Abstract

The overarching objective of RAF- REGIONS is 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. The specific project objectives are: -To support the development and operation of innovative “Research-driven Clusters” in the AgroFood sector of the Regions of Central Macedonia, Puglia and Pazardjik -To enable the Regions to attract more and better RTD investments, to enhance their capacity to participate in FP7 and CIP and to mobilise national, regional and private sector financial possibilities -To promote synergies between regional and research policies at each participating Region and to produce regional research strategies for the AgroFood sector -To foster transnational cooperation in the AgroFood sector between the project partners -To assist the AgroFood sector SMEs of the participating Regions in becoming more competitive, by adopting new technologies developed through research -To facilitate the exchange of best practices between the partners and adapting them to their needs -To mentor the participating partners, through mutual exchange of experience and best practices -To cooperate with relevant projects and initiatives developed in other European Regions The project partners (Regional Authorities, SME Associations, Research Entities and Technology Consultants) already comprise regional research-driven-clusters and have the necessary experience and the institutional role to intervene and have a direct impact on research policies for the AgroFood sector. The project activities (including mapping and analysis of research actors, SME technology audits, SWOT analysis, training workshops and trips, info days, a conference, development of Joint Action Plan for AgroFood RTD, dissemination and exploitation activities) address directly the objectives of Call FP7-REGIONS-2007-1. In addition, the participation of RAF- REGIONS in the FOOD CLUSTERING Initiative will facilitate its main ambition to contribute to strengthening EU Food research driven clusters by interregional cooperation.