted in a sharp decline in the number of companies, jobs, and turnover within the sector. To address these pressing issues, the Int4furn project aims to support micro-SMEs and young entrepreneurs in internationalising their businesses, fostering new employment opportunities, and facilitating economic growth. One of the project’s key objectives is to develop an ECVET-compliant internationalisation training course that equips micro-entrepreneurs with essential business skills and digital knowledge required to succeed in international markets. Through a carefully designed curriculum, engaging training materials, and instructive videos hosted on the Digital Internationalisation Learning Hub, participants will have the opportunity to learn remotely at their own pace. The project also focuses on the development of an innovative self-assessment tool, enabling participants to measure their readiness for entering global markets and identify the necessary competences. This tool will facilitate personalised learning experiences tailored to the specific needs of each learner. Int4furn seeks to bridge the gap between theory and practice by fostering cooperation between institutions and businesses in the furniture sector. By promoting a collaborative approach, the project aims to enhance the chances of success for micro-SMEs in international markets. The project’s activities include comprehensive mapping of the current situation and needs of micro-SMEs in the furniture sector, the development and pilot testing of the internationalisation training course, and the establishment of the Digital Internationalisation Learning Hub.
Int4furn strives to raise awareness among micro-SMEs and young entrepreneurs about the benefits and opportunities of trading in an international environment. By empowering these businesses and fostering entrepreneurship, the project aims to create a sustainable and globally competitive furniture sector.
The project kick-off meeting was successfully held in Ankara, Turkey, at the Gazi University Faculty of Technology on April 5-6, 2023.
For more information about the Int4furn project and its activities, please visit the project’s website (www.int4furn.eu) and follow the project’s social media channels:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/int4furn
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/int4furn