Intelligent Connected Cities (ICC)

The Intelligent Connected Cities (ICC) project is designed to enhance the global competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from the Central Baltic region by addressing key challenges such as market access, technological adaptation and sustainability outside the EU. This initiative has a unique focus on integrating SMEs into “megaprojects”. Megaprojects are specific, existing larger-scale development initiatives related to modern urban development (e.g. Indonesia’s Nusantara, Saudi Arabia’s NEOM, New York’s Governor’s Island, etc.) that require solutions from a variety of sectors.

The ICC approach involves directly linking SMEs to these megaprojects, providing a structured framework that facilitates a direct path to sales and contract opportunities. It emphasizes sustainability, aiming to align SMEs’ activities with global sustainability goals and integrate them into large projects to promote long-term economic growth opportunities. The project focuses on 1-3 megaprojects to build sales channels, involving 80+ SMEs with the goal of securing 20 sales contracts.

The main results include the creation of a digital business portfolio, the formation of strategic partnerships and the strengthening of SME capacity through targeted training and innovation challenges. The project uses cross-border cooperation, combining resources and expertise from Finland, Sweden, Estonia and Latvia, and builds on six existing Central Baltic projects.

This joint approach is essential to overcome international barriers and leverage the region's strengths, setting a precedent for future international cooperation and positioning Central Baltic SMEs at the forefront of global urban innovation.

The expected impact of the ICC project goes beyond the growth and internationalization of SMEs; it aims to make a significant contribution to sustainable urban development mega-projects around the world.

The total project budget is ~1.8 million EUR, which is divided between the lead partners and three other project partners.

PROJECT NEWS: 04.11.2025 Opportunity for companies to develop business in the Philippines, Singapore or Vietnam!