SME Assembly Day 1: A Grand Start at the Guggenheim Museum

The much-anticipated SME Assembly 2023 kicked off with a grand opening ceremony at the iconic Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao on Monday 13 November. The venue, known for its breath-taking architecture and dedication to the arts, set the perfect stage for the assembly's first day.

The day commenced with the "Opening Ceremony of Basque Open Industry 4.0." Industry leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs came together to celebrate the inauguration of this ground-breaking event, which focused on the latest trends in advanced manufacturing and emerging applications of the Basque Smart Industry. The round table discussion that followed featured Regional Ministers for Economy, providing insights into the region's commitment to fostering innovation and technological advancements.

In the afternoon, participants had the opportunity to engage in optional business tours and site visits, immersing themselves in the region's thriving innovation ecosystem. These visits included:

• Adegi, Donostia-San Sebastian: Visit to Fabrika Cultural Change: This visit allowed attendees to experience first hand how cultural change and innovation are integrated into business practices.
• AZTI Scientific and Technological Centre – Bizkaia Technology Park: Participants explored the AZTI Centre, a hub for scientific and technological research, gaining insights into the advancements driving progress in various fields.
• TECNALIA – Centre of Applied Research & Technological Development – Bizkaia Technology Park: This visit provided a glimpse into the innovative work happening at TECNALIA, a centre dedicated to research and technological development.
• CFAA – The Aeronautics Advanced Manufacturing Centre – Bizkaia Technology Park: Attendees discovered the cutting-edge innovations shaping the aeronautics industry.
• Basque Open Industry 4.0 EXPO, Bilbao Exhibition Centre: The expo offered a comprehensive view of the latest advancements in Industry 4.0, showcasing the technologies and solutions driving the future of manufacturing.
• Bilbao Sightseeing Walking Tour: For those interested in the rich culture and history of Bilbao, a walking tour allowed participants to explore the city's unique charm.

Insightful Schumpeter lecture

As the evening approached, the Guggenheim Museum's Auditorium came alive with the "Schumpeter 'Innovation in Enterprise' Lecture." One of the highlights of SME Week – the Schumpeter Lecture this year was delivered by Professor Saras D. Sarasvathy, from the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business. Professor Sarasvathy was introduced by the European Commission DG GROW representative Bonifacio Garcia Porras, Head of Unit for SMEs, and Outi Slotboom, Director for Strategy and Economic Analysis. She delivered an insightful lecture on innovation in enterprise. Her wisdom and expertise provided attendees with valuable perspectives on fostering innovation within their businesses.

The day's activities culminated with the "SME Week Reception" held in the Guggenheim Bilbao Museum's Atrium. Participants had the opportunity to network, exchange ideas, and build connections in a relaxed and inspiring setting.

Day 1 of the SME Assembly in Bilbao was a grand start, full of innovation, inspiration, and cultural exploration. As we look forward to the coming days, the assembly promises to offer even more insights and opportunities for SMEs to thrive and grow. Stay tuned for updates from Day 2, where we will delve deeper into the world of entrepreneurship and innovation.

We invite you to stay updated on the event on the Promoting enterprise news portal and also via Twitter, Facebook, Instagram.  LinkedIn so stay tuned. It is possible to check the photos from the event also on Promoting Enterprise | Flickr.