How to take your R&D&I project idea to CDTI funding for startups

Date: 3 December. Time: from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Venue: Terrassa Chamber of Commerce.

The growing demand for sustainability information from clients, financial institutions, public administrations and other stakeholders makes it necessary for companies to prepare rigorous reports adapted to their circumstances. In this context, EFRAG’s voluntary European VSME standard (future VS) provides a specific framework for SMEs to communicate their environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance. This practical workshop provides the knowledge, criteria and resources needed to begin preparing a sustainability report according to the VSME standard. During the session, the contents of the standard will be covered, real examples will be shown, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to structure content, draft narratives, systematize data and improve process efficiency will be introduced. At the end, each participant will receive a practical guide to begin drafting their own VSME report.

Course information

Objectives

The workshop aims to provide practical knowledge for preparing a sustainability report according to the voluntary European standard currently known as VSME (future VS). At the end of the session, participants will be able to: Understand the scope, structure and requirements of the VSME (basic module and comprehensive module). Identify what information, data and policies their company must collect to address each section of the standard. Structure and draft the different sections of the report with the support of a practical guide. Incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) as a support tool to accelerate drafting, systematize data and improve the quality of the report. Take away a preparation guide that will allow them to begin working on the report within the company.

Target audience

This workshop is intended for people with direct or indirect responsibility for the company’s sustainability and non-financial reporting: executives, managers and specialists in sustainability, the environment, quality, CSR or ESG, and management personnel involved in corporate reporting who must convey sustainability information to clients, financial institutions, public administrations and other stakeholders.

Syllabus

Contextualization of VS/VSME: who, why, when and where. European regulatory framework (CSRD, ESRS) and how the voluntary standard fits within it. Basic module and comprehensive module. Module contents (data points). Use of AI to support preparation: drafting narratives, synthesizing data, reviewing consistency and improving the quality of the report. Best practices and limitations.

Methodology

Theoretical and practical workshop session. Explanations from the instructors about the VSME standard will be combined with exercises directly applying it to the circumstances of each participating company. Practical demonstrations will show how artificial intelligence can be used as a support tool in preparing the report (drafting narratives, synthesizing data and reviewing consistency).

Speakers

Marianella Pereira, Head of Sustainable Business Development, Terrassa Chamber of Commerce. Glòria Monterrubio, Sustainability Project Coordinator, Terrassa Chamber of Commerce. Genís Cortada, Sustainability Specialist, Terrassa Chamber of Commerce.