Working in synergy with local partners is one of the many vital aims of the EMPHASIS project. In such spirit, the 5th and 6th Focus Group Discussions under the EU-funded TRANSDAIRY project were hosted by ELCIM - Euro-Lebanese Centre For Industrial Modernization at the Industrial Research Institute (IRI) and local partner, Berytech. Within such capitalization (local partners and other EU-funded initiatives), ELCIM was able to gain a better understanding of the needs of the local dairy industry and determine how EMPHASIS could assist these businesses.
 
The focus group, held in April 2022, brought together experts, entrepreneurs, researchers, public officials, and industrialists in the field of the Dairy Value Chain to discuss existing and potential partnerships among these stakeholders, as well as how they can integrate bio/nano and ICT technologies to foster innovation in and develop the Dairy Value Chain in Lebanon.
 
A presentation on the EMPHASIS project was delivered to the focus group, along with information on the ongoing Open Call.
 
Some of the key outcomes that are linked to the purpose of the EMPHASIS project included:
 

• Farmers should be trained and introduced to new technologies in order for them to see how they can be beneficial and increase efficiency; since the main problem was the lack of adoption and understanding of the new technology at the farmer’s level because they are only used to familiar methods. Therefore, by practicing technology and giving live demonstrations, there is a higher probability that the farmer would be convinced. Moreover, these consultancies are given for free by certain entities in Lebanon.
   
• Entrepreneurs and ICT innovators should be guided to make sure that their ideas are feasible at the industry level.
   
• The farmer is not introduced to the importance of information gathering and the know-how. An application was developed based on the problem of the farmers, and it can be used in Lebanon. There is a gap of awareness between stakeholders.
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The EMPHASIS project, in which six organizations from Greece, Italy, Spain, Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan are involved, aims to assist small and emerging businesses in using the concept and philosophy of Open Innovation to sustain their business, while also benefiting from a Euro-Mediterranean network that will help these companies expand to new markets. 

Stay tuned and follow us for more upcoming Info Sessions, Focus Group Meetings and Open Day Events from the 6 participating countries where you can learn more about all of the great opportunities we have in store!
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OPPORTUNITY: The EMPHASIS project, in which six organizations from Greece, Italy, Spain, Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan are involved, aims to assist small and emerging businesses in using the concept and philosophy of Open Innovation to sustain their business, while also benefiting from a Euro-Mediterranean network that will help these companies expand to new markets. So, if your business idea is competitive, addresses one of the EMPHASIS sustainability priorities, and has the potential for cross-border innovation, this is the call for you! Apply NOW to be selected as one of 24 innovative SMEs, startups, or spin-offs for the EMPHASIS Open Call!