PROTECHMED

PROTECHMED: PROmoting innovative solutions for the TECHnological Transition of the MEDiterranean horticultural sector

PROTECHMED seeks to establish an enabling ecosystem for co-designing and testing five eco-innovative solutions for horticultural greenhouses.

These solutions are integral to the digital and innovation transition within the ecological context. With a strong focus on water and energy conservation in horticultural crops, the ultimate aim is to drive the transition toward a more intelligent and sustainable business model for greenhouse food production.

Priority 1:

A more competitive and smarter Mediterranean

Policy Objective 1:

A more competitive and smarter Europe (and its Neighbourhood) by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation and regional ICT connectivity

Specific Objective SO1.1:

Developing and enhancing research and innovation capacities and the uptake of advanced technologies

Territorial needs and challenges:

Sustained economic growth requires policies that foster innovation-driven growth and that recognize the crucial role played by research, innovation and higher education in creating new jobs. Research and Innovation (R&I) are critical levers to ensure a sustainable and inclusive recovery, whilst boosting resilience, competitiveness and economic transformation.

Industry 5.0 complements the Industry 4.0 approach by placing research and innovation at the heart of a sustainable, human-centric and resilient industrial transition. It reinforces the contribution of industry to society, through its role in leading the green and digital transformations.

Tackling research and innovation related challenges will reduce territorial disparity across the programme area and close gaps in R&D, innovation and entrepreneurship. Increased inter-firm and business-academia networking and cluster coordination will ensure research focused on business priorities and contributing to the solution of societal and environmental challenges.

Key aspects of PROTECHMED include:

1. Agri-Cluster Alliance: more than 300 among Researchers, professionals, institutions, and horticultural companies collaborate across Greece, Italy, Malta, Tunisia, Lebanon, and Turkey. Their goal is to enhance agronomic and technological expertise among MSMEs and bridge the gap between research and agricultural companies along the value chain.
2. Smart Eco-Innovative Technologies: These technologies improve water and nutrient efficiency, incorporate photovoltaic installations, and include a Decision Support System for overall efficiency monitoring. Remote assistance via augmented reality (AR) visors and soilless techniques for closed-loop crop production are also explored.
3. Capacity Development: Training programs for at least 150 technicians and agronomists, along with coaching for MSMEs adopting PROTECHMED Solutions.
4. Inception Camp: Held during the project’s initial phase, it involves on-field visits and focus groups. Challenges are addressed collaboratively by the transnational Living Lab, which engages stakeholders from the quadruple helix (academia, industry, government, and civil society).
5. Joint Business Model: In the final project phase, public consultations contribute to a shared Action Plan and RoadMap, committing stakeholders to transition toward a smarter business model for sustainable food production.

PARTNERSHIP:

• Greece: Univ. of Thessaly – Lead partner

• Malta: Ministry –  Dip. Of Agriculture

• Italy: SVIMED ETS Ragusa and CIHEAM Bari

• Turkey: Akdeniz University

• Lebanon: LARI – Ministry of Agriculture and BIAT – Business Incubator

• Tunisia: UTAP Tunis

Responsible for the project:

Emilia Arrabito