Project Title: INTRA – Introducing Innovations in Traditional Agro-food Products to Increase SMEs Competitiveness
Acronym: INTRA
Coordinator /Supervisor: Ionian University (Scientific Lead: Professor Georgios Papaioannou)
Type of funding: Cross-Border Cooperation (CBC) / Innovation Grant
Funding source: INTERREG IV Greece-Italy 2007–2013
Dates: 2013–2015
Project website
Project Overview:
The INTRA project focused on bridging the gap between traditional production and modern innovation. Its primary objective was to enhance the competitiveness of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) within the agro-food sector in the cross-border regions of Greece and Italy.
By integrating cutting-edge research with traditional craftsmanship, the project aimed to revitalize the local economy and promote the high quality of Mediterranean products.
Key Objectives & Activities:
– Innovation Transfer: Introducing new technologies for the improvement of production processes, quality control, and shelf-life extension of traditional food products.
– Competitiveness Boost: Providing SMEs with the tools and know-how to compete effectively in international markets.
– Nutritional Valorization: Highlighting the health benefits and nutritional value of local products (such as olive oil, dairy, and fruits) to increase their market appeal.
– Strategic Networking: Establishing a collaborative network between research institutes, regional authorities, and local producers to foster long-term sustainable growth.
Impact:
The project successfully empowered local producers to modernize their operations without losing their traditional identity, fostering a culture of innovation across the Ionian Islands, Epirus, and Puglia.