ISE aims to identify SMEs in need of creating extra value and to accelerate innovation through facilitating cross-border connections, collaborations & tech-transfer with other SMEs, knowledge institutes and experts. The project aims to deliver two main support trajectories: "introducing innovation" (WP1) to a number of priority sectors and "incubating & clustering innovation" (WP2&3) among SMEs with growth potential from sectors highlighted in regional S3 strategies. Many partner regions are "innovation followers". ISE will increase the number of SMEs innovating and taking innovations to new markets.