By the end of the SMARTERRA project, a coherent set of results has been delivered across all WPs, forming an integrated model to strengthen agrifood innovation ecosystems in Southern Italy. Key results include:
- Comprehensive ecosystem intelligence through the International Best Practices Report and the South Italian Innovation Ecosystem Report.
- A Capacity Building Programme including market orientation, ecosystem‑building skills, business modelling, finance planning, IP management, and innovation trends. This included several webinars, mentoring cycles, and personalised coaching
- An Innovation Stakeholder Platform and Helpdesk, giving international and local stakeholders structured access to resources, startup directories, webinar materials, funding opportunities.
- Roadshows in Denmark, Germany, and Sweden, enabling Southern Italian startups and innovation actors to connect with European networks, investors, incubators and public agencies.
- The Smarterra Agrifood Summit as a flagship international event combining panels, pitching sessions, matchmaking, thematic speed‑dating, and experiential learning on innovation for sustainable Mediterranean agrifood.
- A Policy Co‑Creation Framework structured around 3 participatory sessions producing guidelines for policymakers to strengthen regional innovation governance in modest/moderate innovator regions.
Potential Impacts
The project contributes to a structural shift from fragmented, locally‑bounded innovation efforts to a more connected, data‑driven, internationally anchored ecosystem. Expected medium‑term impacts include:
- Increased capacity of local actors to design scalable solutions, collaborate across the value chain, and access international support structures.
- Greater visibility and attractiveness of Southern Italy for investors, accelerators, and innovation networks, supported by professional roadshows, international events, and a shared innovation narrative.
- Improved pipeline of investor‑ready startups, supported through pitching training, business modelling, funding navigation, and exposure to European networks.
- Enhanced cooperation between public and private actors, facilitated through structured policy dialogues, multi‑stakeholder sessions, and the adoption of quintuple‑helix principles.
The project has generated:
- New cross‑border connections between Southern Italian actors and leading ecosystems in Germany, Denmark, and Sweden.
- Skills on open innovation, ecosystem building and community leadership among Ambassadors and local intermediaries.
- A long‑term community platform (Innovation Stakeholder Platform) making training, resources, and matchmaking accessible beyond the life of the project.
- Actionable insights for regional policymakers on how to build and sustain innovation ecosystems tailored to local conditions.
- A transferable model that other moderate/modest innovator regions can adopt combining capacity building, internationalisation, and policy co‑design.
Key Needs to Ensure Further Uptake and Success
- Further capacity building and mentoring, especially for Ambassadors, to maintain community leadership roles.
- Advanced training modules on venture readiness, IP strategies, cross‑border market access, and technological adoption.
- Support mechanisms for: Seed and early‑stage finance for agrifood startups, Participation in European fairs and roadshows; Matchmaking with EU investors, clusters and corporate innovation programmes.
- Alignment with national and EU funding instruments.
- Integration of SMAFINE insights into regional policies (e.g. startup incentives, innovation procurement, rural development measures).
- Institutionalisation of the policy co‑creation methodology developed in the project.
Overall Conclusion
The project has:
- built capacities and leadership,
- created a functioning innovation community and platform,
- facilitated international integration,
- established a framework for future policy development.
