IPEnergy – Development of international projects for the alternative energy industry with a focus on digitization

Numerous Austrian SMEs are world leaders with regard to know-how in the areas of environmental technology, energy technology, smart controls & automation, water, wastewater and waste technology. In the case of large international projects, however, these SMEs often act as export suppliers because they lack know-how concerning international project development (IPD). This often has a negative effect on the profit margins that could be achieved. To be able to support SMEs in particular concerning the planning and implementation of entire turnkey projects abroad, special expertise in international project development (IPD) is required.

This expertise is bundled in the IPEnergy project and made available as a software application. In the first step methods and good practices of IPD are collected and structured in a collaborative process. The results are incorporated into a software application that provides SMEs with a structured, interactive guide to the IPD. SMEs are digitally supported starting from the project idea through feasibility, detailed technical planning, financial planning, approval, and processing, closing with the handover of the IPE projects to the customers. Functionalities supporting the network between SMEs and relevant stakeholders are considered. In addition, the software application is used as training material for training courses on IPD.

The innovation methodology for IPD in combination with a digital IPE management software especially for SMEs in the alternative energy industry is an important innovation for Austria as a business location.