The report analyses the characteristics, strengths and opportunities for collaboration among SMEs in the sector in the regions of Murcia, Northern Portugal, Sicily and Lombardy, laying the foundations for future joint innovation projects.
The European project FITT-NESS (Fostering Innovation & the Twin Transition for iNclusive EnvironmentS and Smart homes), funded by the European Commission, has reached its first significant milestone with the production of a comprehensive report that maps and analyses the characteristics of the business fabric of the furniture and habitat sector in its participating regions: Murcia (Spain), Northern Portugal, Sicily and Lombardy (Italy).
This document is the cornerstone of the project, whose main objective is to strengthen regional innovation ecosystems and empower SMEs to identify investment and innovation opportunities through interregional collaboration. The report serves as a strategic tool for understanding the unique characteristics, strengths, weaknesses and opportunities of each ecosystem, paving the way for future twinning actions between companies.
The study goes beyond a simple statistical analysis. It is structured into several key sections to provide a comprehensive overview:
Sector Overview: Describes the particularities and trends of the industry in each territory, from the industrial dynamism of Lombardy to the challenges of insularity in Sicily, through to the artisan tradition of Murcia and the innovative potential of Northern Portugal.
SWOT analysis: Collects the perceptions and experiences of local actors, obtained through participatory workshops and working groups, identifying common and specific weaknesses, threats, strengths and opportunities.
Value Chain Analysis: Examines in detail the key links in the industry at the regional level, identifying strengths and areas for improvement to boost competitiveness.
Success Stories and Expert Insights: The report is enriched with case studies from companies that are already successfully tackling the ecological and digital transition, as well as testimonials from experts in each region who provide a privileged perspective on the future of the sector.
The publication of this report marks the start of the operational phase of the project. This joint assessment is essential for identifying complementarities and real opportunities for collaboration between SMEs in different regions. Collaboration is key to achieving a greener, more digital and more competitive furniture industry in Europe. With this initial result, FITT-NESS provides the roadmap for achieving this goal.
Project website: www.fitt-ness.eu
