In the framework of the cooperation with the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), BUSINESSMED is participating in an interesting initiative on Reinforcing the Innovation-Employability Nexus in the Mediterranean (UfM RI-EN) launched by the Union for the Mediterranean, together with the German Development Cooperation GIZ. The initiative was shaped through Steering Committee meetings that took place online on 5 and 19 May 2020.

BUSINESSMED was invited to participate in both meetings to share its expertise and discuss the proposals to be implemented. During the first meeting on 5 May, which focused on how to promote employability and digitalization, BUSINESSMED considered that beyond projects specifically targeting education, innovation and employment, and how it is important to review some cross-cutting priorities in business-related programmes and projects, exploring other layers that could enrich research.

In his intervention, during the meeting of May 19th, which focused on ways of promoting the entrepreneurial spirit and the creation of start-ups in the field of research and innovation, Marco Cunetto, International Cooperation Manager at BUSINESSMED, recalled the major role played by Business Support Organisations in the process of consolidating the competitiveness, productivity, and resilience of SMEs in the Southern Mediterranean.

Participants in the Steering Committee will be invited to attend future training (as participants or speakers), to share best practices and to contribute by creating synergies. This will facilitate connections with already existing initiatives, strengthen the set of activities envisaged, and possibly contribute to new partnerships.