On November 9th and 10th, CCDR Alentejo, I.P., hosted the launch meeting for the GREENSMARTMED project – Green and Resilient European Excellence Network for Smart MED SMEs. This initiative, co-funded by the Interreg Euro-MED Programme, falls under the mission «Sustainable and Innovative Economy» and aims to promote sustainable innovation in small and medium-sized industrial enterprises in the Mediterranean region, strengthening cooperation between companies, research entities, business support organizations, and public authorities.
The opening session featured an intervention by the Vice-President of CCDR Alentejo, I.P., for the agricultural sector, Helena Cortes Cavaco, who welcomed the attending European partners and highlighted the importance of inter-regional cooperation in addressing the challenges of the green transition and sustainable competitiveness of SMEs.
The meeting brought together representatives of the consortium, led by the University of Bergamo, and partner entities from various European countries. The event marked the beginning of the methodology transfer phase of GREENSMARTMED to new territories, including Alentejo. During the meeting, the project's coordination structure, developed methodology and tools, management and reporting mechanisms, as well as communication and dissemination activities were presented.
On behalf of the national partners, the work was followed by the Director of the Planning and Regional Development Unit of CCDR Alentejo, I.P., Gonçalo Costa. He presented the regional priorities and opportunities for the transformation of the agri-food sector, framing Alentejo's participation in the initiative in light of the Regional Strategy for Smart Specialisation of Alentejo (EREI Alentejo 2030).
It was highlighted that EREI Alentejo 2030 seeks to mobilize knowledge and innovation to transform the regional economy, based on structural objectives linked to sustainability, territorial cohesion, valorisation of regional production chains, and skills development. The strong convergence between the objectives of GREENSMARTMED and Alentejo's regional priorities was emphasized, particularly in sustainable innovation applied to the agri-food sector, energy optimization, efficient resource use, valorisation of by-products, and the adoption of digital technologies by SMEs.
The second day was dedicated to strengthening capacity building and cooperation among partners and regional actors, under the theme “A Mediterranean Exchange: Sharing Perspectives for Agri-Food Innovation in Alentejo”. The program included the presentation of case studies, thematic working sessions on agri-industrial circularity, water and energy efficiency, funding opportunities, and SME involvement, as well as moments for sharing results and defining the next steps for the establishment of the Regional Group for Alentejo.
The GREENSMARTMED project aims to adapt a methodology already tested in various European regions to Alentejo, in order to identify common industrial challenges, promote SME capacity building, and stimulate the creation of cooperation networks between companies, research centers, and public entities. In Alentejo, its application focuses on the agri-food sector, with a special emphasis on agri-industrial circularity, water and energy efficiency, and sustainable resource management.
The President of CCDR Alentejo, I.P., Ricardo Pinheiro, closed the meeting, highlighting the initiative's relevance for strengthening regional innovation capacity and for affirming Alentejo as a territory committed to the green transition, European cooperation, and sustainable development.
CCDR Alentejo, I.P., as a partner entity, assumes an active role in mobilizing regional stakeholders and coordinating the implementation of planned activities, with a view to defining the Regional Group for Alentejo and contributing to transforming knowledge, innovation, and international cooperation into concrete opportunities for businesses and the sustainable development of Alentejo.
