The Family Businesses project strengthens cooperation between Dutch and German family businesses, knowledge institutions and intermediaries in the field of business support in Overijssel and Münsterland. Family businesses are crucial to the regional economy, but face similar challenges in both countries, such as succession, transfer to the next generation and issues surrounding future-proofing.
Until now, family businesses have mainly sought solutions within their own national borders. This project breaks through that one-sided view by encouraging a 360-degree perspective: companies are encouraged to look across the border and utilise solutions, methods and strategies from the neighbouring country. This broadens their view of innovation, business succession and strategic development.
A cross-border study of the differences and similarities between Dutch and German family businesses forms the basis of the project. The insights gained from this study guide the activities and show where mutual learning has the greatest impact.
The core of the project is the establishment of learning communities in which family businesses from both countries learn from each other intensively and over the long term. Because they are confronted with similar issues, a powerful learning environment is created in which experiences are shared and joint solutions are developed. This leads to sustainable cooperation and ongoing knowledge exchange.
New working methods are shared with intermediaries in workshops and recorded in a guide and training modules, so that other regions can also benefit. The cross-border structures developed will remain in place and provide ongoing support to family businesses.
