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While many political strategies focus on the promotion of start-ups, the existing companies are often neglected. Recent studies confirm, that more jobs are lost due to failed business transfers, then new ones are created. In fact, the generation change has reached the European SMEs and they suffer from a lack of successor to take over the business. Suitable successors are entrepreneurs and this arti-cle sets out to investigate a feasible way to educate and attract them to the SME sector. Based on sol-id literature research the paper argues, that a dual training, where students receive training in school and at the same time on the job can provide this needed expertise for entrepreneurship education. In 2016 such a dual training was initiated in Lithuania, this papers highlights results of the first compre-hensive evaluation and provides an outlook on whether the graduates can become suitable successors in the long run.

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Purpose – the article shows the current state of the literature regarding business transfers presents the findings of a survey based on it, that can support the transfer process in the future. Research methodology – the article is based on three research methods: (a) desk research, (b) surveys and (c) economic analysis. The three methods are highly interdependent. Findings – the authors conclude that according to literature a lack of appropriate support and services for businesses going through a transfer exist. The survey highlights the challenges and demands that differ quite strongly between old and new member states. Research limitations – the number from the 283 participants who stated that they had already been involved in business transfers is above average and cannot be extrapolated to all companies. Practical implications – the practical implications of the study are highly relevant for decision-makers who want to create a structured approach to a sustainable support for business transfers in their countries. Originality/Value – the article is of high practical relevance. With regards to the evaluation of existing literature, there is a lack of current overviews like this one. The results of the current survey are of particularly importance for the practice of business transfers and their intensive support.

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Purpose – the purpose of this paper is to map out the current state of customer-based innovation through digital tools in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), highlighting advantages but also challenges, tools, methods and procedures involved. Research methodology – a twofold methodology comprising desk research and literature review is drawn upon. Findings – the authors conclude that customer-based innovation can be crucial for the success and resilience of SMEs and thus, the European economy. In order to provide SMEs with practical advice, further empirical research on the use of digital tools for customer-based innovation in SMEs is needed. Research limitations – this research paper is limited to a theoretical scope and serves as a preparatory research for quantitative and qualitative surveys that will be run in various EU countries after the publication of this paper. Practical implications – this research paper is relevant for SME managers, advisors and researchers that are interested in digital customer-based innovation in companies. Based on the theoretical framework provided in this paper, concrete training and education measures in the field will be developed. Originality/Value – the assessment of feasible customer-based innovation measures in SMEs is crucial in order to se-cure their competitiveness and productivity, especially for companies in north-eastern Europe that are competing with low-wage countries. Based on this paper, further concrete empirical research, training and education measures will be developed.