The euWater4i-SD project is an European Strategic Cluster Partnership Going International (ESCP-4i), 90% co-funded by the COSME programme of the European Union from 2021 to 2024. The consortium is made of five clusters (ACLIMA, AquaValley, CREA Hydro&Energy, Ecoliance, Green Synergy Cluster). Together, they aim to develop and implement an internationalization strategy for their members, focusing particurlarly on Latin America and Eastern Africa. European SMEs offering water-smart solutions are the main target of this internationalization strategy. euWater4i-SD consists on building a one-stop-shop for EU SMEs to foster their business opportunities and increase their competitiveness at the global scale.

With ESCP-4i funding coming to an end in September 2024, the euWater4i-SD project is looking for new sources of funding to ensure its Financial Sustainability. A specific study will be elaborated to consider the different private/public-based business models and opportunities that might contribute to the Long-Term Strategy of the consortium and its planned activities towards the internationalisation of the SMEs.

The external facilitator should deliver a specific study considering the different private/public-based business models and opportunities that might contribute to the Long-Term Strategy of the consortium and its planned activities towards the internationalisation of the SMEs. This study will take into consideration the potential financial mechanisms and synergies with:

- EU funds (2021-2027 & EU recovery):

• Single Market Programme (incl. COSME), Technical Assistance Facility

• Horizon Europe, INNOSUP calls

• EuropeAid, NDICI - Global Europe

• Interregional Innovation Investment

• European Structural and Investment Fund (Interreg programmes)

• European Investment Bank (EIB) and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)

- National/Regional funds and financial support

- Private/business models.

The study will examine financial instruments not only suitable for the five current partners of euWater4i-SD, but also for potentially more cluster organisations (for instance members of the Water Smart Territories Platform). It will however consider the financial instruments for internationalisation, but not necessarily for the same target countries as euWater4i-SD (Kenya, Uganda, Bolivia, Peru).

The work will be carried out in English, both the development and the reports and documentation generated.

Contact us for more information: [email protected]