The Bridging small and medium-sized enterprises with international talent (BRIDGE) research project launched in April 2025. Running until March 2026, the project will provide targeted support to SMEs by identifying and strengthening the role of bridging actors.
SMEs play a vital role in the EU economy, but continue to face significant challenges in accessing the skills they need. While many SMEs express an interest in hiring internationally, complex administrative procedures and limited support mechanisms often hinder their efforts. BRIDGE aims to address this gap by exploring how bridging actors – including SME umbrella organisations, profession and industry associations, public employment services, and business and local development agencies – can support SMEs more effectively in recruiting, onboarding, integrating, and retaining foreign workers.
This research is supported by the European Union and commissioned through the ICMPD-led Migration Partnership Facility (MPF).
What’s next?
The initial phase of the project focuses on mapping and analysing relevant bridging actors across the EU, identifying promising practices and areas for improvement. The team will then, with input from stakeholder consultations, develop concrete, practical recommendations. These will serve both to enhance the capacity of bridging actors and to provide actionable guidance for SMEs. In parallel, the project will promote peer learning and facilitate knowledge exchange among key stakeholders engaged in labour mobility and SME support.
Further updates and outputs will be shared throughout the implementation period – stay tuned!