Green Manufacturing Stories brings together the voices of the organisations and people who have contributed to shaping greener and more innovative manufacturing ecosystems across the Mediterranean. Throughout this series, we explore regional experiences, success factors, and lessons learned from the implementation of this approach, highlighting the value of cooperation in accelerating the transition towards more sustainable production models.
In this interview, we explore the experience of our partner Regional Development Fund of Western Macedonia, and the key lessons learned throughout the GREENSMARTMED project. We will do this through the perspective of the project team.
In this article you will find insights into stakeholder engagement, industrial transition, and the role of transnational cooperation in supporting more sustainable manufacturing ecosystems.
About RDF and its role in GREENSMARTMED
Could you briefly introduce your organisation and explain why participating in GREENSMARTMED was strategically important for you?
The Regional Development Fund of Western Macedonia (RDFWM) is a public body responsible for supporting regional development, managing investment programmes and facilitating the implementation of strategic initiatives across the region. Acting as a key link between regional authorities, businesses, research institutions and funding opportunities, RDFWM plays an important role in supporting economic transformation and innovation.
Within the project, we focused on the dairy sector, one of the most important economic activities in Western Macedonia. The sector has faced several technical and economic challenges in recent years, particularly affecting small and medium-sized enterprises and family-owned businesses. Through the project, RDFWM worked to strengthen cooperation among local stakeholders, support SMEs and promote more sustainable and innovative production approaches.
“The project showed that cooperation, shared knowledge, and strong networks are key drivers of the sustainable transformation of local SMEs”
What are the main characteristics and strengths of your local manufacturing ecosystem?
The RDFWM focused on placing greater emphasis on the agri-food sector. The manufacturing ecosystem in the Region is not highly developed, with only a limited number of small industries identified. Particular attention was given to the cheesemaking sector, which represents one of the Region’s key economic activities.
The sector is supported by a well-established network of 21 dairy companies operating in the area. These companies have formed a cluster to address common needs, strengthen collaboration, and pursue shared objectives. The cluster’s structure is particularly effective, as its members face similar challenges and have aligned goals. Most members operate within the Region, while some have developed export activities, mainly targeting Balkan countries and Southern Europe.
Why did you consider the GREENSMARTMED methodology particularly relevant for your territory?
Supporting SMEs in Western Macedonia is a key priority, as the dairy sector has long been an important pillar of the regional economy. The GREENSMARTMED methodology was particularly relevant because it combined technological support, economic incentives, consultancy services and opportunities for cooperation.
Dairy companies needed access to funding opportunities, support from Business Support Organisations (BSOs), and stronger connections with public authorities and research institutions. GREENSMARTMED provided a framework where these different actors could interact, exchange experiences and identify possible solutions to common challenges.
The Living Labs represented an important opportunity for networking and knowledge exchange, allowing companies and stakeholders to discuss their needs and explore new development opportunities.
Building an Agri-food Innovation Community
How was your local Core Group formed?
In Western Macedonia, the Core Group was built around the regional Dairy Cluster, a network of 21 companies involved in cheesemaking and dairy production. Most of these companies are SMEs with limited production capacity, while only a few have developed stronger export activities.
The Core Group also involved universities, research institutions, local and regional authorities, economic chambers, technological organisations and Business Support Organisations.
Among the 21 dairy companies belonging to the cluster, 12 actively participated in the project by completing questionnaires and taking part in the Living Labs. Additionally, three companies contributed as supporting participants, following the project activities without taking an active role in all phases.
The participation of these stakeholders helped create a stronger dialogue between businesses, institutions and knowledge providers, reinforcing the foundations for future cooperation.
Key Figures
- 21 dairy companies involved in the regional Dairy Cluster
- 12 SMEs actively participating in GreenSmartMed activities
- 4 Living Labs organised with local stakeholders
- 3 supporting companies involved as project contributors
- 1 LIFE Programme proposal developed to support the clean energy transition of the dairy sector
These figures reflect the strong participation of the regional innovation ecosystem in the GREENSMARTMED activities.
What main activities did you carry out with the Core Group?
The main activities carried out with the Core Group focused on identifying the needs of the dairy sector, strengthening communication among stakeholders and creating opportunities for cooperation. These included regular exchanges with companies, the distribution of questionnaires, the organisation of four Living Labs, networking activities between businesses and public authorities, and the provision of information on available national and European funding opportunities.
During the process, several company visits were also organised to better understand the operational challenges faced by local businesses and identify areas where additional support could be provided.
One of the most significant outcomes of this collaborative approach was the development of a project proposal submitted under the LIFE Programme, focused on the clean energy transition of the dairy sector (LIFE GREENCORE). The proposal received a high evaluation score from the European Commission and, although currently included on the reserve list, the consortium is considering resubmitting it under the 2026 LIFE Programme call. The Dairy Sector Cluster participated as an affiliated partner, demonstrating the commitment of local companies to future sustainability initiatives.
How was the methodology initially received by participants?
The participants showed great interest about the implemented activities. The only challenge was communication and willingness to accept our actions since most of the companies are SMEs and Family Businesses with little free time to discuss additional actions and initiatives. Most of the companies were supported with few employees, so it was hard to reach them easily.
Video Interview: Engaging SMEs and Building Collaboration
In this video, Thomas Moschou, Owner of Farm Moschou and Technical Advisor of S.E.K, is interviewed by Thomas Varveris as part of the Core Group process. Farm Moschou is a family-run organic farm in the Kastoria region of northern Greece, where five generations have been raising sheep and goats through an integrated production system focused on quality, sustainability, and animal welfare.
Topics covered
- Need to make products identifiable and traceable
- Market competition
- Difficulty in assigning dedicated staff to sustainability-related tasks in small, family-run businesses
The added value of transnation cooperation
Was there a practice from another partner country that inspired you?
Due to the specific focus on the agri-food sector, there were limited direct similarities with some of the other sectors involved in the project. However, the exchange of experiences provided valuable insights into different approaches to business development, management practices and innovation.
The dairy sector in Western Macedonia is characterised by a strong presence of family-owned businesses, which represents a distinctive model requiring specific approaches. Lessons from other sectors, particularly regarding organisational strategies, digitalisation and market development, could be adapted to support the future growth of local companies.
The exchange visit to Barcelona was particularly useful, as it provided the opportunity to observe the operational models of larger companies and better understand approaches related to production organisation, export development and business expansion.
What is the main added value of participating in an Interreg Euro-MED project?
The main added value of transnational cooperation lies in the opportunity to exchange experiences, build networks and identify new opportunities together with partners facing different challenges across the Mediterranean area.
Participation in a European programme such as Interreg Euro-MED also provides access to broader perspectives, European policy frameworks, funding opportunities and good practices that would be difficult to obtain through national initiatives alone.
Working at European level allows territories to go beyond established approaches, encouraging innovation and the transfer of solutions between different contexts.
Looking back at the experience, was there a key moment in the process that you consider particularly significant?
A particularly valuable aspect of the GREENSMARTMED journey was the opportunity to bring together different actors around a common goal: strengthening the competitiveness and sustainability of the dairy sector in Western Macedonia.
The face-to-face meetings held in Thessaloniki and Barcelona represented important milestones, allowing participants to exchange experiences, discover new approaches and develop stronger relationships with project partners and local stakeholders.
The Living Labs and continuous dialogue with companies also contributed to a better understanding of the needs of SMEs and helped identify possible pathways for future collaboration.
What concrete outcomes do you expect after the project?
The main long-term result of GREENSMARTMED is the stronger cooperation created within the Dairy Cluster. The project encouraged companies to develop greater synergies, while improving the relationship between businesses, regional authorities, academia and technological institutions.
RDFWM will continue to support the cluster by facilitating connections, monitoring funding opportunities and encouraging the development of joint initiatives.
The experience also demonstrated the importance of collaborative structures such as clusters, which can help SMEs address common challenges, access new opportunities and strengthen their position within the market.
What recommendation would you give to other territories interested in replicating the approach?
The creation and strengthening of clusters is a valuable approach for supporting economic sectors, especially where SMEs and family businesses represent a significant part of the local economy.
Building stable relationships between companies, public authorities, research institutions and Business Support Organisations is essential to identify shared solutions and create opportunities for sustainable growth.
The exchange of good practices between territories and the organisation of direct meetings are also fundamental, as they provide practical examples and encourage the adoption of new approaches.
Key Takeaways
- Strengthening cooperation between SMEs, institutions and research organisations is essential for sustainable regional development.
- Cluster-based approaches can help small businesses overcome common challenges and access new opportunities.
- Transnational cooperation provides valuable knowledge exchange, new perspectives and access to European-level opportunities.
- Supporting traditional sectors through innovation and sustainability pathways can contribute to long-term economic resilience.
