The CCIs are characterised by a large and diverse number of chiefly small and micro enterprises, as well as by hefty differences across geographical and sectorial divides. Large parts of the CCIs, thus, lack the capacity to take the necessary measures to adapt to and thrive under the climate transition, not to speak of driving this transition.

Specific approaches are therefore needed to enable Europe’s CCIs to develop their full potential to support a sustainable climate transition.

Such approaches need to address the adoption of new sustainable business models, including the use of new technologies, production methods and possibly the development or adaption of new technological solutions, as well as gaps in skills and capacities. They should be valid across different Member States/Associated Countries, and address the needs of small, micro as well as larger companies. Such approaches may involve the use of platforms or networks to facilitate sharing investments, facilities or competencies among several companies or across sectors.

Proposals should provide for testing and refining such model(s) through small scale pilot trials under real world conditions. These pilot trials should verify the economic, social and environmental sustainability of the action(s), as well as the efficacy.

Proposals should choose a suitable set of CCI sector(s), or/and cross-sectoral issues, to focus on, which allow significant impacts to be achieved. Results should be valid at a European level, therefore the pilot trials need to involve at least five Member States/Associated Countries, as well as CCI companies of different size and origin, according to the focus chosen by the proposal.

A wide set of stakeholders should be involved, in order to ensure that pilots are developed in an effective and realistic way, so that conclusions can readily be taken up and solutions scaled up effectively.