The RAF Regions project and beyond

Thessaloniki, 5th March 2010 1

RAF Regions

The RAF Regions project and beyond

Nikos GIANNOULIDIS, Project Coordinator


RAF Regions

RAF Regions- Objective and Geographical Scope

Objective: to increase the overall capacity of the Regions of Central Macedonia (Greece), Puglia (Italy) and

Pazardjik (Bulgaria) in enhancing science and technology based economic development,

focusing on the AgroFood Sector


RAF Regions

RAF Regions- Identifying the ProblemThe AgroFood industry is a major manufacturing sector for the Regions of Central Macedonia (Greece), Puglia (Italy) and the district of Pazardjik (Bulgaria), and local economies depend heavily on this for their development and prosperity

However, the AgroFood sector is slow in the adoption of new and innovative technologies and the introduction of suitable research results in their processes

Global competition; new food trends; demand for innovative food products and processes

Need to facilitate the synthesis of the key players from AgroFood Research and Industry in the Regions and accelerate decision making


RAF Regions

RAF Regions- Bringing the Benefits of Research to AgroFood SMEs

To support the development and operation of innovative “Research-driven Clusters” in the AgroFood sector

To promote synergies between regional and research policies

To enable the Regions to attract more and better RTD investments

To foster RTD cooperation in the AgroFood sector

To assist the AgroFood sector SMEs to adopt new technologies

To mentor and exchange best practices between the partners

To cooperate with relevant projects and initiatives developed in other European Regions


RAF Regions

RAF Regions- ConsortiumGreece Italy Bulgaria

Technology Consultants

Euroconsultants S.A.

INNOVA S.p.A.Euroconsultants SA

Bulgaria ASD

Regional Authorities

Region of Central Macedonia

Agenzia Regionale per la Tecnologia e

l’Innovazione- Regione Puglia

District of Pazardjik

SME Associations

Federation of Industries of Northern

Greece

Distretto Agroalimentare Regionale Scrl

The Bulgarian Association of Food and Drink Industry

Research Entities

Institute of Agrobiotechnology,

Centre for Research & Technology Hellas

Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research

Council

Agricultural University of Plovdiv

FP7FP7-- CapacitiesCapacities-- REGIONSREGIONS--20072007--1, 1, Feb 2008 to July 2010Feb 2008 to July 2010


RAF Regions

RAF Regions- Activities and Results

Development of 3AgroFood

“Research-driven Clusters”

~50 Food SMEs audited- technology

needs identified

~130 RTD entities profiled-

RTD capacities identified

Identification of key stakeholders (Agrofood RTD Actors, Food SMEs, local and regional authorities)

Transfer and take-up of knowledge for the AgroFood IndustryMatching of technology demand and offer

Facilitation of Clustering


RAF Regions


Identification and critical assessment of existing regional and

national RTD policies and measures for the Food Sector

SWOT Analysis in the 3 Regionswith regards to Food RTD capacity

and assimilation-Strategic Orientation Rounds

Policy Insights for the Action Plan


RAF Regions


3 workshops for SMEsand RTD entities

(approx. 100 participants)

Oct- Nov ‘09

Exploitation of synergies, mutual learning and networking for AgroFood SMEs and RTD entities

Training trips forexchange

of best practices:C. Macedonia, Nov ’09

(approx. 25 participants)Puglia, May ’10

Development of common proposals under FP7,

SEE Programme,MED, etc.

(approx. 10 proposals)


RAF Regions


Joint Action Plan for Agrofood RTD development.Joint Action Plan for Agrofood RTD development.Methodology developed, main lines drafted.

Pending finalisation of measures to be included in the Action Plan

Facilitation of efficient programming of EU funding (Structural Funds, FP7, CIP,

Territorial Cooperation Programmes)


RAF Regions


“Mind your Food!”Conference,

Thessaloniki, 5- 6 Mar ‘10

Promotion of international Food RTD cooperation, clustering and policy formulation

www.rafregions.eu, Database of approx.

200 food entities, regional infodays,

brochures, etc.

Food Cluster Initiativeactivities (Brussels,

Mersin, Wageningen)Open Days 2008

ETP Food for Life


RAF Regions

Beyond RAF Regions• Political agreement on Green Paper that will provide

suggestions for Food RTD development efforts at a regional and national level for the next decade

• Continuation of food RTD cooperation at regional and trans- regional level- FP7

• Integration of more countries and partners in food clustering efforts- seeking funding from FP7 or Territorial Cooperation Programmes (EoI at South- East Europe Programme Dec ‘09)

• Continue participation in the Food Cluster Initiative- What is Next?


RAF Regions

www.rafregions.eu


RAF Regions

Thank you !

Mr. Nikos GIANNOULIDISMr. Nikos GIANNOULIDIS Tel. +30 2310 804108Tel. +30 2310 804108

[email protected]@euroconsultants.com.gr