The Interreg project SMASH Goes International – International Professionals. Regional Future. supports companies in the Bavarian-Austrian border region in successfully integrating international professionals and retaining them in the region over the long term.
Building on the experience gained through the SMASH project and the Welcome Center Salzburg, the project promotes the development of cross-border support structures for businesses. To this end, expertise, tools and advisory services are being developed to help companies address topics such as international recruitment, integration, residence and immigration law, and intercultural cooperation.
A particular focus is on transferring knowledge of the Salzburg model to Bavaria and developing a sustainable support structure for companies on both sides of the border.
Project details
SMASH Goes International – International Professionals. Regional Future.
01.10.2026 – 30.09.2027
98.968,80 Euro
- Interreg Österreich-Bayern
- EUREGIO Salzburg – Berchtesgadener Land – Traunstein
- Lead: Innovation Salzburg GmbH (AT)
- Chiemgau GmbH (DE)
- Berchtesgadener Land Wirtschaftsservice GmbH (DE, associated Partner)
- Establishment of cross-border support structures to help companies integrate international professionals.
- Transfer of knowledge and experience from the Welcome Center Salzburg to the Bavarian project partners, as well as the development of a first point of contact for international professionals in Bavaria.
- Support for companies through workshops, information events and networking opportunities on topics such as intercultural onboarding, residence and immigration law, and international recruitment.
- Further development of the Employer Check developed within the SMASH project by adding a module focused on international professionals and their successful integration into the workplace.
- Development and provision of practical tools, checklists, guidelines and best-practice examples for companies.
- Establishment of a cross-border network of companies, business development agencies, advisory services and public institutions to jointly address skilled labour shortages.
- Long-term strengthening of the competitiveness and attractiveness of the Bavarian-Austrian region as a place to work and live for international professionals.