Objectives The project’s overall goals are increased sustainability and energy efficiency, and strengthened competitiveness in SMEs through research-based change initiatives in energy systems. The project objective is the establishment of innovative services and products for increased energy efficiency in companies. Milestones Some of the milestones are -Implementation of at least ten energy efficiency networks for SMEs -Implementation of at least 80 energy surveys using two innovative products, a software for energy mapping and an action database for SMEs Establishing a regional energy use and action database – Minimum 80 participating SMEs -Support in implementing energy mapping for at least 150 SMEs Working methods The project is based on the service innovation. (2014) has been introduced. It describes the primary working methods for structuring/planning, implementing, operating and evaluating networks. The work is done through energy efficiency networks, a form of adapted energy management where companies receive support for a period of 1-3 years with energy mapping, formulation of energy and investment plans, support for implementation of measures and follow-up. The activities of the project are focused on collaboration with regional companies and with a focus on SME. Activities The project’s activities include implementing at least ten energy efficiency networks for SMEs and 80 energy mappings using software developed for energy mapping and a regional energy use and action database will be established for SME. Scientific and popular science articles will also be produced as well as participation and information efforts at Sweden’s largest energy conference – Energitinget. Follow-up research and evaluation will be carried out in the project. Regional industry participation Most of Gävleborg County’s industrial energy use takes place in the energy-intensive industry. Despite lower energy use overall, SMEs have a greater relative potential for energy efficiency in that sector. This is shown in recent research both internationally (Thollander et al., 2014) and in the county (Moshfegh et al, 2014). In the project, Clean Production Centre will assist with contacts with SME in areas such as sustainable technology development and innovation, also medium Swedish Chamber of Commerce communicates contacts with companies and Gävle-Dala Energikontor contributes with long experience and a solid documented knowledge bank when it comes to work with energy efficiency in industry in Gävleborg and Dalarna. Expected results and benefits Strengthened competitiveness, increased employment, and more efficient energy use primarily in SMEs in Gävleborg, by initiating, demonstrating, analysing and evaluating energy efficiency networks with pilot implementation of innovative products. Strengthened competitiveness means, among other things, that reduced energy costs directly lead to increased profit/decrease loss, which benefits the company in the short and long term. Expected long-term effects As regards the project’s focus on market introduction and development of new innovative services and products, the project aims directly to strengthen social sustainability in terms of employment. The project simply creates new jobs in the region in the areas of energy technology information systems and innovative service models for energy efficiency, and supports SMEs at an early stage of the service and technology development phase. The innovations that through the project reach an increased market penetration, have great potential for market introductions also outside the county and the country. In the long run, the project increases opportunities for the county’s companies to expand, both in terms of their service and product portfolio, and with respect to market dissemination.