Green transition of SMEs: Lombardy Region and GreenGov project stakeholders meet at MIND

The fifth meeting of Lombardy stakeholders involved in the Interreg Europe GreenGov project was held on 29 September 2026 at ROLD, at MIND - Milano Innovation District. Lombardy Region participates in the project through the ERDF Regional Programme 2021-2027, with technical support from Finlombarda SpA.

The meeting brought together representatives of Lombardy Region, Finlombarda, Unioncamere Lombardia, CNA Lombardia, Human Technopole, Federated Innovation @ MIND, and the regional clusters AFIL, LE2C and LGCA, who engaged in discussions on strategies and tools to support the green transition of businesses, with particular attention to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.

The discussion highlighted three priority needs: making information more accessible and better coordinated, strengthening in-house skills within businesses, and simplifying guidance on compliance requirements, certifications and funding opportunities. Associations and clusters also stressed the need for shared guidelines and targeted assistance, particularly for smaller businesses.

Lombardy Region presented the actions already undertaken based on practices shared within GreenGov: training for inspectors on verifying compliance with the DNSH principle, guidelines for the climate proofing of infrastructure, and green tagging pilot activities within the regional budget. It also reported on the main findings from the partnership’s recent international meeting, held in Cluj (Romania) in June 2026, which was also attended by representatives of the AFIL cluster. Of particular interest to the Lombardy partners is the analysis carried out by the Brussels-Capital Region on the transition of SMEs, which highlights similarities with Lombardy’s business landscape. The next meeting is scheduled to take place in Lisbon in February 2027.

The stakeholders, who are engaged in training programmes, methodological studies on the EU Taxonomy and sustainable finance, support for European project development and regulatory compliance, expressed their intention to further integrate expertise, results and experience already developed across the region, strengthening the connection between business needs, support services and regional measures. Possible developments also include a review of how the DNSH principle is applied to SMEs, in light of new European guidance expected by the end of 2026.

The host venue, ROLD, an Italian company and a leading manufacturer of innovative components for household appliances, recognised by the World Economic Forum as a Lighthouse Plant, presented its innovation and sustainability journey. Through ROLD Academy and RLab, the company promotes applied research, technology transfer, continuous training and the circular economy, developing projects in collaboration with universities, businesses and start-ups.

The presentations on MIND and Human Technopole provided concrete examples of how applied research, technology transfer, training and the circular economy can support business development. The visit to the Bio4Dreams incubator confirmed the value of collaboration and open innovation in turning good practices into practical and replicable tools, as well as in making the sustainable transition a driver of competitiveness.