The main goal of the project at the end of the project: The innovation process of micro and SME companies and the development and commercialization of new products and services has been enhanced and improved with high-quality group coaching based on peer networks and cooperation with educational institutions. The resulting networks and cooperation models have promoted companies' RDI activities. The program encourages peer-sharing and collaborative development among businesses. The content and collaboration methods of the coaching program take into account resource-efficiently the requirements of technology, the operating environment, and customers, as well as the principles of climate-smart operations, sustainable development, and responsibility. The development and implementation of the content leverage the expertise of educational and research institutions and expert companies, assisting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in better accessing the RDI environments of educational institutions to support their product and service development. Furthermore, the goal is to establish a model through the project that activates micro and small entrepreneurs to form peer networks and a community that shares, utilizes, and benefits from peer support. This community is expected to effectively utilize the RDI services provided by educational institutions in the region. The model is tested and is expected to generate positive results, leading to new products and services for businesses, ultimately contributing to business growth. The project activities are divided into three work packages (WPs): WP1: Models for supporting businesses' RDI activities This work package focuses on developing two models. First a peer mentoring model that supports collaborative work within the target group (SMEs). The model aims to sustain the network's activities even after the coaching program ends. Second a collaboration model between educational institutions and expert companies is developed to facilitate tailored interactions with SMEs. The effectiveness of the models is tested through peer group coaching, and improvements are made based on feedback. WP2: Peer group coaching to support product and service development This work package involves designing and producing comprehensive coaching modules to support innovation, product and service development, and commercialization. The modules consider the use of artificial intelligence, climate positivity, and sustainability in their content. The coaching modules are tailored to the product and service development life cycle of SMEs. The work package involves implementing coaching for approximately seven coaching groups based on developed coaching modules. The overall duration of the coaching is estimated to be around four months per group, divided into approximately five coaching modules. The information from these modules is compiled into a written guide for SMEs' product and service development, which can be widely distributed. WP3: Communication and Marketing This work package focuses on communicating and marketing the project to the target audience, stakeholders, and partners. The results of the project are disseminated and integrated into Business Joensuu's communication channels, various events, and press releases. The developed models are integrated into the collaboration between Business Joensuu and educational institutions, and the project's activities are communicated to other stakeholders and the general public. Project Output Indicators: - 7 supporting networks for collaborative development - 40 participating companies in collaborative development Project Outcome Indicators: - 20 SMEs engaged in product or process innovations - 13 innovations, products, and services developed through network and innovation ecosystem development Other Indicators monitored in the project: - Customer feedback using various quantitative and qualitative metrics, NPSat least 60 - Revenue growth in 30 companies Impact on Client Companies: - Companies develop new products and services, commercialize them, and generate business growth, reflected in increased revenue. - SMEs better utilize educational institutions' RDI environments to support their product and service development. - Climate sustainability is sought in product development, aiming for positive environmental effects, such as a minimal carbon footprint or efficient energy use (at least in line with the DNSH principle). - Commercializing new products and services increases the region's value creation and business growth. - Companies' capability for growth and development improves, enhancing their productivity. - Companies' readiness for long-term development and the use of digital tools strengthens. - The culture of collaborative development in business networks evolves, leading to the formation of new communities and partnership networks. - Intelligent technological solutions support the utilization of climate-friendly solutions, reduce