Join the Internationalisation Community on PARTNERALL
Looking to expand beyond your national market? The European DIGITAL SME Alliance supports SMEs in their international growth by providing access to Global Gateway opportunities, international matchmaking, and key updates on EU digital policy.
All funding opportunities, networking events, and policy alerts are shared via our dedicated matchmaking platform, PARTNERALL, designed to connect European tech SMEs with trusted partners worldwide.
Why internationalisation matters for SMEs
Digital markets are global by design. However, SMEs often face:
Complex regulatory environments in third countries Lack of access to financing and risk-mitigation tools Limited visibility in large-scale international projects Unfair competition from larger multinational firms Insufficient access to information and matchmaking opportunities
Nevertheless, better representation on the global stage offers SMEs:
Access to emerging markets and new customers Participation in global supply chains Technology partnerships and knowledge exchange Political backing through EU-labelled initiatives Opportunities to shape international digital standards
DIGITAL SME advocates for a fair, transparent, and SME-friendly international framework that enables Europe’s tech companies to thrive globally.
Relevant Publications
This discussion paper, presented during the Global Gateway Business Advisory Group’s second plenary meeting, argues that European SMEs should play a central role in the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, which aims to strengthen Europe’s global economic and geopolitical presence.
The paper argues for a stronger and more strategic digital partnership between the EU and the Western Balkans, positioning the region as a key geopolitical and economic partner in Europe’s broader digital agenda. It highlights that, while the Western Balkans have significant potential, their digital transformation is still hindered by gaps in infrastructure, skills, and public sector digitalisation.
