We are excited to share the success of the Euro-Mediterranean Network Facilitating Market Uptake of Innovations from SMEs (EMPHASIS) project's grand finale conference. The event marked the culmination of a journey dedicated to fostering innovation, collaboration, and economic empowerment across Mediterranean coastal countries.

Under the esteemed patronage of His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Hanandeh, Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, the EMPHASIS project concluded its impactful journey with a dynamic final conference. The conference, held the 27th July 2023 at the Movenpick Hotel in Amman, Jordan, witnessed the participation of project partners from Egypt, Lebanon, Greece, Spain, and Italy.

The EMPHASIS project, supported and funded by the European Union through the ENI CBCMED program, aimed to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through cross-border collaborations and open innovation. The conference showcased the project's achievements in transforming knowledge into innovative products, services, and employment opportunities.

Esteemed speakers including Ms. Nisreen Eid, Director of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Policy Office, Dr. Tareq Mukattash, Dean of Scientific Research at the University, and Mr. Giorgio Basuti, Deputy Secretary of the Italian Embassy, highlighted the crucial role of such projects in nurturing entrepreneurship and fostering cross-border partnerships.

The conference featured enlightening workshops that delved into Open Innovation, Networking for SMEs in the Mediterranean context, and Innovation Dynamics. Representatives from companies in Jordan and various European partner countries shared their invaluable experiences, contributing to a rich exchange of ideas that promise to reshape the landscape of innovation in the region. 

But what has EMPHASIS truly achieved? The answer lies in the project's ability to unite 24 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) from Egypt, Greece, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, and Spain on a journey towards success. Through its commitment to cross-border collaboration and open innovation, the project has not only fostered an exchange of ideas and expertise but has also provided tangible support to these SMEs, enabling them to thrive and innovate.

"Participating in this project was a really great experience for us because we were able to get in touch with a different environment and dimension, which perfectly aligns with our company's general objective, as we aim to expand our network in the Mediterranean area, so interaction with companies coming from Jordan, Lebanon, and other countries in this project has been extremely important to us."

Antonio Puliafito, Co-Founder of SmartME in Italy

We believe that far beyond the numbers, the real testament to EMPHASIS' impact comes from the voices of its beneficiaries, who highlight the connections, growth, and transformative experiences they've gained through their participation. Let's delve into the outcomes and stories that underscore the true achievements of the EMPHASIS project.

 "We are very thankful to the EMPHASIS project which has helped us reach these (EUROMED) markets and connect with companies, consultants and institutions from the region. Thank you very much; it has been a very interesting networking experience here today in Amman in the final event."

Fran Guillén, Co-founder & Vice President of Brio-Agro in Spain

 Outcomes and Achievements

The EMPHASIS project's impact is best showcased through its tangible outcomes and impressive achievements:

• Establishment of an Open Innovation platform equipped with online tools to facilitate seamless exchange of innovative ideas and solutions among SMEs.
• SMEs participating in the project proposed a total of 60 innovation opportunities, a testament to their creative and entrepreneurial spirit.
• Advisory services were extended to 24 SMEs, offering expert guidance to navigate the intricate landscape of innovation and collaboration.
• The project organized six regional capacity-building seminars, providing SMEs with valuable insights and skills to foster a culture of innovation.

"Through our participation in the EMPHASIS project, we were able to connect with various companies operating in the agriculture and water sectors across regions like Italy, Spain, and Greece. This has facilitated the exchange of experiences, enabling us to gain deeper insights into global technological advancements within these sectors and how we can collaborate with them to enhance our system development. Furthermore, the business coaching we received during the program has been instrumental in shaping our future plans for the upcoming period."

Salma Amayri, Co-founder & CEO of Smart Green for Agri Tech Solutions in Jordan

The EMPHASIS project, its final conference and the feedback of its beneficiaries stand as a testament to the transformative potential of collaboration, innovation, and cross-border partnerships. This collaborative synergy has been instrumental in cultivating economic growth and amplifying entrepreneurial prowess within the Mediterranean region and beyond.