The “Green and Resilient European Excellence Network for Smart MED SMEs” (GREENSMARTMED) project promotes the green and sustainable transition of SMEs in strategic sectors through a cooperative model, involving industries, universities, research organizations, associations, and institutions from five European regions (Italy, Spain, Greece, Bulgaria, France).
Funded under the Interreg Euro-MED program, which aims to make the Mediterranean region more efficient and green, the project is coordinated by the University of Bergamo in collaboration with partners from other European regions (France, Spain, Greece, and Bulgaria).
International Partners:
- Spain: Fundació Eurecat and Confederación de la Industria Textil TEXFOR.
- Greece: Centre for Research & Technology Hellas (CERTH) and the Regional Development Fund of Western Macedonia.
- Bulgaria: Stara Zagora Regional Economic Development Agency (SZ REDA).
- France: Polymeris and Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University.
- Italy: CUEIM and the Associazione Fabbrica Intelligente Lombardia (AFIL).
The project aims to develop and test a structured methodology to enhance cooperation among innovation ecosystem actors (industries, universities, research organizations, associations, and institutions) in different European regions (Italy, Spain, France, Greece, and Bulgaria). This effort supports the green transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises in alignment with the regions’ Research and Innovation Smart Specialization Strategies (RIS3).
The project builds on results from previous Interreg Euro-MED initiatives, GREENOMED and FinMED, focusing on five strategic sectors: machinery, textiles, plastics, agri-food, and mobility & batteries.
The CUEIM is responsible for Communication activities and the Results Amplification Strategy (RAS). It has also contributed by bringing the experience gained from the Interreg Med Green Growth project, allowing it to capitalize on its Community approach and foster effective dialogue among multiple stakeholders through the Quadruple Helix model (which involves the academic world, businesses, public administration, and civil society). This will contribute to the strategic dissemination of results and a lasting impact.
Official References:
- Website:https://greensmartmed.interreg-euro-med.eu/
- Social Media:
Annuity
Goals
The goal is to enhance collaboration among innovation ecosystem actors across European regions—industries, universities, research organizations, associations, and institutions—to support the green transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises in line with regional specialization policies.
GREENSMARTMED fosters the creation of a European community capable of adopting innovations and solutions tailored to regional Smart Specialization Strategies. It aims to facilitate technology transfer in key areas, focusing on the development of sustainable materials and products, energy and resource optimization, and emission reduction.
By identifying and sharing best practices and innovative solutions at an interregional level, the project encourages the formation of new partnerships and initiatives supporting the strategic sectors identified.
Intended for
- SMEs in the identified strategic sectors, with a focus on those located in the regions involved.
- Innovation ecosystem actors, including industries, universities, research organizations, and institutions.
Research Output
- Development of methodologies to support SMEs in their green transition.
- Creation of a regional excellence network to foster interregional cooperation.
- Promotion of sustainable policies and strategies within the involved productive sectors.
The project stands out for its ability to engage diverse territorial realities, enhancing collaboration between research and industry to achieve sustainable and resilient growth.
The Interreg Euro-MED GREENSMARTMED project is co-funded by the European Union under the Interreg Euro-MED Programme. The project total budget is € 2.9 million, and the EU contribution is € 2.3 million (80%).