European Cluster Collaboration Platform (ECCP) announces upcoming event

EU – South MED Cluster Matchmaking Event

In the context of the TechDays – Match Up! event by THE NEXT SOCIETY, the EU – South MED Cluster Matchmaking Event will take place virtually on 12-13 October 2021.

The event will be organised by the European Commission, the European Cluster Collaboration Platform (ECCP), and Ceipiemonte – the Piemonte Agency for Investments, Export and Tourism.

The event will build on the accomplishments of the first EU – South MED Cluster Matchmaking Event organised in April 2019 in Casablanca, Morocco, as well as on the successes of THE NEXT SOCIETY’s earlier actions on clusters.

It will gather cluster organisations, SMEs and policy makers from the EU (and non-EU COSME) countries and South MED countries. It will also be a unique opportunity for participants to explore common areas of interest for cooperation and to strengthen economic ties, connecting actors wishing to pursue trade, investment and partnering opportunities.

The goal of this series of events is to bring about collaborations between MENA and EU innovators but also within the MENA ecosystem, with clusters playing a key role in the value chain.

During the ‘Meet Up’ event in June, participants – including clusters, SMEs, start-ups, researchers and industry experts – from Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Tunisia and Europe were invited to discuss common visions, initiate discussions and co-creative processes by bringing out ideas of pilot projects. These pilot projects were followed up during the ‘Catch-Up’ event 2 months later. The purpose of the October Match Up event will be to encourage collaborations that are expected to ultimately result partnership agreements.

A call for expression of interest, targeting cluster organisations and their SME members from the EU (and non-EU COSME) countries who wish to participate, will be launched on the ECCP website in the coming weeks.

Event activities will include:

  • A preparatory webinar – an opportunity to receive guidance on how to participate successfully in the planned event
  • An online seminar on business and cluster cooperation opportunities between the EU (and non-EU COSME) countries and South MED countries
  • Virtual inter-cluster and inter-company matchmaking sessions between clusters and companies from Europe and from Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, and Tunisia.
  • Online site visits

Key areas of focus will be:

  • Agriculture and food industry
  • Creative industries and tourism
  • Digital solutions
  • Sustainable energy and greentech
  • Transport and mobility

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the matchmaking event will be held virtually.