Project “Innovative Networks for the Agrifood Sector”, with the acronym INNONETS is being implemented in the frame of the Cooperation Programme Interreg V/A Greece-Italy (EL-IT) 2014-2020, Priority Axis 1: Innovation and Competitiveness, Specific Objective: 1.1 Delivering innovation support services and developing clusters across borders to foster competitiveness

The project aims to foster cross border cooperation among the Region of Ionian Islands (Greece) and the Region of Puglia (Italy) for the enhancement of innovation in SMEs of the agri-food sector.

It includes the mapping of SMEs of all the stages of the agri-food value chain, the establishment of a permanent cooperation environment of the quadruple helix (research/ educational institutes, enterprises, authorities and citizen society) to propose solutions to major sectoral challenges of the cross border area, the development of the Cross Border Innovation Agrifood Node and three Cross Border Thematic Living Labs, that can be characterised as small local ecosystems that provide breeding ground for making new connections between various actors.

The Cross Border Innovation Agrifood Node is consisted of:

• an E-learning platform, where users can participate in webinars or interconnect with research and educational institutes to upgrade their know-how on new cultivation and food processing methods, new protocols etc;

• a specialised GIS map and a benchmarking application that assist SMEs in their attempt to interconnect with other SMEs and research institutes. The aim of this application is to foster the development of clusters and other forms of synergies among quadruple helix actors in the agri-food sector;

• innovation Hub, where users can be informed on the sectoral technological innovations and participate in the e-community of the Cross Border Thematic Living Labs on issues concerning the agri-food sector of the cross border area.

Three Cross Border Thematic Living Labs shall develop cross border working groups on specific sectoral challenges on the following thematic pillars:

• “Sustainable cities and islands”, aiming at developing local food policies to foster sustainable food systems and healthy diets, within planetary boundaries;

• “0-food waste”, aiming at the improved waste management for houses, municipalities and enterprises, in order to minimize the dumped quantities and improve the environmental footprint at a local level;

• “Innovative Agrifood SMEs”, aiming at the development of synergies among enterprises of all the stages in the agri-food value chain and the increase of their competitiveness.