Working Meeting for the SmartConEurope Project
The MaterLab Laboratory of the University of Western Macedonia, in collaboration with the former Administration of the Grevena Chamber of Commerce, held a working meeting on the Good Practice titled “Establishment of a Certification Center for Exportable Agro-Products.”
The meeting took place within the framework of the SmartConEurope project, which aims to enhance the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in European research and innovation programs, with particular emphasis on Horizon 2020 and future EU initiatives related to innovation and “smart” growth.
During the meeting, the deliverables of the SMART CON EUROPE project were presented, along with the Good Practices identified so far, focusing on the Good Practice “Establishment of a Certification Center for Exportable Agro-Products.” The discussion also explored the potential for implementing these practices at the local level.
At the same time, the opportunities offered by the program for strengthening competitiveness, extroversion, and sustainable development of local enterprises were highlighted. The discussion was coordinated by Professor Ioannis Bakouros, head of the MaterLab Laboratory, together with his research team — Dr. Amalia Kouskoura and PhD Student Eleni Kalliontzi.
Ms. Maria Georgitsi informed the participants about the protocols implemented, the actions carried out, and the process followed by the administration in office at that time to realize this Good Practice.
Reference was also made to the challenges faced by SMEs in their efforts to finance innovative initiatives, and ways to strengthen collaboration between the public and private sectors were proposed.
The meeting concluded with an exchange of views on strategies that could help regions promote economic development. In the near future, a meeting with the new Administration of the Grevena Chamber of Commerce is planned to provide an update on the SMART CON EUROPE program and its activities.