The degree of export and internationalisation achieved by Ukrainian SMEs remains relatively low. The war in Ukraine introduces further challenges which must be overcome, including new risks, relocated companies, (partially) interrupted supply chains, damaged infrastructure, etc. Yet, the post-Covid19 shift in the economic landscape of the EU which seeks ways to increase its autonomy by improvement of the resilience of supply chains, diversifying supplies, increasing domestic capacity, etc. offers a chance for the Ukrainian SMEs. Furthermore, the Ukrainian SMEs have a good opportunity to become hubs for the EU companies who were previously operating in Central Asia and Caucasus through the hub offices in Moscow, Russia and who have withdrawn their activities from Russian market as counter action to its invasion of Ukraine.

One of the goals of the project is facilitating effective business integration and establishing trade links in European and global markets for Ukrainian SMEs. It is therefore of interest of the project to create sustainable business matches between Ukrainian SMEs and EU companies. To make this possible, the Ukrainian companies should be supported in overcoming barriers to access European and global markets.

Another goal of the project is to provide expertise and guidance to strengthen clusters’ organizational capacities, foster networking and collaboration opportunities, and assist in internationalization efforts.