The main objective of the E-BSAN project was to realize and validate European research on advanced consulting services to SMEs, aimed at increasing their competitiveness on the global market, especially in respect to US SMEs.

The quantitative and qualitative methodologies adopted focused on specific economic sectors and geographical areas, such as professional services and quaternary sectors and some specific geographical districts in the different partners' countries. Furthermore, one specific part of the research activities targeted Public Administrations, in relation to a new efficient model of "governance", already successfully experimented in the USA, and to the fundamental role of the public sector demand for SMEs survival in the global market.

The general strategy the project focused on was the creation of an engineered competencies system, based on a shared methodology structure and a competencies codification, as far as the SMEs and Public Administrations know how development and competitiveness are concerned, through the integration of the partners' highest competencies and qualified know-how and other external expertise.

 A consulting system was developed, experimented and tested through technological on-line advanced tools, based on a dedicated Internet portal and web site. Such a system allows SMEs and Public Administration to provide the right products and services at the right place and at the right time. The project had partners from Italy, Greece, France, Spain and Finland.

Services included:

• Programme identification and preparation
• R&D
• Prototype testing
• Identification of users needs
• Assistance implementation
• Training and know-how transfer
  
• Awareness-raising