What we achieve

By integrating and upgrading the methodologies developed through previous Interreg MED projects (GREENOMED and finMED), and leveraging the Interreg MED Green Growth Community, GREENSMARTMED has developed a transferable methodology to enhance transregional cooperation among innovation actors of the quadruple helix (SMEs, research organisations, business support structures, and public authorities).

We aim at fostering a European community able to take up and exploit innovation for green manufacturing, adopting a value-chain perspective and with a specific focus on enabling SMEs to turn sustainability challenges into business opportunities.

What we achieved so far

During the testing phase, we developed and implemented this methodology together with a dedicated toolkit, including a set of instruments to guide innovation actors step by step throughout the process.

Our approach combines:

  • Regional ecosystem mapping to identify key actors across value chains;
  • Identification of R&I priorities aligned with Smart Specialization Strategies;
  • Establishment and consolidation of Regional Core Groups;
  • SMEs’ capabilities assessment and identification of relevant financial instruments;
  • Design of cooperation activities for SMEs in green manufacturing;
  • Involvement of other EU Regions and design of regional and transregional cooperation initiatives.

We established Regional Core Groups in Lombardy (Italy), Catalonia (Spain), Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (France), Western Macedonia (Greece) and Stara Zagora (Bulgaria).

The process involved more than 1000 innovation actors, including over 200 SMEs, actively engaged in reflecting on their sustainability performance and exploring opportunities for innovation and cooperation.

We also worked to ensure the long-term sustainability of the approach, formalising our commitment through the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

From test to transfer

Through the 6th Call of the Interreg Euro-MED Programme for Thematic Projects (Test Projects) – Test to Transfer – Fast Lane, GREENSMARTMED was officially selected to adapt and transfer its results to four new Mediterranean territories: Portugal, North Macedonia, Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Over the coming months, our task will be to accompany the new territories and partners throughout the process of identify key actors across value chains and priorities aligned with Smart Specialization Strategies to involve them in new Regional Core Groups.

In parallel, we will continue strengthening coordination and cooperation with the Innovative Sustainable Economy Mission, of which GREENSMARTMED is part, and actively contribute to its Community of Practice within the Industrial Transition Cluster.

From testing to transfer, our journey continues: building connections, sharing knowledge and creating the conditions for innovation to drive a greener and more resilient manufacturing ecosystem across the Mediterranean.