Grant Map EU

“Currently, small ports in the South Baltic area are managed in many different ways. Each country has its approach. Usually, these ports do not cooperate but compete. It is a competition of the management techniques that resulted in significant differences in the functioning of the ports. Therefore, it does not help to create an efficient business network. Usually, these ports do not want to share the knowledge and know-how. It might be beneficial for the port for a short-term period because it may increase its positions over other ports and become more recognizable. Although, in a long-term period, it cannot work. To establish a regular sea connection in the South Baltic region, all ports must develop. The network is as strong as the weakest link. To create a strong network, we must eliminate weak links by improving the quality of services. In the ideal world, all small ports would have the same management techniques, similar infrastructure, comparable parameters and one platform to exchange information. It is necessary to create a smart network combined with diversified entities from many sectors to achieve that. At this moment, there is a lack of such a smart grid. We want to fill that gap in the future and create a smart business network that will enhance the SMEs’ competitiveness in the catchment area of small ports from the South Baltic region. The seed money project is significant because we could gather proper partnership during four months of its implementation, combining all entities indicated in point 2.4. of this AF and create a precise plan of activities that should be conducted to achieve this ambitious goal. Furthermore, during the seed money project, we will define all future activities and necessary innovative approaches the smart network creation.”