GRAND EST DEVELOPPEMENT

Their core work

Grand Est Développement is a French regional development agency based in Mulhouse that delivers innovation support services to SMEs in eastern France through the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN). Their core work involves coaching companies on innovation management, helping them access EU funding instruments like the SME Instrument and EIC Pilot, and acting as key account managers for high-potential SMEs. They also engage in broader regional transformation initiatives, supporting traditional industrial regions in their digital transition.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In their early H2020 participation (2015-2018), Grand Est Développement focused narrowly on delivering standard Enterprise Europe Network innovation management services — coaching SMEs, enhancing capacity, and supporting SME Instrument applications. From 2019 onward, their scope widened: they took on EIC Pilot support as the EU instrument evolved, and joined DigiTeRRI, a cross-regional project addressing industrial digitalization and responsible innovation in traditional regions. This signals a shift from pure SME advisory work toward broader regional transformation and ecosystem-building.

Moving from individual SME coaching toward systemic regional innovation ecosystem development, making them a relevant partner for place-based industrial transition projects.

How they like to work

Grand Est Développement operates exclusively as a participant — they have never coordinated an H2020 project. With 13 unique partners across 5 countries, they maintain a moderately diverse network but tend to work in smaller consortia typical of Coordination and Support Actions. Their consistent participation in consecutive EEN projects suggests they are a reliable, steady partner rather than a one-off contributor.

They have collaborated with 13 unique partners across 5 countries. The DigiTeRRI project reveals connections to Värmland (Sweden) and Styria (Austria), indicating a specific network around traditional industrial regions undergoing transformation.

What sets them apart

Grand Est Développement combines deep, hands-on experience in SME innovation coaching with knowledge of EU funding instruments (SME Instrument, EIC) — a rare pairing for a regional development agency. Their eastern France base places them at a cross-border hub near Germany and Switzerland, and their DigiTeRRI involvement shows they understand the specific challenges of transitioning old industrial regions. For consortium builders, they bring both on-the-ground SME networks and practical experience running EEN innovation services.

Highlights from their portfolio

• DigiTeRRI
  Their only non-EEN project, addressing industrial regional transformation across three European regions — signals a strategic broadening beyond routine EEN work.
• EEN EF4 INNO 20-21
  Their largest single EC contribution (EUR 114,335) and most recent EEN project, covering the full range of innovation management, SME Instrument, and EIC Pilot services.