In a time when demonstrating the value of European cooperation is more important than ever, particularly within Interreg programmes, projects are increasingly called upon to collaborate and deliver tangible results rather than operating in isolation.
By its very nature, European Territorial Cooperation is designed to foster transnational networks, align strategic visions and reduce territorial disparities. During the 2021–2027 programming period, the Euro-MED Programme further strengthened this approach by actively encouraging collaboration between projects to make results more coherent, visible and impactful.
Recent literature emphasizes that impact does not grow only by replicating projects, but through different forms of amplification: spreading solutions to new contexts, strengthening networks and partnerships, embedding practices into institutions, and influencing broader systems.
In this context, projects are no longer viewed as standalone initiatives, but as components of a wider picture. Each one contributes its own area of expertise in order to address specific challenges, while also complementing and reinforcing the work of others.
This mindset is at the heart of GREENSMARTMED and informs our daily activities. Over the past two years, we have been actively engaging in exchanges with other European projects to make our actions more systemic and capable of generating long-term impact.
Creating synergies for greater impact
From the very beginning, GREENSMARTMED has embraced a collaborative approach, actively participating in the Innovative Sustainable Economy Community of Practice (CoP). This experience proved extremely valuable. As well as offering training opportunities and exchanges with high-level experts, the CoP provided a space in which our projects could share its experiences, reflect on common challenges, and learn from different territorial contexts.
Building on this foundation, a more structured dialogue gradually developed with projects from the Industrial Transition Cluster. This process helped create a shared language and laid the groundwork for future collaborations.
Encouraged by this environment, we continued this strategic dialogue with projects from the ISE family, extending it beyond the formal CoP activities. A clear example of this is our ongoing collaboration with VerdeinMED. Thanks to the cross-cutting role of our partner CERTH, we have participated in each other’s events on several occasions. During our event in Lyon and the Verde.tec International Exhibition in Greece both projects presented their work. It was possible to highlight complementary approaches aimed at strengthening an industrial ecosystem where good practices can be implemented and scaled across different sectors.
Similar collaborative dynamics also led to exchanges with CircleMED. Participating in the project’s Future Labs in Kozani enabled us to present GREENSMARTMED to a younger audience. This contributed to the public debate on sustainability and encouraged reflection on alternative economic models, while promoting active citizenship and awareness of the principles of the circular economy.
Throughout our transnational events, we have also crossed paths with several other Interreg, Horizon (such as Solstice) and Erasmus+ projects active in the manufacturing sectors addressed by GREENSMARTMED (textile, agrofood, mobility & batteries, machinery and plastics). These encounters have created opportunities to share experiences, explore synergies, and in some cases, generate new project ideas.
You can read more about the various transnational stages completed so far at the following links: Bergamo, Lyon, Thessaloniki and Barcelona.
A concrete example of this continuity is MEDinCHAMBERS, a project recently funded by Interreg NEXT MED, involving two GREENSMARTMED partners (CUEIM as Lead Partner and CERTH).
FIND OUT MORE ON MEDINCHAMBERS
Beyond its specific objective of supporting the green and digital transition of the textile, clothing, leather and footwear (TCLF) sector, MEDinCHAMBERS offers a tangible way to build on the legacy of GREENSMARTMED by extending its tools to new territories. This continuity was clearly highlighted during the project’s Kick-off meeting, confirming that MEDinCHAMBERS has the potential to extend the impact of GREENSMARTMED over time. Creating the conditions for its vision and achievements to continue evolving and contributing to sustainable innovation across the Mediterranean.
Closing remarks
Our journey so far shows that cooperation between projects is not just an added value, but a necessary condition for maximising impact. By connecting initiatives, sharing knowledge, and building on existing results, European cooperation can generate lasting change by moving beyond individual actions. GREENSMARTMED is proud to be part of this collective effort, working towards a more integrated, resilient and sustainable Mediterranean ecosystem.
